Proto-Kaw

Proto-Kaw: The Wait of Glory

by Glenn Astarita
May 16, 2006

For my money, Proto-Kaw's 2004 release Before Became After was a modern-day progressive rock classic. Featuring Kansas founder and guitarist Kerry Livgren, that and this recording explore and extend concepts pursued by the group prior to the advent of its '70s-era commercial success. And while this newly issued studio session might not transcend or perhaps parallel the overall brilliance of Proto-Kaw's previous outing, it is in every sense of the word an admirable followup.

The ensemble continues to generate strong ...

Proto-Kaw: Before Became After

by Glenn Astarita
June 19, 2004

In 2002 progressive rock record label Cuneiform Records released a compilation of demos and live recordings of a band that subsequently enjoyed immense popularity and staggering record sales. Originally known as Proto-Kaw—a band modeled after the fertile, late-‘60s, early-‘70s progressive rock movement—the music and methodology was closer to the likes of King Crimson, Genesis, and others. Hence, the release titled Early Recordings From Kansas 1971-1973 depicted a precursor of what eventually evolved into a unit that melded tricky time signatures ...