The progressive rock world lost one of the greats during the summer of 2021 when former Kansas violinist/vocalist ROBBY STEINHARDT passed away just as he had been finishing up his first ever solo album, ”Not in Kansas Anymore / A Prog Opera”. Though he hadn’t appeared on a Kansas album since 2000’s, here, Steinhardt doesn’t miss a beat and delivers an album that will bring a smile to the face of any fan of his former band.
Joining Robby are a host of awesome guests, including Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Steve Morse of Deep Purple/Dixie Dregs fame, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones, Liberty Devitto (Drummer from Billy Joel), Pat Travers, Billy Ashbaugh (Moody Blues/Pat Benatar) and many more.
The album was finally released after Robby’s death, but now it has been reissued, polished by 1000 Hands member Michael Franklin (who also play keyboards here) and re-packaged with new cover art.
Suppose the classic lineup of Kansas had recorded an album back in the mid-Seventies that, for one reason or another, never got released. Though I know better, I wouldn’t have been surprised if someone told me this Robby Steinhardt’s final solo recording was that lost album.
Unlike too many discs these days, this is a winner from start to finish. Yes, the golden age of prog rock is long gone, but this brings back memories of those days without sounding out-of-date, with a crisp production and great vocal performance by Robby and superb musicianship of all involved.
Timeless would be a good description. For those of us who still value such progressive landmarks as “The Inner Mounting Flame,” “Close to the Edge,” “Thick as a Brick,” “Leftoverture,” and “Point of Know Return,” Steinhardt’s “Not In Kansas Anymore / A Prog Opera” is essential.
01. Tempest (01:41)
02. Truth 2 Power (Only The Truth Can Change the World) (03:48)
03. Mother Earth (Is Calling You) (04:42)
04. Rise Of The Phoenix (05:22)
05. The Phoenix (04:06)
06. Prelude (01:54)
07. Dust In The Wind (05:43)
08. Pizzacato (A Slice For Baby Boy Flyn) (02:37)
09. Downtown Royalty (06:10)
10. Not In Kansas Anymore (04:40)
11. A Prayer For Peace (Bonus Track) (03:15)