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• OriginalAsia.com • Buy Phoenix • Fantasia CD • Fantasia DVD • BergenPAC.org
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and Turns Up the Heat in New Jersey! A Kweevak.com Rock Report by Rich and Laura Lynch Asia is an extraordinary band and during their performance of a new song called "Extraordinary Life" on April 17th, 2008, at the BergenPAC in Englewood, New Jersey - the words Carpe Diem flashed behind them on two digital flat screen monitors. While onstage, lead singer John Wetton expressed his gratitude for life. John and bandmate Carl Palmer recently needed to undergo emergency heart surgery - and Wetton made it clear to the near capacity crowd that they are now both seizing the day to appreciate every moment life has to offer.
 ASIA is Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, John Wetton and Carl Palmer! As a band Asia had a lot to offer classic rock fans on this warm spring evening in Bergen County including brand new compositions and deep cuts from their catalogue as well as Asia-fied versions of classics from each band member's past careers - before they formed the rock outfit labeled the first "supergroup" of the 1980's. Asia also appears thankful to have a second chance to connect with their audience. At midpoint during their 2-hour plus concert John Wetton introduced "Ride Easy" as one of the first songs he and band co-founder Steve Howe composed for Asia. Wetton sang the words "ride easy my friends, the story ends before it begins" and that would in essence be the story of the group - until the historic reunion of the four original members. Now, two years after they celebrated their 25th Anniversary in 2006, the band has had several successful tours along with exciting new product on CD and DVD. Another earlier and equally prophetic track was the evening's raucous show closer "Sole Survivor". With the words "from the wreckage I will arise and cast the ashes back in their eyes" - perhaps Asia was alluding to a future point in time when they would rise again. And, as if acknowledging this metaphor the band (as in the original four members) has completed their first album of new material since 1983's Alpha - releasing the critically-acclaimed Phoenix on April 15, 2008. The studio record builds on their legacy and features twelve tantalizing tracks that have been described as commercial yet complex. Formed in 1981, the band is now back in a big way. Asia has a strong progressive and pop history and it was the original lineup of seasoned players - Geoff Downes (Yes/Buggles), Steve Howe (Yes), Carl Palmer (ELP) and John Wetton (King Crimson) - that really connected with their audience - mostly through their commercially successful self-titled debut album.
 Steve Howe is a rock veteran touring with Yes and Asia in 2008! Released in 1982, Asia was huge, spending nine weeks at number one on the American album charts. "Only Time Will Tell" and "Heat of the Moment" were top 40 hits and were in heavy radio rotation during the spring and summer of that year. The supporting tour was also a major success. Following records were not as popular and turmoil in the band led to line up changes and a decrease in album sales. "Daylight", the show opener, was up-beat and bright - allowing each brilliant veteran to shine and "seize the day" - a prevailing theme of the new record and the evening. "Only Time Will Tell" was well executed with innovative rhythms and soaring guitar and key solos followed by 'Wildest Dreams' that featured a fast and furious foray for Carl - which the audience really appreciated. John mentioned the new record "Phoenix" and the band played the single "Never Again", which was snappy and featured sizzling solos from Steve. Up to this point, Howe was favoring a Gibson but for "Roundabout" he alternated from the Gibson to another higher tuned guitar to create the complex chord structures of the classic Yes song. The crowd clapped along to this animated version. "Time Again" started ominously with a rhythm that sounded like heavy foot steps before crazed guitar chords propelled the pace that kept pulsing until a climatic close finished the number.
 Carl Palmer put on a thunderous drum clinic in Englewood! Changing the mood, Geoff Downes performed "Bolero" a beautiful keyboard medley of sounds that melded classical music, new age, rock and audio effects. Geoff said "thanks for supporting us" before introducing Steve Howe who took center stage armed with an acoustic. Steve played "In the Course of a Day" which was a pretty piece that was tasteful yet technical. John Wetton was next, also sporting an acoustic. John mentioned his love of the Beach Boys and played his tribute to Brian Wilson - "Voice of America" - a serious song with a heartfelt hook line. Keeping with the slower pace, the band performed "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" that was stellar thanks to Steve's slide guitar work that gave the song a county flavor in a melodic rock format. Palmer punctuated the lyrics with his bass drum combined with other tricky techniques. "Ride Easy" was poignant and "Open Your Eyes" from Alpha was a diverse and dramatic close to the first set. "Fanfare For the Common Man" was a parade of innovative instrumentation that allowed room for each payer to solo and shine while shaking the seats during Carl's powerful parts. "Without You" started off subtle, than quickly built momentum in a melodic, moody model that moved the crowd.
 John Wetton was in fine form all night long! Wetton mentioned how precious life is and encouraged fans to seize the day. A good lead into "Extraordinary Life" from Phoenix, which featured creative chord changes and varied vocals that was quite inspiring. From the present, to the psychedelic past, Asia performed a colorful "In the Court of the Crimson King", with cool screen effects. In an amusing contrast, Asia played the 1979 hit "Video Killed the Radio Star" with its electronic 80's sound. The band then performed a hot version of "The Heat Goes On" with Palmer exploring daring and dynamic drumming dimensions. Carl worked his entire complex kit - which included two bass drums, two gongs and various sized drums and percussion. The audience was shouting and his solo got the biggest response of the night. Building on Carl's momentum the band performed their hit "Heat of the Moment" with energy, closing the set on an ecstatic note. Throughout the evening the band employed two high-tech monitors which displayed video clips interspersed with visually enhanced real-time live footage and thematic images - all of which added intensity to the diverse mix of dynamic songs performed by the quality quartet. The encore featured two classic Asia songs "Don't Cry" and "Sole Survivor" with impressive jamming. The twenty-one song set demonstrated the heart and timelessness of the music. All four original members are master musicians who still bring magic to their past and contemporary pieces. Yet, the foursome is older and wiser reminding their fans that time is fleeting, thus Carp Diem!
SETLIST
Encore:
 Geoff Downes kept the band Asia alive through the years! Originally Published: 04/19/2008 on Kweevak.com |
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