WETTON John / DOWNES Geoffrey: Icon Acoustic Tv Broadcast

Cover	Release	Style
	2005-04-21	melodic rock / AOR
	Label
	Frontiers
	Website
	www.geoffdownes.com / www.johnwetton.com
	Contact

	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	56:10	FR CD 277
	Review by / Translated by	Rating
	Jany / Jennifer	8/10
nederlands	Review
It’s no wonder that, after their renewed collaboration, John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes would perform some shows. The CD was based on a recorded acoustic performance for a TV broadcast and there’s a DVD available as well. There are some superior moments on the Icon CD. That says a lot about Wetton because, after he left Asia, it had seldom reached the high level of quality found in their former albums. There are many shining moments on Icon. There seems to be something magical in the combination of John Wetton and keyboardist Geoffrey Downes and this CD radiates their magic. If we read the set list of the performance then we know why. Almost the entire track list is comprised of classics from the first albums of Asia (and a few songs from Icon) and they have been made into acoustic versions. You can hear how Asia got its strength from the talents and singing capacities of John Wetton. When you combine that with the inventiveness of Downes and his keyboard escapades (that sound a bit like the Buggles sometimes), then you immediately get the explanation as to why some people have it while other don’t. Downes always delivered quality work with bands such as The Buggles, Yes and Asia. You can’t beat his mastery. Wetton’s repertoire is very impressive. I’ll just try to name the bands and musicians with whom he has played: Family, King Krimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, UK, Asia, Hackett and Quango. He has made some successful solo albums as well. With such a combination of talents, they are bound to make sparks. Their talents are definitely noticeable on this acoustic CD. The music and the voice sound very convincing, especially with the beautiful backing vocals. This CD is a welcomed addition for the fans of Asia and of John Wetton. As for the music lover in general, this album could be a nice trade off to the other progressive violence if it weren’t for the oh so beautiful melodies!
Musicians
John Wetton: vocals, bass Geoffrey Downes: keyboards Jon Mitchell: guitar Steve Christey: drums guests Annie Haslam (Renaissance): vocals Ian McDonald (Foreigner, King Crimson): flute Hugh McDowell (ELO): cello Mike Stobbie: keyboards
Tracklist
Heat Of The Moment 4:54 (ASIA: Asia - 1982) Voice Of America 3:51 (ASIA: Astra - 1985) Let Me Go 6:27 (WETTON John/DOWNES Geoffrey: Icon - 2005) God Walks With Us 4:39 (WETTON John/DOWNES Geoffrey: Icon - 2005) Sole Survivor 5:05 (ASIA: Asia - 1982) Meet Me At Midnight 2:35 (WETTON John/DOWNES Geoffrey: Icon - 2005) The Smile Has Left Your Eyes 3:32 (ASIA: Alpha - 1983) I Lay Down 3:49 (John WETTON: Rock Of Faith - 2003) Open Your Eyes 5:20 (ASIA: Alpha - 1983) Only Time Will Tell 5:07 (ASIA: Asia - 1982) Don't Cry 4:01 (ASIA: Alpha - 1983) In The End 4:44 (WETTON John/DOWNES Geoffrey: Icon - 2005) Bonus Track There In Your Bed 2:06 (WETTON John/DOWNES Geoffrey: Heat Of The Moment 05 (cdsingle) - 2005)
Discography
Icon Icon Acoustic Tv Broadcast Icon Acoustic Tv Broadcast dvd


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