[progdirjim(Admin)]

Day 2, Thursday, day time show.

First band, Djamra. A Japanese quintet of bass, drums, guitar, keys and sax. Kind of a RIO/jazz/metal band. VERY interesting, talented, and enjoyable. They had what I am going to call the typical Japanese prog sincerity on stage - they obviously enjoy what they do. The rocking geisha video girl was a nice touch. I'm going to try and add them to the Moon... Next up, 2112 from Argentina. As you might guess from their name, a definite Rush influence. Pretty good too. The drummer wasn't Neil Peart, but then, who is? Nothing I heard was derivative, and the vocals were way different that Geddy's, but something about the arrangements was definitely reminiscent of Rush. My brother arrived in time for them, and afterwards, some wine and Italian food was on the menu.

Day 2, Thursday, evening show.

Omni from Spain was up first - a very nice symphonic band with guitar/keys/winds in addition to bass/drums. Very pretty music, melodic, and nice interest in arrangements. I bought two of their CDs so look for them soon. One of my favorite bands of the festival. Then Rocket Scientists - Erik Norlander is a great keyboardist in the Emerson style, but a gifted enough composer to have his own voice. Mark McCrrite is a solid guitarist, and Don Schiff on bass and stick adds a lot. Erik's wife Lana Lane sang on a few songs, adding a nice counterpoint to Mark's vocals. Good, heavyish organ based prog. Last up was New Trolls, and Italian band from the classic band that has actually been mostly under my radar, and that's a shame as they are GREAT. Typical keyboard based Italian prog, with guitar, and winds. All 6 band members sing (IIRC), so vocal harmonies and arrangements were also complex and nice. THey were a last minute substitution for Banco, who cancelled for health reasons. I was not disappointed (having seen Banco before...)