This was a very unheralded event-UK playing their first show in 33 years. Advertising? None. Anticipation among the faithful? High. What would Jobson, Wetton and Bozzio bring to the stage?
Previous 'almost' reunion shows gave a hint of what to expect. But this show, the second of the tour, was quite uneven. It really felt like the third night of rehearsals for a big tour. The major problem was the failure of Eddie Jobson's keyboards. During one of the several gear failures, Jobson admitted that his two keyboards were running four laptops. So that means there were exactly zero, repeat, zero synths onstage. Latency ( a note sounding long after a key is hit) and unexpected swells and drops in volumes, both traditional problems with running a laptop rig were embarrassingly in plentiful evidence. The duet version of Fallen Angel by King Crimson was particularly affected.
Wetton was in fine vocal form ( it is early in the tour) and was able to hit many of the higher register notes that he can miss in other projects (see: Asia) He was also solid on bass, but seemed confused at times by the keyboard failures. Bozzio, a madman under even calm circumstances, was a frenzy of activity and energy, perhaps reacting to the perceived unevenness of the set.
By the end, they hit their groove. Smoke and rosin flew off Eddie's bow as they grew in familiarity into the unit they once were. Freed of keyboard constraints, the violin, bass and drums trio lit up the sky. But only for ten minutes.
Message to Jobson: bring a real keyboard rig. Although all original sounds were meticulously sampled, the results were not consistent. At least have some rack mounted gear backstage. A large vintage keyboard or two is also a good idea. Your fans deserve better.
Side note: the next show is canceled. Gear problems being solved hopefully.