Proto-Kaw

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Proto-Kaw
Origin United States
Genre(s) Progressive Rock
Years active 1971–1973
2004–present
Label(s) Cuneiform InsideOut
Associated acts Kansas
Members
John Bolton
Kerry Livgren
Lynn Meredith
Dan Wright
Craig Kew
Mike Patrum
Jake Livgren
Former members
Zeke Low
Rod Mikinski
Don Montre
Brad Schulz

Proto-Kaw is an American progressive rock band. Featuring Kansas guitarist Kerry Livgren, the group is a reformation of a band formed in the early seventies which served as the direct precursor to Kansas.

Contents

[edit] History

In the early '70s, the band Kansas went through three transformations. The sound of the band changed along with the group members. The band Kansas was actually the third edition of the band; Proto-Kaw is the 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 broke up, the group went their separate ways with Livgren reaching fame with the more-popular Kansas and the others assuming normal lives. Most did not have any contact with each other for 30 years and many did not play music during this time, until the reformation of the band through the "Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-1973" project. Proto-Kaw reformed later on, with "Before Became After" (2004) being the album they finally get to record.

The band released their 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 them to four countries in seven days.

[edit] Future plans

The band is allegedly in the studio recording their next effort, a collection of new tracks coupled with several previously recorded Livgren tracks interpreted by Proto-Kaw. The website currently slates Spring 2008 for a probable release date.

[edit] Band members

[edit] Initial band

[edit] Current band

  • Lynn Meredith – Vocals, Narration
  • John Bolton – Saxophones, Flute
  • Kerry Livgren – Guitars, Piano, Keyboards, percussion, Background Vocals
  • Dan Wright – Organ, Keyboards, Percussion, Background Vocals
  • Craig Kew – Bass, Background Vocals
  • Mike Patrum – Drums
  • Jake Livgren – Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals

[edit] Discography

[edit] Studio albums

[edit] External links