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John Wetton — Live at the Sun Plaza Tokyo 1999
(Blueprint BP335, 2000, 2CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2001-12-01

Live at the Sun Plaza Tokyo 1999 Cover art

The Japanese have been very very good to John Wetton. Extending back to the glory days of King Crimson Mark IV and UK (78-79), his high profile with progressive heavyweight groups has always been embraced by Japan as he began his brief tenure with Asia and a brief dabbling with pop stardom. Fast-forward to 1999 and his touring group with IQ's Martin Orford and guitarist David Kilminster. One of four recent live releases, this two-disc set provides the most complete career coverage yet with a full band. Disc two is where the rubber hits the road with King Crimson classics such as the ballads "Book of Saturday" and "The Nightwatch" and the heavy pieces "Easy Money" and "Starless," which the quartet has somewhat perfected. UK tracks include a faithful rendition of "Rendezvous 602" from Danger Money as well as a rave-up version of "In the Dead of Night." Asia's chart topping singles include "Heat of the Moment" (with audience sing along), "Only Time Will Tell," "Don't Cry," and "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes." The singer's recent solo work is spanned by five songs including the title track from the Battle Lines soundtrack and the best power ballad on the album, "After All," which summarizes his musical path up to this point. The album provides a proper means to document Wetton's long career as it touches base on his many high points not only as prominent bassist but also as songwriter and vocalist.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 23, 2000 releases

Related artist(s): John Wetton

 

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