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15 Years of Kansas City Spirit
reviewed by Joe

spirit fest cd While this is not really a review, I would take this opportunity to say that whomever is responsible for putting together this disc has a good feel for the diversity presented at the actual festival that it represents. 31 bands of varying genres and styles co-mingling in a "melting pot" of staggering talent. Kansas City is most fortunate that the Spirit Fest exists, a grand celebration of the artistic excellence of homegrown auteurs and artists, that truly exposes kansas citians to a rich musical legacy.

Having said all of that, I highly recommend that anyone not familiar with the majority of these bands pick up this disc post-haste; think of it as doing your homework. Buy this, and then show up for all three (yes, 3) days of the Spirit Fest and you'll understand the whole thrust behind the Zone. So, instead of reviewing the disc, I'll list the tracks and you do the math yourself. No copying off of my homework, got it? Oh yeah, did I mention it was two (yes, 2) discs? Staggering. Colossal.

Disc 1 : Rock & Reggae
  • The Black Water - "Hush"
  • The Bubble Boys - "Kilroy" (R.I.P., BBoys - joe)
  • Cooker - "Choke Up"
  • Exit 159 - "What Gives?"
  • The Glitter Kicks - "Sunshine"
  • Grovel - "Stars In Her Eyes" (heartfelt - joe)
  • Julia Surrendered - "See My Saviour"
  • Ultimate Fakebook - "Roll"
  • Afrique - "Gowa"
  • BCR - "AfroKlez" (hot! - joe)
  • Common Ground - "Demonstration"
  • Deepa Reality - "Something In Reserve"
  • Green Card - "Tradition"
  • The Messengers - "Children of the Night"
  • Murder City Players - "Power Struggle"
  • S.D.I. - "Thinking of You"
Disc 2 : Blues & Jazz
  • Cotton Candy & So Many Men - "Baby That's Alright"
  • The Dave Stephens Swing Quartet - "Please Don't Talk About Me"
  • Eugene Smiley - "Gonna Get Next To You"
  • Fast Johnny Ricker - "Trouble's Hound"
  • King Alex & The Untouchables - "Never Lose My Cool"
  • Lonnie Ray Blues Band - "Caladonia"
  • Loose Cannon - "Give It A Name"
  • Uptown Rulers - "Ride With Your Daddy"
  • Al Pearson - "That's Right"
  • Everette Devan - "Blues For Wrinkles"
  • Queen Bey - "Let The Good Times Roll"
  • Sonny Kenner - "Never Give Up On Love"
  • Wayne Hawkins - "Moment's Notice"
  • Will Matthews - "Lil' Darling"
  • Zoe & The Mofoes - "Spain"
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