Rock Ittervoort: April 19, 2013, C.C. De Mortel, Ittervoort (NL)
In 2007 the first edition of Rock Ittervoort took
place in the southern part of the Netherlands. The festival has grown into an annual
prog rock experience. During the six previous editions two or at most three
bands were performing for an international audience. For this seventh edition no
less than four acts were booked. Well, who could ask for more! However, there
was only one point the organization hadn't taken in consideration. Not only the
festival, but also the first band started too late which meant that the
headliners could only finish their performance after midnight. But that's the
only negative remark I have concerning the organization. Everything else was
well organized with plenty of food and drink. You could even get a rest in the specially made canteen.
Silhouette The Dutch band Silhouette started the event. In recent years this band could be seen quite often live on stage. In the past they supported bands like RPWL (see review),
Martigan
I would also like to make a special mention for the two new compositions Princess and The Peer. These two songs proved that Martigan are still able to write superb progressive rock tunes. Unfortunately we can't enjoy these songs on a brand new album shortly. They simply can't find the time to record their music, so we have to wait a bit longer for the follow-up of Visions. I hope they will cross the Dutch border more often than they did hitherto, because I can't get enough of their fabulous music! Knight Area
The guitar playing of Mark Bogert had improved a lot since his first performance with Knight Area at the iO Pages Festival (2012, see review). This time he didn't seem nervous at all − but he certainly was − because just before the band was ready to play Mortal Brow, their usual encore, he asked his girlfriend to join him on stage. For all the people in the audience it was quite a surprise that
Their performance was without doubt of a level that we may expect from a band as Knight Area. They professionally finished the songs on the set list that were mainly from the band's latest album Nine Paths (2011, see review). Keyboardist Gerben Klazinga said that Dreamweaver, one of the older pieces was also performed in 2007 during their first Rock Ittervoort gig. The instrumental piece Pride And Joy belonged to the highlights of this concert. However, a visual highlight could be experienced whilst playing a strong version of The Balance during which lead singer Mark Smit entered the stage dressed like a figure from one of the Highlander movies. The purple spotlight on his leather coat made it all look rather creepy. It was obvious that the audience liked Knight Area's strong performance because for the first time this evening they all stepped forward to the stage. Their loud cheering and clapping must have given the musicians an adrenalin boost; they rewarded them with a marvellous show. Landmarq
During this concert I became strongly aware of the fact that Uwe D'Rose (electric guitars) and Mike Varty (keyboards) play their melodic musical parts beautifully of course knowing that they got a steady
The seventh edition of Rock Ittervoort was again a major success for the participating bands and for those who attended the fantastic live shows. Unfortunately the event wasn't sold out this time while this line-up certainly deserved it. Hopefully this doesn't prevent the organization from arranging another strong edition next year. My compliments to all those volunteers who made it possible to watch a number of great prog rock bands in the southern part of the Netherlands! Henri Strik (edited by Peter Willemsen) |
Setlist Knight Area: Ever Since You Killed MeSummerland Please Come Home Angel's Call The Balance Dreamweaver Antagony Pride And Joy Dark Souls Wakerun Encore: Mortal Brow |
Pictures Knight Area by Arthur Haggenburg Click on the picture to enlarge. |
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Line up Knight Area: (left to right)Pieter van Hoorn: drums, backing vocals Gerben Klazinga: keyboards, backing vocals Peter Vink: bass, bass pedals Mark Smit: lead vocals, portable keyboard Mark Bogert: guitars |
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Setlist Martigan: PrincessBoatman's Vision (short version) Touch In Time The Peer The Pride |
Pictures Martigan by Arthur Haggenburg Click on the picture to enlarge. |
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Line up Martigan: (left to right)Björn Bisch: guitars Oliver Rebhan: keyboards and backing vocals Kai Marckwordt: guitar, lead and backing vocals Mario Koch: bass Alex Bisch: drums and backing vocals |
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Setlist Silhouette: Far AwayBreathe Empty Places Don't Stop This Movie Anybody When Snow's Falling Down |
Pictures Silhouette by Arthur Haggenburg Click on the picture to enlarge. |
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Line up Silhouette: (left to right)Brian de Graeve: vocals, electric and acoustic guitars Erik Laan: vocals, keyboards Bart Laan (guest): electric guitar Jos Uffing: drums, vocals Gerrit-Jan Bloemink: bass |
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