I have loved Art-Rock and what many now call Prog or Progressive Rock since the late ’60s. I can still recall the day and place I discovered my first Art-rock band it was the summer of 69 I was listening to a pocket-sized AM radio while visiting relatives when I heard a song called White Bird by San Fransico based band “Its a Beautiful Day”.
Soon I would discover many other Art, Prog or Psychedelic bands such as Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, Traffic, Procol Harum and Jethro Tull, by the ’70s it was Electric Light Orchestra, Barclay James Harvest, Supertramp, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and in the 80s I was into all styles of music from The Art of Noise,Alan Parsons Project, Tears For Fears, Kansas, Marillion, IQ, It Bites and the story continues today. Yes, I was a fan of the staple bands: Yes, Rush, Genesis, however, I seemed to have gravitated to and built a strong love for all things Melodic.
Which leads me to Pattern-Seeking Animals a fantastic new US melodic Art-rock band formed in 2018 by John Boegehold songwriter and guest musician on many Spock’s Beard albums. Starting with Feel Euphoria (2003) and including Octane (2005) Spock’s Beard (2006) and finally X (2010). Spock’s Beard not only is one of the most important US prog bands, but also one of my favorites. Pattern-Seeking Animals is rounded out by Ted Leonard, Jimmy Keegan & Dave Meros all of whom have been involved with Spock’s Beard or still are.
Boegehold comments: “My goal was to produce music that’s progressive and intricate while keeping things immediate and melodic. Whether a song is four minutes or ten minutes long, I didn’t want more than a few bars go by without some kind of instrumental or vocal hook.”
So what’s in a name? According to my wife and a google search “Humans are pattern-seeking animals and we are adept at finding patterns whether they exist or not” I have to say this seems to fit the debut very well indeed.
I will not give you a play by play of each track, but I can tell you there are no fillers on this album, the album is filled with brilliant fretwork and tasty hooks, stunning Vocals & Harmonies that remind me of the heyday of Styx, ELO as well as Flying Colors, and Spock’s Beard, the album is chalk full of memorable lyrics that you will want to sing along with: and if that’s not enough the album is rounded out by lush and majestic keyboards and a top-notch rhythm section.
As I said before, there are no fillers on this album but there a few tracks that really sealed the deal for me like; Orphans Of The Universe, These Are My Things, No One Ever Died And Made Me King, or We Write Ghost Stories
1 – No Burden Left to Carry (9:38) 2 – The Same Mistakes Again (5:10) 3 – Orphans of the Universe (10:28) 4 – No One Ever Died and Made Me King (3:54) 5 – Fall Away (4:47) 6 – These Are My Things (4:52) 7 – We Write the Ghost Stories (3:22) 8 – No Land’s Man (5:35) 9 – Stars Along the Way (10:20)
Line-up: John Boegehold (synths, keyboards) Ted Leonard (vocals & guitar) Dave Meros (bass) Jimmy Keegan (drums & vocals)
I listen to a lot of music nowadays so its sensory overload, that said… it’s refreshing when something comes across the desk that makes me go OMG what is this? P-SA is a must-have for any respectable music collection. ★★★★★ Un-qualified-Kritic
ROCK BAND KANSAS TO ‘CARRY ON’ TOUR IN CELEBRATION OF ANNIVERSARY OF ICONIC ALBUM… POINT OF KNOW RETURN SEXTUPLE-PLATINUM ALBUM TO BE PERFORMED IN ITS ENTIRETY
April 8, 2019 Nashville, TN – April 8, 2019 – America’s preeminent progressive rock band, KANSAS, will be touring select cities in the United States and Canada in during the fall and winter, on the third leg of their popular Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour. Launched as a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the massive hit album Point of Know Return, the band will be performing the album in its entirety. The tour showcases more than two hours of classic KANSAS music including hit songs, deep cuts, and fan favorites. Tickets and KANSAS VIP Packages for most dates go on sale to the general public Friday, April 12, 2019. Ticket information can be found at www.kansasband.com.
