For those not in the know, the late Robby Steinhardt and Solar Studios announce Robby’s first and only solo recording, Not in Kansas Anymore: A Prog Opera, releasing October 25th, 2021.

You know him as the legendary violinist, vocalist and front man for the band KANSAS, recording 9 albums which reached gold, platinum and double platinum status, and is now making another mark on the world with his first and only solo album.

The new album, Not in Kansas Anymore is a powerful, well thought-out offering of Prog Rock magic. Timely songs with incredible arrangements and virtuoso performances. Robby’s vocals and signature electric violin come through on this continuous work labeled a “Prog Opera”.

1. Tempest
2. Truth to Power (Only Truth Can Change the World)
3. Mother Earth (Is Calling You)
4. Rise of the Phoenix (Climb to Grace)
5. The Phoenix
6. Prelude
7. Dust In the Wind
8. Pizzacotto – (A Slice for Baby Boy Flynn)
9. Downtown Royalty
10. Not in Kansas Anymore
11. A Prayer for Peace (Bonus Track)

With Steinhardt’s only full-length music releases outside of Kansas having been with the mid ‘90s project Steinhardt-Moon (composed of himself and guitarist Rick Moon), here on the heartfelt prog rock of his one and only solo album, he comes out the gates in fine style on the earnest Tempest and the drivingly compelling Truth to Power (Only Truth Can Change the World).

Next up is the languishing beauty of Mother Earth (Is Calling You) and the prog rock duo of both Rise of the Phoenix (Climb to Grace) and The Phoenix, which are in turn backed by the eagerly flourishing Prelude and then we get a reworked, orchestral remake of the classic, and always immense hit Dust In the Wind.

The Celtic stylings found playfully within Pizzacotto – (A Slice for Baby Boy Flynn) are up next with that track being backed by the sweepingly gorgeous Downtown Royalty, the album rounding out on the free flowing Not in Kansas Anymore, coming to a righteous close on the wondrously emphatic, gently rousing bonus track, A Prayer for Peace.

In his only interview for the project, he spoke with Bill Shafer of PBS. Steinhardt was asked what the meaning behind the title Not in Kansas Anymore was. Steinhardt responded, “It’s no slight against the band, no never! My time with Kansas defined a big part of my life, of which I am very proud of. Ever since The Wizard of OZ, those words have become an American axiom for moving forward, you can never go back etc.” Robby laughed, “I guess it has a special meaning when it is fixed to me.”

The album, produced by Michael Thomas Franklin, is his latest production since the highly acclaimed Jon Anderson 1000 Hands Chapter One. Franklin used a similar approach using a large cast of renown musicians to lend their talents.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Steve Morse of Deep Purple/Dixie Dregs, Billy Cobham of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones, Liberty Devitto (Drummer on Billy Joel’s hits), Jim Gentry, Pat Travers, Billy Ashbaugh (Moody Blues/Pat Benatar), Lisa Fischer (longtime vocalist for The Rolling Stones), 1000 Hands members Michael Franklin, Tommy Calton, Tim Franklin, Jocelyn Hsu, Rayford Griffin and Benoit Lajeunesse and many others including Orchestra and Choir.

The songs provide powerful lyrics, hard to forget choruses, combined with crafty playing. All this combined with Franklin’s lavish and complicated arrangements makes listening to Not in Kansas Anymore a wonderful hour well spent.

The stunning album artwork created by Tom Lupo of Magnificent Pictures and subliminal song quotes from the Wizard of OZ, are another added feature to this complex Prog Opera. Currently four videos are in the works.

Steinhardt was in a reborn state of mind in the months prior to finishing the record. He and wife Cindy were looking forward to a new chapter in their lives. He had started rehearsals and was preparing to hit the road in August when he became ill in May.

Robby’s musical vision, voice and violin lives on with his first and only solo album, Not in Kansas Anymore! Release was delayed due to Steinhardt’s passing July 17th, 2021.

Robby Steinhardt - Not In Kansas Anymore [Official Promo]

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