Turbulence: Live in Poland

Personnel: Tracy Hitchings (vocals); Uwe DRöse (guitar); Mike Varty (keyboards); Dave Wagstaffe (drums).
Audio Mixers: Mike Varty; Karl Groom; Richard West.
Recording information: Teatr Slaski Im. St. Wyspianskiego, Katowice, Poland (11/15/2005).
Tracy Hitchings has a smooth voice and in-control presence which brings the complex pop music of the group Landmarq across with cool efficiency. Dubbed "British neo-progressive," the title of this DVD, Turbulence: Live in Poland, is a bit of a misnomer. Not very "turbulent" but, yes, it was recorded live at the Wyspiaski Theatre in Katowice, as was Pendragon's Past and Presence. The lighting, camera work and stage production all combine to make this an exciting visual and audio experience and a revelation for the uninitiated. Hitchings could be a latter day Jinx Dawson of Coven fame with a voice that cuts through the thick layer of keyboard and guitar. The drums of Dave Wagstaffe are rock-solid (Wagstaffe is the drummer in three Landmarq lineups, and Pendragon's Fudge Smith shows up on bonus material included here), while guitarist Uwe DRöse and bassist Steve Gee hold down the fort nicely. There are lots of quick camera cuts but the director does a fine job of getting the concert images in along with a superb focus on the musicians. The band's newest member, Mike Varty, plays keyboards that have the tonal quality Tom Scholz put on the group Boston's "Foreplay/Long Time," though he can mellow it out and proves it nicely on the ballad "Prayer (Coming Home)." "Calm Before the Storm" is not the fabulous song by '70s rocker the Phantom -- the short-lived Jim Morrison imitation, though it is what this exceptional music from Landmarq could use -- a jolt of good old-fashioned pop structure. That's all that's needed to drive this fine ensemble into the mainstream. Lots of bonus tracks here and plenty of information in the four-page booklet. It's a classy package which should please the fan base and attract new listeners. ~ Joe Viglione