Earlier this year Legacy Pilots released their first live album Night Flight (see review).They planned a package will include an LP (vinyl) along with a CD, which contains the bonus track The Evan Chance. Recorded at the rehearsal. The CD is a full quality professional pressing. The cover however was only planned, to be part of a bundle. Because of the request for a CD only version, they have decided to offer this item separately. But for a much lower price than usually as the cover is basic. As for the LP, this is a limited edition with a small run of only 100 copies, each individually numbered with an included card. Approximately 80 of these copies will be available for general sale. Additionally, there will be a special package consisting of the LP, CD, card, and a USB stick that contains the gig as an HD video. This package will be limited and can only be pre-ordered via the following email address: legacypilotsmailinglist@gmail.com. First come, first served. The digital versions will follow thereafter. We, from background Magazine managed to get hold of the HD video. And because it is so enjoyable I want to share my thoughts about it. To have a live album out from Legacy Pilots is truly special. Because they are typically known as a studio project led by keyboard player Frank Us. But when the Marillion known guitar player Steven Rothery invited Frank as a support act for his concert with The Steven Rothery Band, he could not disappoint his friend. How could he refuse a musician that played on many of their albums. He could not let Steve down and for the concert at the Docks, October 11th 2024 he assembled a band that could deliver the studio versions with convincing energy and enthusiasm. Unfortunately the well known vocalist John Mitchell wasn't around to help out to redo many of his original vocal parts, which he recorded for many Legacy Pilots albums. So Frank asked his mate and best friend Finally George to handled those vocals which were originally done by Mitchell. Also Marco Minneman wasn't around so Kai Weidle stepped in to do the drum parts. On bass he asked Daniel Otte. Finally the job to do all the guitar parts was given to John Enghausen. With Frank himself on keyboards and additional vocals. What many people didn't know when they were at the concert or listened to those live recordings were the technical issue with the keyboard channels. They couldn't be resolved right away, causing quite some stress. Luckily, they managed to fix it just before the doors were about to open. From there, they were able to fully focus on the show. Which you can see right from the start. You can definitely feel the energy and enthusiasm of a band making its live debut. All musicians seemed to be very excited to give their best performance possible. This was the very first time, that they played together, they had just two rehearsals upfront and a very little time for a sound check. So, the challenge to deliver a professional performance under those circumstances, were pretty high. But they pulled it off. Bravo! The video content starts in black and white and shows the musicians just before they climb the stage to do a 40 minute set. Being the support band they had a limited amount of time. This was also the reason, that they had to cut out The Evan Chance. Which they had planned to play live. Since they recorded their rehearsals - which is also live - Frank thought it was a good idea to have this as a bonus track on the CD version. Which was of course a great idea. And for those who probably asked themselves why Rothery didn't join the band on stage Frank told me he did not asked Steven to join. The time constraints - there was a follow up event right after Steve's show that night - did not allow for experiments. But I guess the band kept playing the material from the studio albums very well without having this famous guitar player on stage. John Enghausen played some excellent guitar parts. Just listen to his solo on the last tune played. This track, Don't Chase The Rainbows, is also the only one on which Frank himself did the lead vocals. Finally George handled all the other vocal parts which were originally done by Mitchell. And did this very well if I may say so. Very close to the original versions. Even Mitchell himself agreed he liked his vocals, as Frank told me. Also the other band members were on steam, so to speak. A rhythm section that sounded very solid and steady. However it was a bit funny to see that the drummer was a bit too tall for his probably too small drum kit. I guess they used the drums of Leon Parr, who is Steve's drummer, and shorter of length. Overall the 40 minutes of HD video footage was rather enjoyable. The songs were very well done and are excellent copies of the studio versions. The focus was more on the less complex songs taken from the Legacy Pilots catalogue. Meaning the that the epic pieces of music such as Re·sponse, Exploring My DNA, Cosmic Sea and The Professor & Me were left out. I guess there wasn't enough time to practices them. But without them there was still enough to enjoy. Also according to audience present, who came for Steve, enjoyed it a lot. As for the video filming and audio I can be positive as well. Good close ups of the musicians and the audio sounds rather good. So no complaining at all. Legacy Pilots's Night Flight on video is an extra offer which is a must have for everybody who likes the music of this excellent act. And seeing them perform their music in front of a live audience is really something special. But also lovers of progressive rock who love to watch concerts on DVD or Blu-ray will certainly enjoy this fine performance as well. So get it while you still can!!! **** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
