KANSAS - SELF-TITLED - first/debut Prog Rock Album 12" LP VINYL

  This album "KANSAS - Self-Titled" is the self-titled debut album by American progressive rock band Kansas, released in 1974.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

Large Hires Photo of the Kansas self-titled vinyl album

Album Description:

Kansas, a band hailing from Topeka, Kansas, burst onto the music scene in 1974 with their eponymous debut album, simply titled "Kansas". This remarkable LP, released on 12" vinyl, would go on to become a seminal work in the progressive rock genre. Produced by Wally Gold and recorded at Record Plant Studios in New York, this album showcased the exceptional talents of the band members and their innovative approach to music.

The sound quality of "Kansas" was a testament to the meticulous work of sound engineer Don Turbeville. His expertise in capturing the band's dynamic performances allowed the music to truly shine. The album featured a blend of rock instrumentation, including drums, bass, guitars, and keyboards, as well as the unique addition of violin, which added a captivating and distinctive element to their sound.

The album cover design, executed by Ed Lee, was a visual representation of the band's artistic sensibilities. The painting by John Stewart Curry depicted a powerful and emotive scene, perfectly complementing the music contained within the album. Don Hunstein's photography captured the essence of the band, showcasing their passion and energy.

The band members themselves were a formidable force, each contributing their individual talents to the creation of this musical masterpiece. Phil Ehart's precise and dynamic drumming provided the backbone of the album's rhythmic foundation. Dave Hope's skillful bass playing added depth and richness to the overall sound, while also providing backing vocals that added harmonious layers to the music.

Kerry Livgren, a masterful guitarist, pianist, and organist, brought his immense musical prowess to the forefront. His intricate guitar work and skillful keyboard melodies were complemented by his talent for composing profound and thought-provoking lyrics. Robby Steinhardt's contribution on violin was a stroke of genius, elevating the band's sound to new heights and infusing it with a distinct and enchanting character.

Steve Walsh, with his exceptional vocal range, served as the band's primary lead singer, captivating audiences with his passionate delivery and emotional depth. In addition to his vocal prowess, Walsh also showcased his skills on piano, organ, and congas, contributing to the album's rich and diverse sound palette.

Rich Williams, with his electric and acoustic guitars, added texture and melodic complexity to the music, while also displaying his ability to craft intricate and memorable guitar solos. The album also featured a guest appearance by Jay Siegel of The Tokens, who provided vocals on the enchanting track "Lonely Wind".

The track-listing of "Kansas" showcased the band's versatility and musical prowess. The opening track, "Can I Tell You", set the stage with its energetic and captivating rock sound. "Bringing it Back", originally written by J.J. Cale, showcased the band's ability to reinterpret and infuse their own style into existing material. "Lonely Wind" and "Belexes" displayed the band's ability to craft emotionally resonant and introspective compositions.

The centerpiece of the album was the epic "Journey from Mariabronn", a sprawling composition that took the listener on a musical odyssey. Clocking in at nearly eight minutes, this track showcased the band's ability to seamlessly blend different musical sections and genres, creating a cohesive and mesmerizing journey for the listener. "The Pilgrimage" offered a brief yet impactful musical interlude before leading into the enchanting and atmospheric "Aperçu".

The album concluded with the monumental "Death of Mother Nature Suite", a tour de force of musical ambition. Kerry Livgren's composition tackled environmental themes and served as a showcase for the band's virtuosity, as they delivered powerful instrumental passages and breathtaking vocal performances.

"Kansas" remains a landmark album in the realm of progressive rock. It showcased the band's exceptional musicianship, their ability to craft intricate and emotionally charged compositions, and their knack for pushing the boundaries of the genre. With its captivating melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and stunning instrumental performances, this debut album solidified Kansas as one of the most influential bands in the world of progressive rock.