Currently in the midst of its second leg of the tour, the KANSAS: Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour premiered September 28, 2018 in Atlanta, GA. The tour has already performed to large and enthusiastic audiences in cities including Atlanta, GA; Nashville, TN; Pittsburgh, PA; Chicago, IL; St. Louis, MO; Kansas City, MO; San Antonio, TX; Dallas, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Worcester, MA; Clearwater, FL; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Baltimore, MD; Denver, CO; San Diego, CA; and Los Angeles, CA.
In 1977, KANSAS followed up the success of Leftoverture by releasing the album Point of Know Return. Containing the smash hit and million-selling single “Dust in the Wind,” along with fan favorites such as “Portrait (He Knew),” “Closet Chronicles,” and “Paradox,” Point of Know Return became the band’s greatest selling studio album. The album peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Album charts, reached sextuple-platinum status with more than six million copies sold, and had three Billboard Hot 100 singles.
“The sentiments for this anniversary tour for Point of Know Return are kind of similar to the release of the album itself,” comments KANSAS drummer and original member, Phil Ehart. “Just like when we first released the album, as a band, we knew we had to deliver a tour just as good, or better, than what we did for Leftoverture. So, that’s what we’ve tried to do. Fan response has been overwhelmingly positive and we are excited to continue it and take this show to more people.”
Throughout the tour, live shows not only culminate with the album Point of Know Return performed in its entirety, but KANSAS also performs classic hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites. In some cases the band even puts a new spin on a KANSAS classic. The more than two-hour KANSAS musical event has songs for every type of KANSAS fan.
KANSAS violinist David Ragsdale adds, “This tour really is so much fun. As engrained as this album is in popular culture with ‘Dust in the Wind’, the song ‘Point of Know Return,’ and the album artwork, it’s not uncommon for people to overlook the incredible depth of the album. This entire set keeps the band on our toes and is hopefully as fun for the audience as it is for us!”
KANSAS is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, keyboardist Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi, and original guitarist Richard Williams. Originally formed in 1973 in Topeka, KS, the band’s documentary film KANSAS: Miracles Out of Nowhere is currently being broadcast on AXSTV. KANSAS has released 15 studio albums, including its most recent release The Prelude Implicit (2016), and plans to release of another new studio album in 2020. With no signs of slowing down, KANSAS continues to ‘carry on;’ performing in front of large and enthusiastic audiences around the world.
Wheat & Greet VIP Package Includes: . One (1) Premium Reserved Seat to the Show . One (1) Wheat & Greet Photo with KANSAS taken by a photographer before the show . One (1) KANSAS Collectible Drumhead . One (1) KANSAS CD. One (1) Exclusive KANSAS Tote Bag. One (1) Commemorative KANSAS Ticket . One (1) Exclusive KANSAS VIP Laminate . On-site representative from Artist
Premium Seat Package**Note: this package does not include a meet and greet with the band Includes: . One (1) Premium Reserved Seat to the Show. One (1) Autographed KANSAS Photo. One (1) KANSAS CD. One (1) Exclusive KANSAS Tote Bag. One (1) Commemorative KANSAS Ticket
09/11/19 – First Interstate Center for the Arts in Spokane, WA (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
09/13/19 – Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa, CA (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
09/14/19 – Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton, CA (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
09/17/19 – Fox Theater in Bakersfield, CA (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
09/19/19 – Ikeda Theater in Mesa, AZ (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
09/21/19 – Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, UT (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
09/22/19 – Cheyenne Civic Center in Cheyenne, WY (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
09/27/19 – Brady Theater in Tulsa, OK (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
09/28/19 – Hartman Arena in Park City, KS (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
10/04/19 – Topeka PAC in Topeka, KS (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
10/05/19 – Orpheum Theater in Omaha, NE (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
10/11/19 – The Grand Theater in Wausau, WI (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
10/12/19 – State Theater in Minneapolis, MN (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
10/18/19 – Virginia Theatre in Champaign, IL (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
10/19/19 – Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, IL (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
10/25/19 – Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
10/26/19 – Palace Theatre in Albany, NY (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
