Live albums are not usually my first choice for listening to a band in the confines of my home or car. I prefer the studio version of songs. But with this latest release “Tales from the Netherlands” from the Canadian progressive rock band, Mystery, I may have to change my thinking. This live recording from May of 2013 showcases the emotion and skill of this band. Here’s the line-up that performs on this live set.
– Michel St-Pere / Guitars
– Benoit David / Vocals
– Benoit Dupuis / Keyboards
– Francois Fournier / Bass Guitar
– Sylvain Moineau / Guitars
– Jean-Sébastien Goyette / Drums
I have to single out lead vocalist Benoit David for a few reasons. He sings on this live set and was the lead vocalist from 1999 to 2013. He joined the seminal progressive rock band Yes on their 2008 tour and replaced, if that is the correct word, founding member Jon Anderson. David performed with Yes until 2012. That’s quite a resume! Presumably this recording represents his final performance with Mystery.
The majority on songs here are taken from 3 studio releases; “Beneath the Veil of Winter’s Face” (2007), “One Among the Living” (2010) and “The World Is A Game” (2012).
I know the original premise with this blog was to highlight one particular progressive rock track with each subsequent posting but since I’ve been a fan of this band since 2010 I find it hard to single out just one so I’ll pick two! First up is “Pride.” Written by original band member Michel St-Pere, his soaring lead guitar work is featured here. Supported by the bass groove of Francois Fournier and powerful drumming of Jean Sebastien Goyette this track shifts back and forth from the softer elements of progressive rock to the full force of this band.
Another track to savor is the poignant and reflective “Dear Someone.” The touching lyrics that reach out and grab you;
Beware
Don’t do the same mistakes we made
And pray
Just keep your children loved and safe
The world will find a way
The cut climaxes with the emotional angst of lead vocalist David and the sweet, dual lead guitar work of St-Pere and Moineau.
By now I hope you’ve arrived at the conclusion that I really like this band! Years ago these tracks would be labeled Album Oriented Rock with a progressive rock sensibility. How’s that for a label? But what will stick with me long after hearing these live tracks is that they represent perhaps the farewell performance for a great vocalist, Benoit David and his contributions to this fine band. “Tales from the Netherlands” closes a chapter for Mystery. These live tracks are indeed a fitting showcase.
Click on the Playlist in the video player below and select these 2 or any tracks from this live release. They’re all there. Don’t let the band Mystery be a mystery to you any more!
pluggedin2progressiverock 