Search - Neal Morse :: Live

A magic night in Berlin with Christian prog

Bodhi Heeren | Copenhagen | 11/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Neal Morse is a talented multi-instrumentalist and a gifted composer, though his songlines tend to sound very alike. But first of all his an engaging, manic and charismatic performer, as evidenced on his "Testimony Live"-DVD. Emanating a profound and apparently hard-earned spirituality. And of course known from his many years with Spock's Beard and as part of the seminal Transatlantic, one of the greatest prog-units ever.



Here he is caught live a summer night in Berlin 07/14/06 with a band comprising of young (and rather wierd-looking) Dutchmen. Playing the whole of the "?"-album. One could feel tentative wether these umknown musicians could recreate an album played by giants like Roine Stolt and Mike Portnoy. But they not only re-create it, they actually take it far beyond the studio-version, just as an authentic live-recording should.



And while Collin Leijenaar might lack the authority and sheer technically brilliance of Portnoy, he certainly is a monster drummer. In fact all musicians plays great, with enthusiasm and the instrumental finesse required to play the intricate music of Neal. Not least the very solid and inventive bassplayer Wilco van Esschoten. They all might sound a bit stiff the first 3-4 numbers, but then everything start to gel and built up to some very high moments. Great solos, fine interplay, very strong backing vocals, not least thanks to the only female in the band Jessica Koomen.



We also get a healthy dose of songs from the strong "One" album, including "King Jesus", originally only on the bonus-disc. And a snippet of the beautiful Transatlantic-anthem "We All Need Some Light".



Neal probably wouldn't be Neal if we didn't get a little sermon/rap, this time based on Ezekiel and the dry bones in the desert, and his little son Wil singing on "Cradle To The Grave".



Magnificient stuff that should appeal to all fans of progressive music, intelligent metal and heartfelt and inventive music. And of course fans of classic rock as Neal always have been musically inspired by Pink Floyd and Yes.



And you sure don't have to be a Christian to enjoy it. (Personally I wouldn't mind to see Neal someday embrace a more universal spirituality, less obsessed with sin and devil).



"

Neal does ? live justice with newly assembled band

Livingstill | Meadville, PA. | 12/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First review says much that I would write. instead, I'll just say that Collin is a great drummer. So if you're afraid that you won't like it because Mike Portnoy isn't on this one, well, chances are you'll be able to appreciate an excellent up-and-coming drummer when you hear him. Collin can hold his own and has a unique, driving style. The song '12' is a good example of that. The second disc is just as good as the first, if not better. 5 stars because it has taken over my car cd player for 3 weeks. Period."