11/01/19 – Grand Théâtre de Québec in Quebec City, QC (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
11/02/19 – Théâtre St-Denis in Montreal, QC (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
11/08/19 – Kodak Center Theater in Rochester, NY (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
11/09/19 – Warner Theatre in Erie, PA (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
11/16/19 – Durham PAC in Durham, NC (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
11/22/19 – EKU Center for the Arts in Richmond, KY (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
11/23/19 – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
12/06/19 – Selena Auditorium in Corpus Christi, TX (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
12/07/19 – Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land in Sugar Land, TX (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
01/31/20 – Johnny Mercer Theatre in Savannah, GA (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
02/01/20 – Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, FL (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
02/06/20 – Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Meyers, FL (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
02/07/20 – King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, FL (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
ADDITIONAL POINT OF KNOW RETURN TOUR DATES
04/10/19 – Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
04/12/19 – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, OR (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
04/13/19 – Paramount Theatre in Seattle, WA (Point of Know Return Tour) LIMITED VIP LEFT TICKETSVIP
05/10/19 – Coronado PAC in Rockford, IL (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
05/11/19 – Foellinger Theater in Ft. Wayne, IN (Point of Know Return Tour) TICKETSVIP
2019 KANSAS CLASSICS TOUR DATES
05/05/19 – Colosseum at Caesars Windsor in Windsor, ON (Classics and Favorites) TICKETSVIP
05/17/19 – Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala, FL (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
05/18/19 – Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek, FL (Ages 21+) (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
05/24/19 – Beau Rivage Resport & Casino in Biloxi, MS (Classics & Favorites) TICKETS
05/25/19 – City Hall Live in Brandon, MS (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
05/30/19 – Sands Event Center in Bethlehem, PA (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
05/31/19 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
06/01/19 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
06/08/19 – Owensboro Sportscenter in Owensboro, KY (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
07/06/19 – Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, WV (Ages +21) (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
07/07/19 – Foxwoods in Mashantucket, CT (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
07/13/19 – World Friendship Shell in Wenonah Park in Bay City, MI (Classics & Favorites) (Outdoor show, seating is first come, first serve – General Admission) TICKETSVIP
07/20/19 – Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, NM (Classics and Favorites) TICKETSVIP
07/21/19 – The Plaza Theatre in El Paso, TX (Classics and Favorites) TICKETSVIP
07/23/19 – Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theatre in Lubbock, TX (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
07/25/19 – Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield, MO (Classics and Favorites) TICKETSVIP
08/31/19 – Winstar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK w/Special Guest .38 Special (Classics & Favorites) TICKETSVIP
KANSAS INTRODUCES KEYBOARDIST TOM BRISLIN AS NEWEST MEMBER OF ICONIC BAND
ATLANTA, GA – KANSAS is excited to announce keyboardist Tom Brislin as the newest member of the band. Brislin replaces departing keyboardist David Manion.
An internationally acclaimed musician, Brislin has performed and toured with a variety of artists, including Yes (appearing on Symphonic Live), Meat Loaf, Debbie Harry of Blondie, Camel, Renaissance, Dennis DeYoung formerly of Styx, and many others. For years he fronted the band Spiraling and produced his debut solo album Hurry Up and Smell the Roses.
Most recently, Tom co-founded the progressive rock group The Sea Within. Along with guitarist Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings, bassist Jonas Reingold of the Steve Hackett band, and drum star Marco Minnemann, they released their first album in 2018 on Sony/Inside Out Music, joining KANSAS on the label’s roster. Tom has also formed Gold Rotation, a collective of diverse musicians and songwriters who premiered with a performance at Progstock Festival in 2018.
KANSAS original member and drummer, Phil Ehart comments, “We are extremely excited for Tom Brislin to be the newest member of KANSAS. We think KANSAS fans will really enjoy what Tom brings to the band. Rehearsals for the spring have been going great. We cannot wait to get back out on the road and perform for KANSAS fans. Then, it’s into the studio in August to begin a new KANSAS album, and back out on tour in September.”
