NEAL MORSE: ?

Cover	Release	Style
	2005-10-24	Progressive rock
	Label
	SPV / Inside Out
	Website
	Neal Morse
	Contact

	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	56:28	SPV 48622 CD / IOMCD 226
	Review by	Rating
	Edwin	9,5/10
nederlands	Review
I’m sure that many of us thought Neal Morse was lost to the world of prog rock when he left Spock’s Beard in order to dedicate his life to the Lord. We needn’t have worried. The oddly titled “?” is already his third prog solo album since his departure, and it proves he’s still at the forefront of the progressive rock scene. If you know Morse’s work in Spock’s Beard or Transatlantic, or his previous solo albums, this new one won’t bring many surprises. This is vintage Neal Morse, with all ingredients we have come to know and love of him: symphonic bombast, alternated with more introspective segments, Beatles-like melodies, Yes, Genesis and Gentle Giant influences, great harmony vocals, quirky bits, the odd jazzy passages, exotic interludes,… All this carried by his warm voice and his fantastic keyboard work. Of course, his faith is all Morse writes about these days, and that might become a bit wearisome for those with different beliefs. I, for one, don’t mind. This isn’t the preachy ‘convert or be damned’- type of lyrics, but an intelligent story about the mysteries of God and the search for the Tabernacle, the biblical dwelling place of God. As I mentioned before, “?” is a concept album. In fact, this could be considered one long song; the individual tracks are fantastic in their own right, but are greatly enhanced when viewed in the context of the concept. The beautiful “Temple Of The Living God” theme recurs frequently between the opening and the grand finale. The short “The Glory Of The Lord” is impressive, with its massive choir and orchestral backing (slightly reminiscent of the intro to Pendragon’s “The Masquerade Overture”). This bombast is nicely balanced by the next track, the acoustic “Outside Looking In”. “12” will bring a smile to many a Beard fan’s face, and the frantic instrumental part will have them jump with joy, and others drop their jaws in amazement. Other outstanding tracks are “In The Fire” and “Deliverance”. Morse has gathered an impressive assembly of musicians for his new album. His pal Mike Portnoy is back on board and he has brought along his Dream Theater bandmate Jordan Rudess. Guitarists are The Flower Kings’ Roine Stolt, Steve Hackett (!) and Neal’s brother Alan, making the Spock’s Beard sound even more obvious. This is probably exactly the album that Spock’s Beard would have made if Morse had stayed with them – in fact, it might even have been one of their top albums. Fans of the old Beard can buy this blindfolded. “?” is another brilliant album by Morse - it’s definitely better than “One” and in my opinion even matches his masterpiece “Testimony”. Some might argue that Morse is repeating himself, and while that may be true, I, for one, am happy that Morse can still churn out these kinds of classics.
Musicians
Neal Morse: vocals, keyboards, guitars Jordan Rudess: Keyboards Mike Portnoy: Drums Randy George: Bass Steve Hackett: Guitars Alan Morse: Guitars Roine Stolt: Guitars Mark Leninger: Saxophone
Tracklist
The Temple Of The Living God Another World The Outsider Sweet Elation In The Fire Solid As The Sun The Glory Of The Lord Outside looking In 12 Deliverance Inside His Presence The Temple Of The Living God
Discography
Neal Morse (1999) Merry Christmas From The Morse Family (2000) It's Not Too Late (2001) Testimony (2003) Testimony Live (2003 – dvd) One (2004) Lead Me Lord (Worship Sessions Volume 1) (2005) ? (2005)


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