|
14
days it takes to record an album like “Rhythm Of Time”. That is, if
your name is
Jordan Rudess, of course. He thought he didn’t have enough
time between recording and touring dates with Dream Theater and he
locked himself into the studio, without any human contact, except
his wife Danielle to leave him his nightly meals.
I
have always a problem with a solo album from a keyboard player. Is
he showing off his skills? Is he giving a demo of what sounds he can
produce? Or is he really playing some wonderful stuff? And “Rhythm
Of Time” leaves me with the same dilemma. The speed and musical and
instrumental talent of Jordan are unbelievable. I often wonder how
many fingers this guy has. But then again, certain tracks are so
speedy and filled up with so many different sounds I’m left with the
feeling of the demonstration again.
“Time Crunch” already is speedy, but I’m getting used to it after a
few auditions. The track has some great drumming and some fine
guitar stuff by Vinnie Moore. It’s a very technical track that turns
into a beautiful song after a while. And once more, the speed of
Jordan breaks all records.
The same can be said about the second track, but this time Satriani
is dealing with the guitar and bass parts. And you get to listen to
a whole bank of sounds again.
“Insectamongus” is one of those tracks to show the whole range of
sounds. A very skilfully played jazzy jam but it gets boring after a
while and lacks any emotion.
”Beyond Tomorrow” is the first of only two vocal tracks on this
album. Kip Winger finally brings the emotion along that I was
somehow missing in the previous tracks. The synth comes up with some
very symphonic sounds after a few minutes. This is by far the best
track of the CD.
”Bar Hopping With Mr Picky”, the title reveals it all, hopping and
picking on keyboards and snares with almost no recognizable melody.
Steve Morse saves the track a bit with a wonderful solo during the
second half.
“What Four” doesn’t start very promising either, but towards the
end, it turns into a great track. Rod Morgenstein can prove his
talent on the drums during “Ra” and Kip brings another vocal
emotional track with Jordan on piano, entitled “Tear Before The
Rain”.
The newest discovery of Jordan is called Daniel J, a wonder kid on
guitar. I think Rudess didn’t need to invite Satriani, Moore, Morse
and Howe because Daniel J could have managed on his own, but of
course, these names give some extra appeal to a solo album.
This album will certainly score high with fans of Dream Theater,
Liquid Tension Experiment, and Jordan Rudess. But if you want to
make sure if this album is your cup of tea, take a listen to some
samples on
http://www.magnacarta.net/releases/rhythmoftime.html |
