John Wetton – Concentus: The John Wetton Live Collection Vol. 1 Review
Hi everyone, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine, and today I’m thrilled to talk about one of the most exciting box set releases for fans of progressive rock and live music: John Wetton’s Concentus: The John Wetton Live Collection Vol. 1.
This beautifully curated set, released by Spirit of Unicorn Music (part of Cherry Red Records), is a 10-CD journey into the live performances of a legendary musician whose voice and songwriting talent left an indelible mark on music.
The Concentus box set is packed with 10 CDs of live recordings, many of which have never been released before or are newly remastered. The set includes classics like:
Chasing the Dragon
Live in Argentina
Acoustic New York
Live in Osaka (Volumes 1 & 2)
Live in Amsterdam (Volumes 1 & 2)
Progfest 1997
Each disc comes in its own sleeve with full track listings on the back, making it easy to navigate the vast amount of material included.
The accompanying booklet is a gem in itself. It features a heartfelt essay, rare photos, and quotes from luminaries like Robert Fripp and Bill Bruford, alongside sleeve notes written by John himself. It’s an insightful look into his career and live performances, giving context to each recording.
While John Wetton is often remembered for his virtuosity in bands like UK, Asia, and King Crimson, this collection emphasises his solo work and live performances. For me, this box set showcases what truly made John so special:
His Voice: A velvety, emotional tone that could convey strength, vulnerability, and passion all at once.
His Songwriting: As Oliver Wakeman once said, “John Wetton’s verses are choruses, and his choruses are on another level entirely.” His songs are dripping with melody and emotion.
The Sound Quality: every recording in this set is stellar.
Some standout performances for me include the Amsterdam recordings and the rare gems from Progfest 1997. And let’s not forget the classic Heat of the Moment, which is always a joy to hear in any setting.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of John Wetton or discovering his music for the first time, Concentus is an essential addition to your collection. It’s reasonably priced for what you get—hours of incredible live music, storytelling, and heartfelt performances from one of the greats.
And remember, this is Volume 1. Don’t miss out because when Volume 2 comes along, you’ll want to have the full set!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
