Don DiMasi (from his Facebook page)
From Don DiMasi on Fb, 4/07/18: We just watched “Miracles Out of Nowhere”, a documentary about Kansas, the band. I remember seeing the announcement when it first came out, but forgot about it. After talking to 45+ year friend, Steve Padilla today, he recommended it.
I remember when Kansas first appeared. It was 1974, and I was a senior in high school. I was at Dean’s Music Box, the local record store and musical instrument place in Laramie, Wyoming. I liked the artwork on that first album, and bought it because it looked interesting. I never realized the significance of that artwork until today when Steve told me about it. As soon as I heard the opening licks of that record, I already knew the impact they would have on me. And as each subsequent record came out, they were like markers in my own personal musical growth. They had all the essential elements for me: rock guitar licks, compositional magic, symphonic intricacy, vocal prowess, and balls all wrapped up in one band. And they came from the middle of nowhere, which is kind of like where we lived in Wyoming. To this day, I’ll listen to some of that old stuff and think, “Where did THAT come from?”
And it brought back a ton of memories from that time when it was us (my band) against all the odds. We didn’t win in terms of success, but we won the jackpot when it comes to memories of jamming, being on the road, having pals like Steve, and in creating a past that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Ultimately, I still won. Thanks for the great conversation, and for prompting me to relive some truly great times, Steve!