Proto-Kaw

Infobox musical artist
Name = Proto-Kaw


Img_capt = Promo shot of Proto-Kaw
Img_size = 250
Landscape = Yes
Background = group_or_band
Alias =
Origin = United States
Genre = Progressive rock
Years_active = 1971–1973 2004–present
Label = Cuneiform InsideOut
Associated_acts = Kansas
URL =
Current_members = John Bolton Kerry Livgren Lynn Meredith Dan Wright Craig Kew Mike Patrum Jake Livgren
Past_members = Zeke Low Rod Mikinski Don Montre Brad Schulz

Proto-Kaw is an American progressive rock band. Featuring Kansas guitarist Kerry Livgren, the group is a reformation of a band formed in the early seventies which served as the direct precursor to Kansas.

History

In the early '70s, the band Kansas went through three transformations. The sound of the band changed along with the group members. The band Kansas was actually the third edition of the band; Proto-Kaw is the reformed second version.

Formed in 1971 and disbanding in 1973, "Kansas II" played mostly original material written by Kansas composer and guitarist Kerry Livgren. After Kansas II broke up, the group went their separate ways with Livgren reaching fame with the more-popular Kansas and the others assuming normal lives. Most did not have any contact with each other for 30 years and many did not play music during this time, until the reformation of the band through the "Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-1973" project. Proto-Kaw reformed later on, with "Before Became After" (2004) being the album they finally get to record.

The band released their second new CD in February, 2006, titled "The Wait of Glory" which features 12 new original songs from writer Kerry Livgren. Coinciding with the album release the band embarked on a European tour, bringing them to four countries in seven days.

Future plans

The band is allegedly in the studio recording their next effort, a collection of new tracks coupled with several previously recorded Livgren tracks interpreted by Proto-Kaw. The recording process began in May 2007; since then, there have been no updates on the album's development.

Band members

Initial band

*Lynn Meredith – vocals
*John Bolton – Electric Saxophone, Flute
*Don Montre – RMI Piano, Flute, Alto Saxophone
*Kerry Livgren – Guitar, Piano
*Dan Wright – Hammond Organ
*Rod Mikinski – Bass
*Zeke Low – drums
*Brad Schulz – drums

Current band

*Lynn Meredith – Vocals, Narration
*John Bolton – Saxophones, Flute
*Kerry Livgren – Guitars, Piano, Keyboards, percussion, Background Vocals
*Dan Wright – Organ, Keyboards, Percussion, Background Vocals
*Craig Kew – Bass, Background Vocals
*Mike Patrum – Drums
*Jake Livgren – Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals

Discography

tudio albums

*"Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-1973" (2002)
*"Before Became After" (2004)
*"The Wait of Glory" (2006)
*"TBA (2008)

External links

* [http://www.proto-kaw.net// official website]
* [http://www.protokaw.com/ alternative official website]
* [http://www.numavox.com/ Kerry Livgren's official website]