Progressive Palaver

SCS16 – Steve Hackett: Genesis Revisited, Glenside PA Ken Gregory and Friend of the Palaver Ken Fuller share their experiences seeing Steve Hackett at the Keswick Theater in Glenside PA. The group cover Steve’s band, the set list and the overall feel of the night. As one might expect, there is nothing but good vibes and happiness leaving Joe happy for the conversation but sad that he didn’t get th...

Episode 73 – Genesis Part 13, Invisible Touch A master class in mid-80’s prog or sell-out schlock fest? Tom, Colby, Joe and Ken dive into Invisible Touch. This palaver sees some wide ranges of opinion on different aspects of this album from production to songwriting to performance. As the attorney for the defense (mostly) Ken takes up the charge of protecting the album from the cynicism of Colby a...

Episode 72 – Genesis Part 12, Genesis Paul, Joe and Ken tackle this most interesting, self-titled album. Genesis showcases the group we have known so well on the precipice of super stardom. From the haunting opening of Mama to the uplifting close of It’s Gonna Get Better this album clearly demonstrates a seasoned group of musicians who have settled into their new style. This was an album that came...

Episode 71 – Genesis Part 11, Abacab Genesis takes a hard left turn on Abacab. In an attempt to break the artistic chains that bound them, the three members of Genesis sought to make something “new” with Abacab. While they certain accomplished their goal, they seem to have confused Ken, Paul and Joe along the way. There is much palaver about this most enigmatic Genesis album. Is it genius or hubri...

Special Episode – Interview with Total Mass Retain - Part 2, Sept 2019 As part of our continued support of and excitement for ProgStock, Ken and Joe take the opportunity to interview Terry and John of Total Mass Retain. We take the time to discuss the way these two exceptional musicians approach to being in a Yes tribute band. Can someone really “relax” when singing Jon Anderson? Both members shar...

Episode 70 – Genesis Part 10, Duke “The Futility of Ambition” - Is Duke the best 3-man Genesis album? Is Duke the best Genesis album period? Cases are made for both in this Palaver on a most sublime album. Like Janus looking both forward and backward at once, Duke is a very important album in the catalog. Paul, Joe and Ken look at the themes, inspirations and implications that run throughout. Twit...

Special Episode – Interview with Robert Berry In this episode, Ken and Joe have the pleasure of speaking with Robert Berry of 3.2. The conversation spans the breadth of Robert’s significant career with emphasis on his relationship with Keith Emerson and the music of 3 and his latest project 3.2 – The Rules Have Changed. Fronting Ambrosia? No problem. Reworking classic prog songs for Magna Carta al...

Episode 69 – Genesis Part 9, And Then There Were Three Paul, Ken and Joe cover discuss the start of three-man Genesis with And Then There Were Three. Clearly bridging the past to the future this album clearly draws from the band’s previous experience while providing glimpses of what was to come from this core group. This album played a central role in the Palaver’s early Genesis explorations and w...

Special Episode – Interview with Dave Kerzner Ken and Joe get the pleasure of interviewing Dave Kerzner. Dave talks about his experiences in the world of prog and sells us on the many benefits of Cruise to the Edge. Dave’s perspective on the past, present and future of prog is delightful and insightful. He even has some words of wisdom for us here at the Palaver and we are glad to welcome him on o...

Episode 68 – Genesis Part 8, Wind and Wuthering Paul, Ken and Joe cover discuss the end of four-man Genesis with Wind and Wuthering. Tom declared that W&W is his favorite Phil-era album but he was unable to join the Palaver. That left the rest of us trying to sort out our feelings. While we were all a little tenuous at first it turns out there is much to like about this album even though it seems...

Episode 67 – Genesis Part 7, A Trick of the Tail Paul, Ken and Joe cover discuss the first of the four-man Genesis albums, A Trick of the Tail. While originally expecting some differences of opinion we eventually come to an understanding of the relaxed joy of this album. Showcasing a band that is relaxed and enjoying their craft, A Trick of the Tale builds on what came before while pointing to wha...

SCS15 – Yes Royal Affair Tour, Irving TX Ken, Paul and Joe review the Yes Royal Affair show at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving TX. For Joe’s second show on this tour, he decided to take his daughter to her first ever Yes show and concert. The perspective of a first-time concert goer (with decidedly good taste) provides the framework for discussing this truly enjoyable concert. The group covers...