Music Genre:

  Progressive Rock 

Album Production Information:

 The album: "KANSAS - Self-Titled" was produced by: Wally Gold

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Don Turbeville

This album was recorded at: Record Pland, Studios "A" and "C", New York

Album cover design: Ed Lee

Painting: Joh Stewart Curry

Album cover photography: Don Hunstein

Record Label Information:

  KIRSHNER KIR 80174

Kirschner Records was a record label founded by Don Kirshner in 1974. Don Kirshner was a renowned music producer and promoter, known for his significant contributions to the music industry. Prior to launching Kirschner Records, Kirshner had already made a name for himself as the founder of Aldon Music, a successful publishing company responsible for producing numerous hit songs during the 1960s.

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Kirschner Records aimed to provide a platform for talented artists and release their music to a wide audience. The label's roster included notable acts such as Kansas, the progressive rock band that achieved significant success with their self-titled debut album on the Kirschner label. The album's popularity helped put Kirschner Records on the map, solidifying their reputation within the music industry.

Throughout its existence, Kirschner Records focused on signing and promoting rock and pop-rock artists. The label had a keen eye for talent and released albums by notable acts like Blue Öyster Cult, Ramones, and Daryl Hall & John Oates. Kirschner Records played a crucial role in shaping the careers of these artists, helping them reach new heights of success and visibility.

One of the label's notable achievements was its involvement in the development and promotion of the Monkees, a fictional band created for a popular television show in the 1960s. Don Kirshner served as the music supervisor for the Monkees, overseeing the selection and production of their songs. After their success on television, the Monkees released music through Kirschner Records, resulting in several chart-topping hits.

While Kirschner Records had several successful releases and played a significant role in the music industry during the 1970s, the label eventually faced financial difficulties. In 1977, the company filed for bankruptcy, leading to its closure. Despite its relatively short existence, Kirschner Records left a lasting impact on the music scene, with its releases becoming iconic and influential within their respective genres.

Today, Kirschner Records is remembered as a label that fostered talented artists and contributed to the growth of rock music. Its legacy is intertwined with the success of acts like Kansas and the Monkees, and its brief but impactful tenure is a testament to the vision and influence of its founder, Don Kirshner.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  Made in Holland
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KANSAS - Self-Titled
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Phil Ehart – drums
  • Dave Hope – bass, backing vocals
  • Kerry Livgren – guitars, piano, organ, Moog synthesizer, backing vocals
  • Robby Steinhardt – violin, lead and backing vocals
  • Steve Walsh – piano, organ, congas, lead and backing vocals
  • Rich Williams – electric & acoustic guitars
  • Jay Siegel - (The Tokens) Vocals on Lonely Wind
Complete Track-listing of the album "KANSAS - Self-Titled"

The detailed tracklist of this record "KANSAS - Self-Titled" is:

    Track-listing:
  1. "Can I Tell You" Rich Williams, Phil Ehart, Dave Hope, Steve Walsh Steinhardt and Walsh 3:32
  2. "Bringing it Back" J.J. Cale Steinhardt 3:33
  3. "Lonely Wind" Steve Walsh Walsh 4:16
  4. "Belexes" Kerry Livgren Walsh 4:23
  5. "Journey from Mariabronn" Kerry Livgren, Steve Walsh Walsh 7:55
  6. . "The Pilgrimage" Kerry Livgren, Steve Walsh Walsh 3:42
  7. . "Aperçu" Kerry Livgren, Steve Walsh Steinhardt and Walsh 9:54
  8. . "Death of Mother Nature Suite" Kerry Livgren Steinhardt 7:43 <
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "KANSAS - Self-Titled"
Large Hires Photo of the Kansas self-titled vinyl album
Album Back Cover  Photo of "KANSAS - Self-Titled"
Large Hires Photo Album Back Cover  Photo of "KANSAS - Self-Titled"  
Inner Sleeve   of "KANSAS - Self-Titled" Album
Large Hires Photo Inner Sleeve   of "KANSAS - Self-Titled" Album
Close up Photo of "KANSAS - Self-Titled" 12" Kirshner Record Label
Close up Photo of "KANSAS - Self-Titled" 12" Kirshner Record Label
Close up Photo of "KANSAS - Self-Titled" 12" Kirshner Record Label
Close up Photo of "KANSAS - Self-Titled" 12" Kirshner Record Label

 

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.