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New Album by Kansas Soars High On Billboard Album Charts

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 07/30/2020


The Absence of Presence, the recently released, new studio album from America's legendary progressive rock band, KANSAS, made an impressive charting debut on the Billboard album charts. In the US alone, the album currently holds the #4 spot for Current Rock Albums, #5 Internet Albums, #10 Billboard Top Albums, and #10 Top Current Albums. Worldwide, 'The Absence of Presence' came in at the top spot for Sweden Rock/Metal Albums Chart, #2 for UK Rock Albums, and #4 Switzerland Albums Chart.

Released to fan and critical acclaim, The Absence of Presence is now available to stream and purchase online. The album has been widely praised for its musicianship and dedication to classic KANSAS sound. Publications from Forbes, and Billboard to American Songwriter, critics have called it one of the best albums in the KANSAS catalogue.

Previous to the album's release, the band released songs and music videos for the singles "Memories Down the Line", "Jets Overhead", and "Throwing Mountains".

"Now that The Absence of Presence has officially been released, we are excited for fans to finally hear the entire album," commented lead vocalist Ronnie Platt. "The band is very proud of the album and grateful for KANSAS fans' support of it. Hopefully it gives fans something to sink their teeth into and enjoy until we can get back out performing concerts."

The Absence of Presence follows-up 2016's The Prelude Implicit, which debuted at #14 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart. KANSAS has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and is famous for classic hits such as 'Carry On Wayward Son' and 'Dust in the Wind' to the progressive epic 'Song for America.'




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Released by Inside Out Music, the album features nine all new tracks written by the band, produced by Zak Rizvi, and co-produced by Phil Ehart and RichardWilliams. KANSAS's signature sound is unmistakable throughout. The album showcases Ronnie Platt's towering vocals, David Ragsdale's searing violin, Jersey native Tom Brislin's dazzling keyboards, Williams and Rizvi's electrifying guitar riffs, Ehart's powerful drums, and Billy Greer's rocking bass.

New Jersey Stage spoke with Tom Brislin about joining the legendary band and building his prog rock credentials with acts like Yes, Camel, Renaissance, and The Sea Within in Issue 73.

The album is available on CD, Double LP 180 Gram Vinyl, Limited Edition Deluxe CD + 5.1 Blu-Ray Artbook, and digitally on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all other streaming services. To stream or purchase, please click here. 




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Toad the Wet Sprocket: Rings: The Acoustic Tour

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Here Come the Mummies

Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ


The Sixties Show

Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ


Croce Plays Croce

Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Dead To The Core

Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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