Tangerine Dream – 50 Years of Phaedra – at the Barbican (Kscope)

 
Tangerine Dream is truly a miracle. The band now operates without any of its core original members, yet it continues to thrive and amaze its fan base. Under the watchful eye of Thorsten Quaeschning, the group honors its legacy while also taking confident steps forward. The band’s recent studio album, Raum, reassured listeners that all is well within the Tangerine Dream camp—and that there are exciting things to come in the years ahead.

This release celebrates the 50th anniversary of Phaedra, the groundbreaking 1974 album. Not only do we get to hear the sounds the original trio stumbled upon half a century ago, but we also experience innovations that were technologically impossible at the time. You hear Phaedra, but you hear it fully realized. Some may argue in favor of the original sequences, yet this reinterpretation offers a fascinating and adventurous perspective. It keeps the music fresh, adding subtle twists while respecting the source material.

The rest of the concert blends classic themes from the past with newer tracks from the current lineup. The selections balance each other beautifully, creating a strong sense of continuity throughout the live recording. There is intensity, but also remarkable focus and precision. The beauty of this performance lies in its natural flow—nothing feels forced. The music simply carries you along, inviting you to journey inward through soundscapes designed for exactly that purpose.

Tangerine Dream created a powerful atmosphere at the Barbican in London. Quaeschning, Frick, and Yamane perform like high priests in a sonic ritual, shaping and controlling the sound while sharing an immersive experience with the audience. There is certainly enough “tangerine” here for this writer to keep dreaming and enjoying the ride. An incredible album—one that beautifully bridges the past and the present.

Mark Kadzielawa

Graham Bonnet Band – Lost in Hollywood Again (Frontiers)

Graham Bonnet keeps getting lost in Hollywood time after time! The man is a classic rock singer with an incredible catalog under his belt, and he’s still actively creating new music. This live set delivers a powerful overview of Bonnet’s long career—from his days in Rainbow to Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, and finally his own Graham Bonnet Band. This set is hot whether you play it forward or backward. Killer songs, strong delivery, and an extremely fun time from start to finish.

Lost in Hollywood Again is a combination live CD and DVD. See it, hear it, breathe it—it's excellent whichever way you choose to experience it. The concert took place at the legendary Whisky a Go Go in 2024, an intimate venue with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. From the first intro to the final note of “Lost in Hollywood,” this show absolutely rocks.

The performance kicks off with “Eyes of the World,” a perfect opener and arguably one of the finest tracks from Bonnet’s Rainbow era. The song builds beautifully, and once Bonnet begins to sing, the mood and momentum surge forward. The lead break is simply out of this world. Anthem after anthem follows—essentially a greatest-hits set delivered with confidence, passion, and total conviction.

The band clearly enjoys themselves on stage—you can see it in their expressions. They aren’t just performing; they’re flying with the music. Conrado Pesinato handles guitar duties, Alessandro Bertoni commands the keyboards, Francil Cassol powers the drums, and the ever-resourceful Beth-Ami Heavenstone anchors the low end on bass. They are excellent musicians who share a strong, positive chemistry. It’s refreshing to witness such genuine love for the music being expressed onstage.

Graham Bonnet himself remains a true survivor of rock’s golden era. While he may not have the same vocal power he once did, he still delivers a compelling show. Any limitations are more than compensated for by his attitude, professionalism, and forward momentum. Watching or listening to this performance is a reminder of the songs many of us grew up with—if we were lucky enough. The setlist is packed with outstanding material, ensuring that every listener will find a personal favorite.  There is even an instrumental surprise that digs deep into the Purple family.

With the Graham Bonnet Band currently working on a special upcoming studio release, Lost in Hollywood Again will more than satisfy fans in the meantime.

Mark Kadzielawa