SCS14 – Yes Royal Affair Tour. Atlantic City NJ Ken and Joe review the Yes Royal Affair show from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City NJ. From the confounding appearance of Arthur Brown through the academic information of Carl Palmer and the versatile magic of Bumblefoot to the relaxed joy and wonder of Yes, the guys cover it all (or at least a lot of it). This was a very enjoyable show...

Episode 65 – Genesis Part 5, Selling England by the Pound Paul, Ken and Joe cover Selling England by the Pound. High points? Low points? Disagreement? This episode has them all. While some of the subtleties of British culture references require some work the group decides that this is a very strong album. Opinions are split on The Battle of Epping Forest but Firth of Fifth is a classic. Twitter: @...

SCS13 – The Musical Box – Glenside PA Ken and Joe are joined by Friend of the Palaver Ken Fuller to discuss The Musical Box’s performance at the Keswick theater attended by the two Kens. We palaver about tribute bands, Genesis live experiences and, of course, The Musical Box. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3...

Episode 64 – Genesis Part 4, Foxtrot Paul, Tom, Ken and Joe cover what may be the best of five-person Genesis, Foxtrot. There is balance in the force for this excellent album. What does Foxtrot have in common with Jesus Christ Superstar and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? Tune into this episode of the Palaver and find out. Twitter: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Pro...

SCS12 – Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets – New York NY Ken and Joe are joined by Joe Cass of Total Mass Retain, Yes Tribute Band to discuss Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets tour. While Joe was unable to attend the performance in Dallas (to which he had tickets but sadly had to travel), Joe Cass saw BOTH nights at the Beacon Theater in New York. Covering parts of the Pink Floyd catalog that no on...

Episode 63 – Genesis Part 3, Nursery Cryme Joe and Ken reach a major milestone in the Genesis catalog with Nursery Cryme. The additions of Steve Hackett and Phil Collins to band combined with the developing songwriting skills of the remaining three provides a significant leap forward. This album continues to showcase the unique characteristics that will become Genesis. Twitter: @progpala Email: pr...

Episode 62 – Genesis Part 2, Trespass The second Genesis album, Trespass, takes a huge step towards realizing what Genesis will become. The Palaver finds much to like in this early gem as the band begin to find themselves musically. There are times when the listener can clearly hear the future prog powerhouse. While we might not all listen to this record as much as we think we should, we all enjoy...

SCS 11 – Jon Anderson – Collingswood NJ Ken and Joe discuss the Jon Anderson 1000 Hands Tour after seeing the energetic and positive show at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood New Jersey. We palaver about the band and the setlist, considering their interpretations of Yes classics and Jon’s solo material. Favorable feelings are in evidence as we recall our experience. Twitter: @progpala E...

Episode 61 – Genesis Part 1, Palaver Preamble and From Genesis to Revelation One should always start from the beginning. Not making the same mistake we made with Yes, the Palaver begins our Genesis journey with their first release From Genesis to Revelation. After some time to reflect on our own introductions to the band we consider this diamond in the rough. The band were young and just starting...

SCS 10 – Steven Wilson – Dallas TX, November 19, 2018 Paul and Joe discuss the Steven Wilson To the Bone Tour, this time with the wisdom gained from having just completed palavering on the SW solo records. While the House of Blues may have had some logistic shortcomings with regards to the stage show, the music won out (even if the live tracks are muted by the forest of tall people around Joe thro...

Episode 60 – Steven Wilson Part 4, To the Bone Joe, Paul, Tom and Ken complete the Steven Wilson solo segment with To the Bone. Steven Wilson takes us on a journey through pop-infused prog with his signature (and highly developed) mastery of emotional influence. The influence of producer Paul Stacey (and his captivating studio) is explored in this lively Palaver. To the Bone delivers consistently...

Episode 59 - Steven Wilson Part 3, Hand Cannot Erase by Progressive Palaver

Episode 58 – Steven Wilson Part 2, The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories) Paul and Joe (with Ken present in spirit via text) dive into this most prog of Steven Wilson albums. The Raven… comes out of the gate as a tour de force and the Palaver is equally enthusiastic in our praise of both the album (songwriting, tone, lyrics) and Guthrie Govan. Perhaps the compliments get heaped on too...