Kansas

In a recent tribute to the band’s five decades of success, Billboard Magazine describes the basis for their longstanding appeal: “Blending blues-based hard rock and intricate progressive constructions, KANSAS staked out its own musical territory, at once original and accessible.” Billboard.com - KANSAS Hits 50  

“Our entire career has been a winding journey,” comments KANSAS guitarist and original member Richard Williams. “Whether it’s been the ‘original’ lineup signing with Don Kirshner, years on the bus, touring with Queen, and finally worldwide success peaking with Leftoverture & Point of Know Return.” Williams goes on to remember, “That was followed by various lineup changes, the valleys of the 90’s and ‘dinosaur bands’ losing steam, to our most recent ‘rebirth’ and success of our latest new music over the last eight years.” He concludes, “There have been several forks in the road of that journey. This 50^th Anniversary Tour and release represent that journey and the forks along that road.”  

To further celebrate the band’s 50^th Anniversary, InsideOutMusic has released Another Fork in the Road – 50 Years of KANSAS. The 3-CD career-spanning collection features carefully selected tracks from across KANSAS’s sizable discography. It also includes a new version of the song ‘Can I Tell You.’ Originally released on their 1974 debut album, the song is updated by the current lineup. Another Fork in the Road – 50 Years of KANSAS is available now. Fans can order it here - https://kansas.lnk.to/AnotherForkInTheRoad-50YearsOfKansas  

KANSAS boasts a current lineup including original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist & vocalist Billy Greer, lead vocalist & keyboardist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist & vocalist Tom Brislin, violinist & guitarist Joe Deninzon, and original guitarist Richard Williams. Additionally, Eric Holmquist fills in on drums for the first part of each concert while Phil Ehart continues to recover from an arm injury. With no signs of slowing down, KANSAS continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences.  

‘The Absence of Presence’, the recently released, new studio album from America’s legendary progressive rock band, KANSAS, made an impressive charting debut on the Billboard album charts. In the US alone, the album currently holds the #4 spot for Current Rock Albums, #5 Internet Albums, #10 Billboard Top Albums, and #10 Top Current Albums. Worldwide, ‘The Absence of Presence’ came in at the top spot for Sweden Rock/Metal Albums Chart, #2 for UK Rock Albums, and #4 Switzerland Albums Chart.

Released to fan and critical acclaim, ‘The Absence of Presence’ is now available to stream and purchase at: https://kansas.lnk.to/TheAbsenceofPresence. The album has been widely praised for its musicianship and dedication to classic KANSAS sound. From Forbes, and Billboard to American Songwriter, critics have called it one of the best albums in the KANSAS catalogue.

‍

‍