Image ofKansas

Kansas

Musical Group
Forlisteners curious about classic american progressive rock (and anyone who likes big melodies, virtuosity, and violin in rock).
14 Reviews 6 Definitions 56 Charts
Rock Progressive Progressive Metal

The Profile

Kansas is an American rock band formed in Topeka, Kansas, in 1970 (originally as White Clover), known for a blend of progressive rock and hard rock with a prominent violin. Their best-known songs include “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind,” and their 1970s albums Leftoverture and Point of Know Return are widely regarded as classics.

From the reviews: classic-era lineup frequently referenced includes Phil Ehart (drums), Steve Walsh (vocals/keyboards), Kerry Livgren (guitar/keyboards/composer), Rich/Richard Williams (guitar), Dave Hope (bass), and Robby Steinhardt (violin/vocals). Reviews also discuss later members such as Ronnie Platt (vocals) and Zak Rizvi (guitar/producer), and note producer Bob Ezrin on In the Spirit of Things.

Across these reviews, Kansas are celebrated as a major American progressive rock band with a trademark amplified violin, big choruses, and strong melody. The 70s run (especially Leftoverture and Point of Know Return) is treated as foundational, with frequent mentions of influence on later prog metal. Later-era albums get mixed reactions: The Prelude Implicit is praised heavily, while The Absence of Presence is called solid but less inspired. Recurring focus: Steve Walsh’s vocals/keys, Kerry Livgren’s writing/guitars, Robby Steinhardt’s violin, and Phil Ehart’s drumming.

Notable Quotes

❝ It is impossible not to be swept away by the drive of "Carry on Wayward Son".
❝ Kansas means great hard rock with progressive virtuosity and hints of country, also thanks to the presence of the violin.
❝ This sublime album represents one of the cornerstones of 70s rock, with ten tracks marking one of the last worthy events of Progressive ROCK, and I write in capital letters ROCK because subsequently Prog Metal will be born.
❝ With the next four albums, they would reach full maturity and become one of the most beautiful and original, and if you will, underrated bands in history.
Loading

You and Kansas

Log in to DeBaser
 Send an image  Send a work

Who knows Kansas?

Loading...
Add image
Image Id: 2758 Resolution: 126 x 64