Asia wows Tokyo in 'Fantasia' concert

There were huge screams as Asia performed "Only Time Will Tell" last March in Tokyo. And time was of the essence during that concert, which has been captured on DVD as "Fantasia Live in Tokyo."

Released by Eagle Vision, the disc documents the original Asia lineup playing in the Shinjuku Koseinenkin Hall.

That's right, you prog-rock fans. Keyboardist Geoffrey Downes, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Carl Palmer and bassist/vocalist John Wetton regrouped for a tour, and by all accounts, the Tokyo show was one of the best during that outing.

As many of you know, Asia was a 1980s supergroup featuring members from Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and the Buggles. The idea was to create single-length progressive music, unlike most Yes and ELP tunes. It was a hit, and Asia's self-titled 1982 debut was a No. 1 album and remained at the top spot for nine weeks.

While time has touched the faces of the musicians (Howe looks like a frazzled Hugo Weaving), the band's collective musicianship is still technically clean, tight and melodic. And to see these elder statesman of rock cranking it out is nothing short of inspirational.

The nostalgic sounds of "Heat of the Moment," "Sole Survivor," the aforementioned "Only Time Will Tell," "Here Comes the Feeling," "Wildest Dreams" and "Don't Cry" ring out with trademark Asia bomblast.

In addition to the Asia hits, the band throws out a few surprises — Yes' "Roundabout," King Crimson's "Court of the Crimson King," ELP's "Fanfare for the Common Man" and the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star."

The beauty of the live performance is the lack of big sets and extravagant lighting displays. Instead the music is the sole focus, although there are three small video screens that provide close-ups of each band member.

Of course, Howe and Palmer have their noted solos, but the other two are able to show off their finesse throughout the performance. And Lake's lower-scale tenor is still as crisp as it was back in the '70s. In fact, the songs sound just as current now as they did 25 years ago.

Bonus interviews offer insight into how the band regrouped and what sparked the reunion.

"Fantasia: Live in Tokyo" is a nice little gift to '80s music fans and prog-rock fans across the board.

The band looks older but the music is timeless.

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com