Brislin adds, “It’s an honor to be asked to join such legendary band as KANSAS. Their music has been in the soundtrack to so many of our lives, and their repertoire has enduring depth, beauty, and power. I’m thrilled to perform the classics and I’m equally excited to be a part of the new music that KANSAS creates.”
Brislin’s first performances with KANSAS will be aboard the Rock Legends Cruise in February, followed by March 1 in Baltimore, MD at the Modell Lyric where the band will be resuming the Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour. The band will perform a set of KANSAS Classics at shows throughout the summer, before returning to the studio to begin a new KANSAS album in August 2019.
A complete list of announced 2019 KANSAS tour dates is listed below. Ticket & VIP Package information can be found at KansasBand.com
SPRING 2019 KANSAS POINT OF KNOW RETURN TOUR DATES
March 1 Baltimore, MD The Modell Lyric March 3 Wilkes-Barre, PA F.M. Kirby Center March 8 Des Moines, IA Hoyt Sherman Place March 9 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center Theater March 15 Salina, KS Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts March 16 Salina, KS Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts March 21 Charleston, WV Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences March 23 Louisville, KY Louisville Palace Theatre March 29 Beaver Creek, CO Vilar Performing Arts Center March 30 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
April 2 Tucson, AZ Fox Tucson Theatre April 4 San Diego, CA Balboa Theatre April 6 Los Angeles, CA The Orpheum Theatre April 7 Santa Barbara, CA The Arlington Theatre April 10 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre April 12 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall April 13 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre April 24 Vancouver, BC, Canada The Orpheum April 26 Edmonton, AB, Canada Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium April 28 Calgary, AB, Canada Jack Singer Concert Hall April 30 Saskatoon, SK, Canada TCU Place
May 1 Regina, SK, Canada Conexus Arts Centre May 3 Winnipeg, MB, Canada Burton Cummings Theatre May 10 Rockford, IL Coronado Performing Arts Center May 11 Fort Wayne, IN Foellinger Theatre
SUMMER 2019 KANSAS CLASSICS DATES
May 17 Ocala, FL Square Cultural Center May 18 Coconut Creek, FL Seminole Casino Coconut Creek May 24 Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino May 30 Bethlehem, PA Sands Event Center May 31 Atlantic City, NJ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino June 1 Atlantic City, NJ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
KANSAS is excited to announce keyboardist Tom Brislin as the newest member of the band. Brislin is replacing departing keyboardist David Manion. An internationally acclaimed musician, Brislin has performed and toured with a variety of artists, including Yes (appearing on Symphonic Live), Meat Loaf, Debbie Harry of Blondie, Camel, Renaissance, Dennis DeYoung formerly of Styx, and many others. For years he fronted the band Spiraling and produced his debut solo album Hurry Up and Smell the Roses. Most recently, Tom co-founded the progressive rock group The Sea Within. Along with guitarist Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings, bassist Jonas Reingold of the Steve Hackett band, and drum star Marco Minnemann, they released their first album in 2018 on Sony/Inside Out Music, joining KANSAS on the label’s roster. Tom has also formed Gold Rotation, a collective of diverse musicians and songwriters who premiered with a performance at Progstock Festival in 2018. KANSAS original member and drummer, Phil Ehart comments, “We are extremely excited for Tom Brislin to be the newest member of KANSAS. His background speaks for itself, and we are looking forward to working with him. We cannot wait to get started, and think KANSAS fans will really enjoy what Tom brings to the band.” Brislin adds, “It’s an honor to be asked to join a such legendary band as KANSAS. Their music has been in the soundtrack to so many of our lives, and their repertoire has enduring depth, beauty, and power. I’m thrilled to perform the classics and I’m equally excited to be a part of the new music that KANSAS creates.” Brislin’s first performances with KANSAS will be aboard the Rock Legends Cruise in February, followed by March 1 in Baltimore, MD at the Modell Lyric where the band will be resuming the Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour.
