(Eagle Rock Entertainment; 125 mins)

www.eaglerockent.com

BY LEE ZIMMERMAN

It would seem a formidable task to encapsulate two decades' worth of music into a pair of discs and two dozen tracks. Yet, Marillion's latest live entry makes the case that at least it's a worthy ambition. In summing up Marillion's progress following the transition from original singer Fish to the recordings chaired by current front man Steve Hogarth, Live From Cadogan Hall holds together remarkably well, each track segueing seamlessly into the next with a consistent tone and tempo.  Although the songs often begin with little more than a pluck on a keyboard or the simple strum of an acoustic guitar, they still manage to accentuate the anthemic tension rippling just below the surface. 

Ironically, when original singer Fish sang with the band during their formative years, Marillion's prog-rock ambitions were stunted by the widely held perception they were little more than a poor man's Genesis, thanks to the confluence of keyboards, the soaring platitudes and the singer's striking similarity in style to Peter Gabriel. These days, the band lacks those previous pretensions, but their sprawling arrangements and stirring sentiments remain intact.  Songs like "Interior Lulu," "The Space," "This is the 21^st Century," "Beautiful" and "You're Gone" translate remarkably well from the studio to the stage, with melodies that maintain their dramatic impact while still striking a visceral connection with the audience. The DVD makes this all too clear; with its striking lighting effects and the inherent grandeur of the venue, sights and sounds meld to maximum effect. Fortunately for the novice, each entry is given an affusive introduction, including the identification of the album where the track initially appeared.

If this was the Marillion of old, the accessibility factor might not have been as clearly defined. Yet, given the lithe touch applied to their musical musings, Marillion proves they can tone down the grandeur and go for the gut. (Note: the concert is also available from Eagle as a standalone two-disc CD set.)