STEVE WALSH: Shadowman

Choice Of The Month July 2005
Cover	Release	Style
	2005-07-04	progressive rock / metal
	Label
	Frontiers
	Website
	Steve Walsh
	Contact

	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	48:57	FR CD 249
	Review by	Rating
	Edwin	9/10
nederlands	Review
Steve Walsh’s last solo album, “Glossolalia” had a few eyebrows raised. This dark, heavy and experimental record was not exactly what one had expected from the singer of Kansas and Streets. Not all fans of these bands were equally happy with it. Those who were willing to give it a chance, though, discovered a very personal album, which allowed the singer to delve deeper into his soul than ever before. To me, this was one of the highlights of the man’s career. Now he’s back with “Shadowman”, a title which promises an equally dark and personal theme. “Shadowman” isn’t as quite as overwhelming as “Glossolalia”, but it’s still an excellent album, which again proves Walsh is more than capable of producing great music outside of Kansas. True, most of Kansas’s hits were written by Kerry Livgren, but Walsh has also had a very distinctive style, and despite the different sound and approach, this is very recognizable on his solo works. “Rise” is a booming, modern metal song, which brings back memories of some parts of “Glossolalia”. “Shadowman” is one of the better songs Walsh has recorded in the last decade or so. Another dark song, which has quite a quirky rhythm, but a fantastic melody and some great, emotional singing. The bombastic, symphonic arrangement (by Symphony X’s Michael Romeo) which kicks in the second part of the song, adds another dimension to it. “Davey, And The Stone That Rolled Away” and “Keep On Knockin’” are more in the classic rock vein, and are both excellent songs. The unusual ballad “Pages Of Old”, built around acoustic guitars, synthesized strings and Walsh’s poignant singing, is another highlight. “Hell Is Full Of Heroes” is more progressive techno metal stuff; not exactly my favourite on the album. “After”, on the other hand, is a fantastic epic, with lots of references to the Kansas sound (“Freaks Of Nature”-era). Probably not coincidentally, Walsh gets some help here from ex-Kansas violinist David Ragsdale. An excellent, adventurous song, which includes another orchestral arrangement by Romeo. More of the Kansas-feel you’ll hear in the album closer “The River”. Much has been said about Walsh’s voice – and it’s true: he sounds very different from his heydays in the 70’s. He may not reach those heights anymore, but he has gained a lot of maturity and depth, which I quite appreciate. He’s still a great singer with a unique voice and a very expressive way of singing. He’s still one of my favourites. “Shadowman” is slightly more accessible than “Glossolalia”, but it’s likely that –just like its predecessor- this new one won’t be an instant hit with all Kansas fans. But then this is NOT a Kansas album. It’s a Steve Walsh solo album, which is turning out to be a quality brand in its own right.
Musicians
Steve Walsh: Lead vocals and keyboards Joe Franco: Drums Joel Kosche: Guitar, bass David Ragsdale: Violin on 7 Michael Romeo: Giga symphony on 2, 6, 7 Matt Still: Percussion on 5
Tracklist
Rise Shadowman Davey, And The Stone That Rolled Away Keep On Knockin’ Pages Of Old Hell Is Full Of Heroes After The River
Discography
Schemer-Dreamer (1980) Glossolalia (2000) Shadowman (2005)


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