The band that brought symphonic rock to the masses with the eternal likes of “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust In The Wind” and so many more throughout eight gold and three sextuple-platinum albums keeps crafting in that sophisticated, thought-provoking tradition throughout its latest studio endeavor, “The Absence Of Presence.”

And though Kansas can’t quite unveil those songs on stage until post-pandemic plans are finalized, at least there’s the double album, “Point Of Know Return: Live And Beyond,” coming May 28 to tide faithful over, which like “Leftoverture: Live And Beyond” before it, tackles both the classic collection in its entirety, alongside an assortment of extras.

In the meantime, Chicago Concert Reviews swapped exchanges with drummer Phil Ehart, who’s been with the group from its earliest note in 1970, about all the activities surrounding a rejuvenated line-up that also features co-founding guitarist Rich Williams, longtime bassist Billy Greer and violinist David Ragsdale, plus newer recruits Zak Rizvi on guitar, Tom Brislin behind the keys and Illinois’ own Ronnie Platt up front.

Did you have the album title picked prior to the era of social distancing or did it come in response to the pandemic?  

Ehart: That title was chosen a solid year before the pandemic. While I was sitting at airports, traveling from city to city, I noticed lots of people always on phones, iPads, computers, etc. They were there…but they weren’t really there, hence the title.

Where does this project fit within the prior Kansas catalogue?

Ehart: We never approach a new project in relation to the past or prior catalogue. The music is new. It’s just been written. It’s exciting! Then you have the reception of our fans to the new music, once it is released. This album was very well received by our fans.

This collection is coming on the heels of “The Prelude Implicit,” which was warmly received and regarded as being an update to your classic sound. Your thoughts?

Ehart: That album was our first one of new material in 16 years! That span between records would definitely classify as an “update!” It surpassed all our expectations.

“The Absences Of Presence” is your second album with Ronnie Platt as the lead singer. What has he and the other newer members brought to the band?    

Ehart: Newer members can’t always be relied upon to bring new blood and a new energy to a long established band like Kansas. But in the case of this album and our live shows, the proof is in the music one hears. The newer members, Ronnie, Tom, and Zak, have flat knocked it out of the park!

What are your reflections on the previous singers, Steve Walsh and John Elefante?

Ehart: Both great singers in their own right. Steve, to me, is one of the greatest rock singers of all time. 

What elements have kept the continuity going in Kansas, regardless of members?

Ehart: I think one of the band’s greatest elements is our work ethic. Nothing says continuity like working all the time. Since day one, Kansas has been a working band. We always have been.

Do you have any concerts you played around the Chicago area that have stuck in your memory bank?

Ehart: Playing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was very special. Playing with Queen in Chicago was fantastic. And recently headlining the Chicago Theatre will be a concert we’ll always remember. Chicago has always been a great city for Kansas.

Why do you think the anniversary projects you’ve been performing in their entirety as of late, “Leftoverture” and “Point Of Know Return,” have stood the test of time? 

Ehart: We had no idea these concerts would be so successful! We thought we’d pick ten cites and perform these albums in their entirety and that would be it. We had no idea we’d play 80 shows of “Leftoverture!” We were on our way to surpass that number with “Point Of Know Return” when the pandemic hit. Hopefully we’ll return to that tour soon.

You guys seem excessively overdue for being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. How does that sit with you?

Ehart: It would be nice to be inducted, but we’re not done yet, so I don’t really dwell on it. If it happens, it happens, but no breath is being held…

Here’s a random bonus finale. What were the circumstances surrounding being Rush’s drummer for a day and how did that go?

Ehart: [Guitarist] Alex [Lifeson] and [singer/bassist/keyboardist] Geddy [Lee], at my invitation, were at a music/tennis charity event that I was hosting [in 1990]. The event culminated with a concert that also involved some jamming. It was just a few songs that the three of us played, but we had a blast. A great memory with longtime friends.

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For additional information on Kansas, visit KansasBand.com.