Robby Steinhardt-Not in Kansas Anymore (A Prog Opera) (2021)

Robby Steinhardt is world-renowned as one of the founding members of the legendary American progressive rock band Kansas, with whom he recorded ten albums, many of them multi-platinum hits, earning dozens of gold and platinum records. This violinist and singer was present on all of his band's albums released in the 1970s and several in the 1980s, when he left at the end of 1982. He returned in 1997 and remained with the band until his final retirement in 2006. In 2021, Steinhardt released his only solo album, ironically titled "Not In Kansas Anymore (A Prog Opera)," and despite this curious title, the album evokes his former band in many moments. For the recording, he enlisted a stellar lineup of collaborators, beginning with Ian Anderson (flute), followed by Steve Morse (guitar), Billy Cobham (drums), Patrick Moraz (keyboards), Bobby Kimball (vocals), Pat Travers (guitar), Michael Thomas Franklin (keyboards), Chuck Leavell (keyboards), Lisa Fischer (vocals), Liberty DeVitto (drums), Billy Ashbaugh (drums), and Jim Gentry (guitar). The repertoire consisted of powerful tracks with virtuosic orchestral arrangements and instrumental prowess from all the musicians involved. Among the highlights were vigorous songs leaning towards melodic progressive rock with a distinct hard rock edge, such as "Tempest", "Truth to Power (Only Truth Can Change the World)", "Rise of the Phoenix", "Downtown Royalty", "Not In Kansas Anymore", and "A Prayer for Peace". He even covered his band's classic "Dust in the Wind", creating a beautiful version sung by Lisa Fischer, accompanied by an exceptional string section and expansive vocal harmonies. Sadly, Steinhardt would not live to see his album released, as he passed away several months before its official launch, due to a brief illness at the age of 71, a consequence of acute pancreatitis.