Music: Forth by Proto-Kaw: Back in the early 1980’s, one of the leading bands of that time was a group called Kansas.  Known for its hit songs such as “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son”, the group’s lead singer, Kerry Livgren, had become a Christian and eventually left the group to start a Christian band called AD.  Several years ago, Livgren and several members of Kansas were reunited and started a group called Proto-Kaw. Their latest project, Forth was released in 2011.  The album is a wonderful combination of songs that is reminiscent of the sounds of the rock groups Chicago, Yes, Jethro Tull, Steely Dan and, of course, Kansas.  Using a wide variety of instruments including guitars, flutes, saxophones, violins, keyboards and synthesizers, Proto-Kaw’s album goes beyond the normal fare heard in many contemporary songs.  Lyrically the album features a vast wealth of beautifully written artistic songs.  When one listens to the songs, they capture the imagination and deal with some creative ways of looking at the spiritual life.  Some of the songs deal with the journey we are on (“Pilgrim’s Wake”). Lyrically the chorus goes like this: “What's begun in the ages now distant/ Will be ended in days now in sight/ And the moment you know where you're going/ Is the moment you enter the fight.” Other songs such as the “Things We Are Breaking.” deal with the falseness of human nature while the rest of the album deals with a variety of spiritual themes.

     It is important to note that this album is not a worship album in the way we would define a worship album.  However, if you are looking for a masterfully written, deep with spiritual meaning album by one of the most talented Christian musicians then Forth is a real treat.