Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Proto-Kaw is an American progressive rock band. Featuring Kerry Livgren, the group is a reformation of a band formed in the early 1970s which served as the direct precursor to Kansas.
History
In the early 1970s, the band Kansas went through three incarnations, the common member in all three being composer, keyboardist and guitarist Kerry Livgren. The sound of the band changed along with the group members. Proto-Kaw is a modern name given to the second version of Kansas, whose arrangements prominently featured guitar, keyboards, and saxophone (an instrument not found in the following line-up.) The famous Kansas was actually the third edition of the band, and before a name change it was the third incarnation of Topeka band White Clover.
Formed in 1971 and disbanding in 1973, "Kansas II" played mostly original material written by Livgren. After Kansas II broke up, the group went their separate ways with Livgren reaching fame with the more-popular Kansas and the others assuming normal lives. Then in 2002, the band's demos saw release as Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-1973, which gave the band the new moniker Proto-Kaw. The name was derived from the words Proto ("original"), and Kaw (the root of the word Kansas, referring to a Native American tribe). Most members had not had any contact with each other for the intervening 30 years and many did not play music during this time. However, when they came together to celebrate the album's release, they rediscovered their old chemistry. Proto-Kaw reformed and at last got to record its first proper album, "Before Became After" (2004).
The band released its second new CD in February, 2006, titled The Wait of Glory which features 12 new original songs from writer Kerry Livgren. Coinciding with the album release the band embarked on a European tour, bringing it to four countries in seven days.
Disbanded
In May 2007, the band reported it had begun studio work on its next effort, a collection of new tracks coupled with several previously recorded Livgren tracks interpreted by Proto-Kaw. However, in early December 2008 Kerry Livgren confirmed that Proto Kaw was no longer together for a variety of external reasons. Several tracks of the pending album were worked on, but plans to include them on a Proto-Kaw album were scuttled. Livgren thought that they may appear within a solo work of Livgren's at some future, undetermined date.
Reunited again
Following Kerry Livgren's massive stroke, and partial recovery, he announced in late 2010 that Proto-Kaw was back together and at work on a new album, slated for January 2011 release.
The new album entitled Forth was released on Livgren's Numavox website in August 2011 and a CD release party was held in Kansas City.
Discography
Studio albums
- Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-1973 (2002)
- Before Became After (2004)
- The Wait of Glory (2006)
- Forth (2011)
Early Recordings from Kansas 1971–1973
Early Recordings from Kansas 1971–1973 is a collection of recordings made by the second edition of Kansas (Proto-Kaw) released in 2002 on Cuneiform Records. The songs contain numerous nods to the then-burgeoning scene of experimental progressive rock, often echoing the early work of luminaries King Crimson. The tracks "Belexes" and "Incomudro" were later recorded for the Kansas albums Kansas and Song for America, respectively.
Track listing
All tracks by Kerry Livgren
- 1. Hegemonium
- 2. Reunion in the Mountains of Sarne
- 3. Nactolos 21
- 4. Belexes
- 5. Totus Nemesis
-6. Greek Structure Sunbeam
- 7. Incomudro
- 8. Cyclopy (live)
- 9. Skont (live)
Credits
- Rod Mikinski: Bass
- Steven Feigenbaum: Coordinator [Release Co-ordination]
- Brad Schultz: Drums (tracks: 4, 5, 6, 7),
- Zeke Low: Drums (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9)
- Bill Ellsworth: Graphics [Graphic Design]
- Kerry Livgren: Guitar, Graphics [Graphic Design], Written By, Sleeve Notes
-Dan Wright: Organ [Hammond ], Electronics [Ring Modulator]
- Don Montre: Piano [RMI Piano], Flute, Alto Saxophone
- John Bolton: Saxophone [Electric Saxophone], Flute
- Lynn Meredith: Vocals
Notes
The first three tracks [...] were recorded in late 1971, literally in a cavern north of Kansas City.
Tracks 4-7 were recorded in late '72 in a small studio in Liberal, Kansas.
The Live Recordings
Both of these tracks were recorded live at the "Red Dog Inn" in Lawrence, Kansas, 1972.
Source
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proto-Kaw
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Recordings_from_Kansas_1971%E2%80%931973
- discogs.com/release/4241014-Proto-Kaw-Early-Recordings-From-Kansas-1971-1973
This video didnt upload for monetization. If you think this video violates the law of copyright please contact with me through email instead of contact with YouTube.
