Band: Glass Hammer

DVD Title: “Live at the Tivoli”

Label: Arion Records

Release Date: 2008

Glass Hammer have performed live a mere three times in the last three years, so for someone like me, the only way to see the band in a live setting is to see it on DVD and fortunately the last of those three performances has now been released; Glass Hammer – Live at the Tivoli. This show was performed and recorded in 2006 at the historic Tivoli theatre in the band’s hometown of Chattanooga Tennessee. The new DVD shares only 4 songs with their previous DVD Live at Belmont so we get to hear and see quite a few different songs for the first time.

Glass Hammer over the past while has settled nicely into a well oiled group. The core of the band Steve Babb and Fred Schendel are again joined by Matt Medians (drums), David Wallimann (lead guitar), Carl Groves (lead vocals), and Susie Bogdanowicz, Flo Paris and Bethany Warren (vocals). As well the band is accompanied by the Adonia String Trio and the 150 member Lee University Choral Union.

The song selection for this performance includes: 2 songs from Lex Rex [A Cup of Trembling and Heroes and Dragons], 2 songs from Shadowlands [Run Lisette and Longer] and then 3 selections from The Inconsolable Secret [Lirazel, Knight of the North and Having Caught a Glimpse]. To this set list they’ve added “Eiger Dream”, “Beati Quorum Via” and the encore “South Side of the Sky”. In all a total of 100 minutes of music. Live at the Tivoli is once again presented in 5.1 stereo and was filmed with more cameras than I could count. This time around the lights are more dramatic with the use of at least 9-Vari-light styled spots all constantly moving and changing colours. It’s amazing what just a few of these lights can do to enhance the dramatic effect of a band’s performance. As on previous DVD’s nothing is lost in the mix, all instruments are balanced, vocals are crisp and even the choir is heard clearly. The 5.1 mix allows for some interesting strings showing up in the rear speakers or the odd guitar solo being panned around the room. The only technical glitch that I could see was the drum audio not synching up correctly with the video during the track “Having Caught a Glimpse”.

Glass Hammer is one of the top symphonic prog bands around today. I just love their epic scale writing style. The great thing about watching a band on a DVD is that you come to really appreciate the musicianship and performance style because rather than just hearing the sounds you get to see the steps required to make them, whether that’s a drum sequence, a keyboard run or a guitar solo. Live at the Tivoli is the perfect setting for Glass Hammer’s Yes and ELP influenced prog style. If you’re a fan of the symphonic prog style this is a must purchase. I highly recommend it.