Rise

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rise" by Steve Walsh, a powerful track from his 2005 solo album Shadowman, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the heavy, progressive vibe. This song kicks off the album with a cinematic intensity, opening with strings and pounding drums that give way to a prog-metal onslaught. Trivia about "Rise" highlights its unique energy: Walsh himself has said the song was born from a desire to channel raw, unfiltered emotion, drawing inspiration from his years of personal and musical evolution. In a 2005 interview with Sea of Tranquility, Walsh described how he spent a year perfecting the track at home on his Macintosh, obsessing over every detail to create a sound that felt both epic and intimate. The song features standout drumming by Joe Franco, formerly of Twisted Sister, whose relentless beats nearly steal the show, and a masterful guitar solo by Joel Kosche of Collective Soul, played over a slowing tempo for dramatic effect. Fans on the Steve Walsh Fan Club Facebook group often rave about Walsh’s surprising growls in the chorus, a bold departure from his classic Kansas vocals, showing his willingness to push boundaries.

Another tidbit about "Rise" comes from its production: Walsh collaborated with Symphony X’s Michael Romeo, who added orchestral flourishes that give the track its war-movie-like grandeur. According to a post on the fan site Prog Archives, Walsh recorded most of the album in his home studio, a process he found liberating after years of working within Kansas’s structured environment. He shared in a rare X post from his official account that “Rise” was one of the first songs he wrote for Shadowman, inspired by a late-night jam session where he felt “the music just took over.” The song’s aggressive tone and intricate layering reflect Walsh’s aim to break free from expectations, a theme echoed in reviews on VintageRock.com, which praised the track for its “cool distorted vocals” and Kansas-like orchestration at its close. For Zoo Freaks digging the song’s intensity, it’s a testament to Walsh’s ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his progressive rock roots.

Steve Walsh’s journey to becoming a rock icon began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was born on June 15, 1951. Growing up, he was drawn to music early, teaching himself piano and singing in local bands. His big break came in the early 1970s when he joined White Clover, a Topeka-based group that eventually became the third iteration of Kansas after signing with Don Kirshner’s label. Walsh’s commanding voice and keyboard skills helped shape Kansas’s signature progressive rock sound, leading to hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” His early years were marked by relentless gigging in Midwest clubs, honing a stage presence that his official website describes as “the engine that propelled Kansas.” Walsh’s ability to connect with audiences earned him praise from legendary radio programmer John Sebastian, who noted on Walsh’s site that Kansas with Walsh was “one of the most underrated bands of all time.”

Before Kansas, Walsh played in several Topeka bands, but it was his joining of White Clover that set the stage for his rise. The band’s transformation into Kansas and their breakthrough with 1976’s Leftoverture cemented Walsh’s place in rock history. Over the years, he released solo albums like 1980’s Schemer-Dreamer and 2000’s Glossolalia, showcasing his versatility. His official social media accounts—Facebook, Instagram, and X—offer glimpses into his creative process and occasional throwbacks to his Kansas days. Fans can also connect on the Steve Walsh Fan Club Facebook group or explore detailed discographies on Prog Archives and Rate Your Music. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks’ love for Walsh alive, celebrating his legacy as a vocal powerhouse and musical innovator.