The Band
Proto~Kaw (proto=early version of) (kaw=native american name for Kansas) has
come full circle in their music careers and again are playing live concerts and recording. Proto~Kaw released their newest album on January 31, 2006, entitled The Wait of Glory which features 12 new original songs from writer Kerry Livgren. The Wait of Glory continues their epic rock themes while emphasizing the strong groove and improv/jams that mark their exciting live performances. The new album comes on the heels of their critically acclaimed breakout 2004 release Before Became After. Proto~Kaw was an experiment in renewing old relationships that has turned into one of the world's greatest new prog/rock bands.
In the early 70's, the band KANSAS went through three transformations. The sound of the band changed along with the the group members. The band the world came to know as KANSAS was actually the third version of the band. Proto~Kaw is a variation of the renamed, reformed second version.
Formed in 1971 and disbanding in 1973, "Kansas II" played mostly original material written by KANSAS composer and guitarist Kerry Livgren. After "Kansas II" disbanded, the group went their separate ways with Livgren gaining notoriety with the famous KANSAS and the others assuming normal lives, working in education, sales and the media. Most did not speak with each other for 30 years and many did not play music during this span, until the resurrection of the band through this project. That is what makes this story so unique..that Proto~Kaw lives again..with two CDs Before Became After (2004) and The Wait for Glory (2006) being the albums they finally get to record.
