Nektar – Journey To The Other Side – Live At The Dunellen Theatre June 10, 2023 (Deko Music, 2024)
Nektar, renowned pioneers of progressive rock, is set to release Journey To The Other Side – Live At The Dunellen Theatre June 10, 2023 paying homage to the late drummer and founding member Ron Howden.
This live album serves up a tantalizing mix of progressive rock intertwined with classic rock elements. Stealing the spotlight are the sprawling classic suites, including “A Tab in the Ocean,” “Recycled 2,” “Remember the Future Part 1,” and “Remember the Future Part 2.” Here, aficionados will delight in the quintessential essence of the band’s progressive essence, featuring mind-bending psychedelic guitar explorations, electrifying organ work, and spontaneous jam sessions that beckon listeners into unexplored worlds.
While the musicians exhibit undeniable skill and finesse, a discerning ear may detect subtle signs of age in the male vocals, suggesting a potential opportunity to inject fresh energy with the inclusion of a guest vocalist for select passages.
Further elevating the experience is the captivating addition of a new composition titled “Drifting.” This mesmerizing piece captivates with its ethereal allure, featuring a transfixing, expansive space rock guitar solo that transports listeners to cosmic realms, complemented by noteworthy synth solos.
Formed in Germany in 1969, Nektar eschewed pop constraints in favor of extended compositions and concept albums. They played a pivotal role in shaping the progressive rock movement of the 1970s, and later influenced the emerging jam-band scene in the late 1990s. Their music resonated strongly in the United States, achieving Top 40 success with albums like A Tab in the Ocean (1972) and Remember the Future (1973). Over nearly five decades and close to 20 albums, Nektar has amassed a dedicated following, with their latest album The Other Side (2020) reaching the number one spot in Amazon’s Progressive Music category.
Journey to the Other Side – Live at The Dunellen Theatre June 10, 2023, marks the beginning of Nektar’s next chapter, capturing the band’s 50th anniversary tour. This release, available as a 2CD/Blu-Ray set, features a comprehensive 5-camera shoot and multi-track recording, spanning over 2 and 1/2 hours. The repertoire highlights the band’s entire career.
This recording serves as a poignant tribute to Nektar’s beloved drummer and primary member, Ron Howden, who passed away suddenly at the age of 78 on September 29th, 2023. Founding member Derek “Mo” Moore reflects, “I think you will enjoy being part of Nektar’s 50th extended Anniversary Tour and glad we captured this performance. Rest in Peace, Ron.”
The band is presently immersed in crafting their upcoming trilogy, “Mission To Mars,” with the first installment slated for an early June release to coincide with the initiation of their tour in New Jersey on June 7th.
Tickets for dates: https://nektarsmusic.com/events/
JUN 7: Dunellen Theatre – Dunellen, NJ
JUN 9: Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
JUN 11: Irving Theater – Indianapolis, IN
JUN 12: The Token Lounge – Westland, MI
JUN 13: The Arcada Theatre – St Charles, IL
JUN 15: The Wildey Theatre – Edwardsville, IL (2pm Matinee Show)
JUN 15: The Wildey Theatre – Edwardsville, IL (8pm Show)
JUN 18: Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
JUN 19: Daryl’s House – Pawling, NY
SEP 5-8: Nene Valley Rock Festival 2024 – Grimsthorpe, UK
Buy Journey To The Other Side – Live At The Dunellen Theatre June 10, 2023.