82: Kerry Livgren – Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change by Kerry Livgren

Kerry Livgren of Kansas is probably one of the greatest rock song writers of the twentieth century. If you look at the library of Kansas' music alone, his signature progressive rock sounds make up the best of their music. Around 1978 Livgren began to have issues with personal faith and there was a conflict within the band. Lead vocalist, Steve Walsh walked away from Kansas while Livgren was working on a solo project and pressing the band to update their sound. Most Kansas fans are familiar with the two efforts Vinyl Confessions and Drastic Measures with singer John Elefante that followed this period.

Before those releases, Livgren produced a solo album named Seeds of Change (1980). This was an important album because Livgren created songs that didn't sound like Kansas. If you go to the Amazon link, you'll see the CD is already a high-priced collector's item. Of the few LPs I kept, this is one of them.

Livgren pulled together some of the best musicians he knew. Various members of Kansas performed on the album, of course. Even Steve Walsh did vocals on "How Can You Live". But my favorite tracks are sang by Ronnie James Dio. Yes, you read that right. "Mask of the Great Deceiver" and "To Live for the King" are fantastic tracks and Dio kills on the vocals. Also of note are the songs "Whiskey Seed" where Livgren actually sang (I believe it's the only time) a duet with Mylon LeFevre and "Ground Zero" sang by David Pack of Ambrosia.

You can go on a quest for Seeds of Change and maybe pick up a used CD on eBay. Also the album is included in a compilation CD by Livgren called Decade released on a Christian label. Included are cuts from other post-Kansas efforts and they aren't bad at all. In addition, on Livgren's website he has pulled a George Lucas and has remixed and re-recorded the Seeds of Change album, which I find strange, but it's his prerogative. I haven't listened to it, but I'm kind of a purist with albums and think it stands on its own.