Search - Wetton, Downes :: Icon-Acoustic TV Broadcast

Maybe the Best Duo in Rock

B. Cox | Union, KY | 11/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"John Wetton and Geoff Downes may very well be the best duo in rock music! Obviously, I have been an Asia fan since 1982 and their first release, but their Icon incarnation continues to amaze me. The first Icon release is one of the best CDs I have bought in years. At first, I was hesitant to buy this because it had many songs from the recent Icon release and many of their Asia hits, which I just wasn't sure how they would come out on an acoustic live CD. All I can say is WOW - these tunes sound equally as good as thier original versions, though naturally the acoustic version have different arrangements in many cases. I must say that I was a little weary of all of the airplay Heat of the Moment got in the 80's and since then, but this new version blows the old one away and is probably the best song on here. The new songs mix very well on here with all of the Asia classics. The only reason I give this CD 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the lack of new material."

Sublime Ethereal Release...

Tigran Haas | Stockholm, Sweden | 06/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though there is nothing new in terms of songs (Asia & Icon releases), nontheless this combination has worked perfectly. The 2 era songs blend so nicely, in such a monastic light and ambient romantic fashion that you cannot believe this is from two different times. Of course the genius and magic of Wetton/Downes is behind this and it's perfect. Surely we have heard numerous versions of Asia acoustic versions from John but in this fashion they do get a new, revamp life with Icon pieces. The whole feel is very classical and once again shows that this duo and ASIA were an occurence, a magical happening that will never be repeated again in pop/rock music. Let's just look forward to the reunion this fall. This is a must buy for fan of Asia, John Wetton and ICON. Not the DVD but the CD!"

Wetton-Downes "Acoustic TV Broadcast" CD 2006 (ASIA)

Marc A. Valentino | Philadelphia, PA | 10/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2006 live acoustic release contains a solid 7-8 ASIA hits from their first 3 releases with the original line-up, penned by Wetton & Downes. It also includes another 4-5 solo songs from John & Geoff, as well as 1 bonus track not included as part of the live UK TV Broadcast performance. Superior sound quality and no TV audience noise was a welocme surprise. Wetton, who's vocal's are still fantastic, and Downes, are joined by cello player Hugh McDowell for a 100% acoustic set of all 13 tracks. Downes piano work, in some cases mimicking the guitar or bass lines from the originals, are dead-on and compelling. The re-arrangement and haunting melody on this version of "Heat Of The Moment" transforms this classic into a touching ballad without losing the familiar flow of the original arrangement and the backround vocals sound identical to ASIA's original line-up. The synthesized strings added to "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" adds an "Eleanornor Rigby" quality to an already great song. There was no talk or buzz about this 2006 release in the U.S. which is unfortunate, as any fan of the orignial ASIA will immediately fall in love with these acoustic versions of ASIA classics! A five-star addition to any fan's ASIA cd collection and a must have for die-hard fans of the original incarnation of this 1980's iconic "supergroup.""