“Kansas is a band.” That’s been the motto of the legendary American progressive rock band since the formation of the classic lineup in 1973. Known for their unique sound that mixed violin and Southern rock-style boogie with the influences of English progressive rock bands such as complex time changes and chord progressions, Kansas have experienced the ups and downs of the music business throughout their 50-year history. The band experienced a resurgence in recent years. Following the retirement in 2014 of original lead singer Steve Walsh, Kansas restaffed with lead vocalist Ronnie Platt, as well as keyboardist-vocalist Tom Brislin (who became a member in 2018). They join longtime members Billy Greer (bass, vocals) and David Ragsdale (violin, guitar), along with founding members Phil Ehart (drums) and Richard Williams (lead guitar) in the current six-piece lineup.
Kansas emerged from a 16-year hiatus of recording new material in 2016 with The Prelude Implicit, followed by The Absence of Presence in 2020. (The lineup for both albums included guitarist, producer and songwriter Zak Rizvi, who left Kansas in 2021.)
As part of the celebration of the band’s golden anniversary, their record label InsideOut has released a three-CD retrospective set, Another Fork in the Road, that features hits and deep tracks from throughout Kansas’ recording career along with a new version of the first song from the group’s eponymous debut album in 1974, “Can I Tell You.”
Goldmine recently had the opportunity to chat with Ehart, who had been temporarily sidelined from the band’s full touring schedule, about the new CD set, the history of Kansas (the band, not the state) and where the group go from here.
GOLDMINE: I hear you had to sit out a few shows recently. How’ve you been feeling?
Well, I’m still nursing it. I sprained my left elbow, and I’m just having to be patient and let it heal. And I’m not a very patient person, probably like most men. The doctor tells you to take it easy. And the first thing you do is go out and play 2-1/2 hours’ worth of drums. But I am being careful, and I really appreciate you asking. Thank you very much.
