ProgRockMain

This was Nearfest's last stay at the Trenton War Memorial. In my opinion, the show wasn't as good as 2002, but the bands were more consistent and seeing the farewell of Camel was both amazingly wonderful and sad. The concert shots were took with NO FLASH (help me!), with my digital camera.

Alamaailman Vasarat was the second band to perform at Nearfest 2003 and they blew the audience away with their techical skill, unique instrumental line-up and mid-eastern influence. Trombonist Erno Haukkala and sax player Jarno Sarkulawas (a master of the humorous song-introductions), were the featured instruments, feverishly playing with skill, energy and showmanship; while cellists Marko Manninen and Tuukka Helminen pounded out thunderous basslines and metal-influenced riffs. Highly skillful and entertaining. Photo below-

Tunnels was one of the bands I was looking forward to- being a big Percy Jones/Brand X fan. Adding former Brand X cohort guitarist John Goodsall as guest musician gave this a chance of being something very special. The band was solid, but a little uninspired. No classic Brand X work was performed and even with their new work, Goodsall and Jones seemed a bit lackluster (not really into it), with only MIDI vibe player- Marc Wagnon kicking it up a notch. Frank Katz's drumsolo was way too long and lack originality and variety. Other guests- Mark Feldman on violin and vocalist Sarah Pillow (married to Marc), helped finish their set. Though Though the band's talent still shone through, the passion seemed mising.

High Wheel started things up, but due to traffic jams and accidents on the NJ turnpike, I never got to see them. As they never sent my interviews back after repeated promises, I wasn't losing any hairs over missing them. I didn't even talk to them when they were selling their CDs (ok, I'm human- I can be bitter LOL).

The Flower Kings took the audience into a great set of symphonic progressive music. Their set was composed mainly of lengthy songs, topped off by my favorite- Stardust We Are. Guitar sounds were fantastic and the band was well-oiled and played a brilliant set. Because of undisclosed circumsances with timing or perhaps with Nearfest managament/contracts, the band wasn't allowed to do an encore (Which the crowd asked for rather enthusiastically).

Magma Christian Vander took his eclectic pounding and energetic band and dazzled the Nearfest audience. The performance was intense, leaving very little space for the audience to breath. They could have mixed up the pace more, but the set show-cased lengthy pieces, with Vander's amazing drumming and energy. Stella Vander was joined by three other vocalists - to create the familair Kobaian-sung Magma sound. Antoine Paganotti (son of ex-Magma bassist- Bernard), kept up the vocal intensity with strong bass tones. The live set gave band members some opportunity to take a solo or two. At the end of the gig I was exhausted listening to them...

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum started day two off with avant-garde bizarreness. What suprised me was that the band could really play their instruments well. Vocalist/guitarist Nils Frykdahl wore a dress and a red scarf - he resembled a gothic court jester on acid at times. His voice could change from quiet prog vocals to screaming rage. Highlights of the set was the performance of Carla Kihlstedt on violin who also helped out on vocals. To my disappointment, the band did not play- Sleep is Wrong. I expected a more elaborate visual show, but it was cool and a refreshing change from the classic prog sound. They were inventive, and always interesting! How the drummer keep that huge animal head on the entire gig was beyond me!.

Off stage, the band sold a lot of albums and were very nice people who spend time with the fans/audience. Nils was extremely personable and passionate about his craft and music. He is quite smart (see my interview with him).

Glass Hammer after a long wait, played a solid set, but were seriously marred by sound problems. The vocals and mini choir were altogether lost which took away the dramatics and beauty of the pieces, leaving some of the music with gaps. As a treat, they brought in guest guitarist Rich Williams from Kansas and played “Portrait (He Knew).” A lot of people seemed to be let down by their set, but the musicianship was very good. Glass Hammer played safe (could almost call it calculating), symphonic-based prog that had its moments.

Ånglagård reformed to play at Nearfest. Anna Holmgren (Flute, saxophones, mellotrons), was amazed by the crowd. During their gig, she stated that there experience in front of 1800 prog fans "seemed like a dream." They played classics as well as two new songs hopefully giving the hint that they will be together to record more classic prog. The mellotrons seemed to be a bit finicky, but the performance was powerful, emotional and fiull of wonder. The new pieces stood up to the old ones quite well.

Camel was the band I wanted to see. Because of Glass Hammer's sound problems, Camel came onstage 2 hours later than scheduled. Camel's farewell tour saw the band as a quartet -- Andy Latimer on guitar and flute, longtime friend and musician-Colin Bass on bass, Denis Clement on drums, and Tom Brislin on keyboards (subbing for Guy LeBlanc- who's wife had a heart attack during the late spring.). The band reminded me of Caravan's performance in last year's NF- simply because they played the perfect set. Andy Latimer talked to the crowd and spoke with his heart, acknowledging the late Peter Barden on several ocassions. Songs included all eras of the band, including favorites such as: `Lady Fantasy' and `Ice' as well as a humorous song about a foxhunt from their new album (A Nod and a Wink) and a heart-felt song pertaining to 911. Ex-Meatlof keyboardist- Tom Brislin showcased his ability and showmanship with grandiosity and vigor. He seemed to have been playing for Camel for years! Upon leaving, I was crossed between happiness (the gig was perfect!) and sadness that Camel will never be seen again on tour. Hopefully Andy will play a gig here or two (or hundred (hint hint)), as they sparkle live... and will give us at least some more live albums to further enhance our Camel collection.