Proto-Kaw is an American progressive rock band. Featuring Kerry Livgren, the group is a reformation of a band formed in the early 1970s which served as the direct precursor to Kansas.
History
In the early 1970s, the band Kansas went through three incarnations, the common member in all three being composer, keyboardist and guitarist Kerry Livgren. The sound of the band changed along with the group members. Proto-Kaw is a modern name given to the second version of Kansas, whose arrangements prominently featured guitar, keyboards, and saxophone (an instrument not found in the following line-up.) The famous Kansas was actually the third edition of the band, and before a name change it was the third incarnation of Topeka band White Clover.
Formed in 1971 and disbanding in 1973, "Kansas II" played mostly original material written by Livgren. After Kansas II broke up, the group went their separate ways with Livgren reaching fame with the more-popular Kansas and the others assuming normal lives. Then in 2002, the band's demos saw release as Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-1973, which gave the band the new moniker Proto-Kaw. The name was derived from the words Proto ("original"), and Kaw (the root of the word Kansas, referring to a Native American tribe). Most members had not had any contact with each other for the intervening 30 years and many did not play music during this time. However, when they came together to celebrate the album's release, they rediscovered their old chemistry. Proto-Kaw reformed and at last got to record its first proper album, "Before Became After" (2004).
The band released its second new CD in February, 2006, titled The Wait of Glory which features 12 new original songs from writer Kerry Livgren. Coinciding with the album release the band embarked on a European tour, bringing it to four countries in seven days.
Disbanded
In May 2007, the band reported it had begun studio work on its next effort, a collection of new tracks coupled with several previously recorded Livgren tracks interpreted by Proto-Kaw. However, in early December 2008 Kerry Livgren confirmed that Proto Kaw was no longer together for a variety of external reasons. Several tracks of the pending album were worked on, but plans to include them on a Proto-Kaw album were scuttled. Livgren thought that they may appear within a solo work of Livgren's at some future, undetermined date.
Reunited again
Following Kerry Livgren's massive stroke, and partial recovery, he announced in late 2010 that Proto-Kaw was back together and at work on a new album, slated for January 2011 release.
The new album entitled Forth was released on Livgren's Numavox website in August 2011 and a CD release party was held in Kansas City.
Discography
Studio albums
- Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-1973 (2002)
- Before Became After (2004)
- The Wait of Glory (2006)
- Forth (2011)
Early Recordings from Kansas 1971–1973
Early Recordings from Kansas 1971–1973 is a collection of recordings made by the second edition of Kansas (Proto-Kaw) released in 2002 on Cuneiform Records. The songs contain numerous nods to the then-burgeoning scene of experimental progressive rock, often echoing the early work of luminaries King Crimson. The tracks "Belexes" and "Incomudro" were later recorded for the Kansas albums Kansas and Song for America, respectively.
Track listing
All tracks by Kerry Livgren
- 1. Hegemonium
- 2. Reunion in the Mountains of Sarne
- 3. Nactolos 21
- 4. Belexes
- 5. Totus Nemesis
-6. Greek Structure Sunbeam
- 7. Incomudro
- 8. Cyclopy (live)
- 9. Skont (live)
Credits
- Rod Mikinski: Bass
- Steven Feigenbaum: Coordinator [Release Co-ordination]
- Brad Schultz: Drums (tracks: 4, 5, 6, 7),
- Zeke Low: Drums (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9)
- Bill Ellsworth: Graphics [Graphic Design]
- Kerry Livgren: Guitar, Graphics [Graphic Design], Written By, Sleeve Notes
-Dan Wright: Organ [Hammond ], Electronics [Ring Modulator]
- Don Montre: Piano [RMI Piano], Flute, Alto Saxophone
- John Bolton: Saxophone [Electric Saxophone], Flute
- Lynn Meredith: Vocals
Notes
The first three tracks [...] were recorded in late 1971, literally in a cavern north of Kansas City.
Tracks 4-7 were recorded in late '72 in a small studio in Liberal, Kansas.
The Live Recordings
Both of these tracks were recorded live at the "Red Dog Inn" in Lawrence, Kansas, 1972.
Source
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proto-Kaw
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Recordings_from_Kansas_1971%E2%80%931973
- discogs.com/release/4241014-Proto-Kaw-Early-Recordings-From-Kansas-1971-1973
This video didnt upload for monetization. If you think this video violates the law of copyright please contact with me through email instead of contact with YouTube.