POINT OF KNOW RETURN ANNIVERSARY TOUR EXTENDS INTO 2019
The Point of Know Return Tour features more than two hours of KANSAS hits and deep cuts, culminating with the multi-platinum album Point of Know Return performed in its entirety. Spring 2019 Point of Know Return Tour dates resume March 1, 2019 – May 11, 2019, the complete list of dates, ticket and VIP Package information can be found here:: http://bit.ly/KansasTourDates
For more information on KANSAS and the Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour:
InsideOutMusic, the leading light in today’s progressive rock scene, celebrate their 25th anniversary of being a label in 2018, in what will be one of their biggest and busiest yet. To coincide with this, two of their longest serving artists, Spock’s Beard & Roine Stolt’s The Flower King’s, will head out on a European co-headline tour in Winter 2018.
Spock’s Beard comment: “Spock’s Beard is excited to announce an upcoming Winter tour! It will be a co-bill with Roine Stolt’s THE FLOWER KING’s revisited band, so each show promises to be a great evening of music. We’ve been getting a lot of questions about who will be playing drums on this tour, so at this time let me introduce our new touring drummer, Mr. Mike Thorne, from SAGA! We are really excited to have him on board and are looking forward to seeing you on tour.”
Roine Stolt adds: “Asked to put together a band to go on the road, celebrate our label Inside Out’s 25 year anniversary – I was thinking of the ‘treasure’ that is the music I wrote for The Flower Kings during that same period. I felt compelled to bring out this music for yet another round – and in the process bring in some old friends and some new.
The music is universal – some songs timeless – and by November I hope to have an exciting set-list – to not only celebrate my 1st album and the origin of all things “The Flower King” – but to cover the rest of TFK’s history – and eventually a new tune & a few new faces. Tune up the engine – Time to prog!”
You can find the full list of dates below:
30th November – Cosmopolite, Oslo, Norway
1st December – Kulturhuset Studion, Stockholm, Sweden
2nd December – KB, Malmo, Sweden
4th December – Zeche, Bochum, Germany
5th December – Z7, Pratteln, Switzerland
6th December – La Machine, Paris, France
7th December – De Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Netherlands
8th December – Hedon, Zwolle, Netherlands
9th December – Islington Assembly Hall, London, UK
10th December – Academy Club, Manchester, UK
Formed back in 1993 in Kleve, Germany, the label made their name with acts such as Enchant, Spock’s Beard, Symphony X & The Flower Kings, many of whom they still work with now – a rarity in this day and age. Since that time, the label has played a key & continued role in the survival and resurgence of progressive rock in recent years and has always prided itself on shining a light on leftfield music. Now the band count some of the biggest & most exciting bands amongst their roster, including Dream Theater, Steve Hackett, Devin Townsend, Sons of Apollo, Kansas, Haken, Riverside, Leprous & more. On the label’s 20th anniversary back in 2013, one of the label’s founders, and current label-head Thomas Waber was given the Guiding Light award at the Progressive Music Awards, praising his aforementioned role in the continued celebration of progressive rock.
Many of InsideOut’s longest running relationships will see new albums released in the labels 25th year, including Spock’s Beard’s 13th album ‘Noise Floor’, a new collaborative project called The Sea Within that features Roine Stolt, Daniel Gildenlow & Jonas Reingold (all veterans of the label), a landmark live album from Devin Townsend filmed at a special performance at a Roman Theatre in Bulgaria, a new studio album from Riverside & much more.
This year will also see InsideOut release a whole host of lavish catalogue releases throughout 2018, including the second part of The Flower Kings ‘A Kingdom of Colours’ CD boxsets, a series of Devin Townsend high-end vinyl boxes, a CD collection covering the whole of Enchant’s illustrious career, & much more yet to be announced.
The Progressive Music Awards 2018 recently announced their nominations, with InsideOutMusic seeing 10 nominations in total, including Spock’s Beard for best international artist, as well as nods for Perfect Beings, Toundra, PFM, Sons of Apollo, Kino, Leprous & Caligula’s Horse. Find more details here: https://www.loudersound.com/features/vote-now-in-the-2018-progressive-music-awards
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
