Our good friend Jim Harrel at Calprog is putting on the prog extravaganza of the year! Neal says, "Mike recently became available in May and I knew TFK were in the states for Rosfest so I sent a few emails and now...well, here we are with a gig in L.A.! We had such a great time on the European run and we all feel it is a very special show and want to share it with our friends in the states. I just wish we could do more...."
When:
Each day will have 2 sessions:
March 16 2:00pm - 4:00pm, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
March 17 2:00pm - 4:00pm, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Why?
To gather together and explore and experience God through his spirit and his word. There will be music, speaking, fellowship and an open forum to share what God is doing. Our desire is to go deeper into the Holy Spirit and be transformed by the power of Jesus Christ living and acting among us. Come and be with us!!
Nashville, TN-When progressive rock icon Neal Morse was preparing to tour his highly acclaimed 2012 studio release, "Momentum," he turned to YouTube to audition touring players to support his faithful duo of Mike Portnoy (drums) and Randy George (bass).
He had high hopes, but the final players selected from more than 70 applicants dramatically surpassed his expectations. They hit the road for an 8-stop North American tour. And now that band's epic New York performance is captured on the new "Live Momentum" 2DVD/3CD Box Set.
Fortified by the energetic live contributions of Eric Gillette (keyboards, guitars, vocals), Bill Hubauer (key-boards, violin, sax, vocals) and Adson Sodré (guitar and vocals), Morse, Portnoy and George blazed through two lengthy sets that spanned Morse's entire, highly-heralded catalog, with the exception of material from "Testimony 2," which was previously captured in 2011's "Testimony 2: Live in Los Angeles" box set.
The setlist is mammoth. The players are virtuosic. Their performances are jaw-dropping. And this dynamic box set documents it all-including a special one-hour behind the scenes look at the tour.
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It's a Morse tradition to go big, and this new release unquestionably extends his powerful legacy of merging musical madness with addictive melodies in epic compositions that showcase the masterful musicianship of every member on stage.
"Live Momentum" reveals the exceptionally inspired nature of this unique band and leaves listeners and viewers mimicking those in the audience on this tour-shaking their heads and wondering, "How could they possibly top that?"
This ENORMOUS 2 DVD / 3CD set includes over 4 hours of video, including and exclusive Tour Documentary and over 3 hours of audio.
To celebrate "INSIDE OUT MUSIC 20 YEARS ANNIVERSARY" Progressive rock superstars NEAL MORSE and ROINE STOLT take both their bands on a world tour together in selected cities, in spring 2013, for an evening of sunny symphonic prog. Two bands will share the stage – THE FLOWER KINGS with epic new album "Banks Of Eden" and NEAL MORSE with his latest top shelf prog-rocking offering "Momentum" - this double bill will offer an evening of some of the best, most energetic and most melodic and vital progressive rock on the planet since the heyday of ELP, Pink Floyd, Yes and Genesis!
With two members of Transatlantic it is not far away to a Transatlantic mini reunion as grand finale!
ROINE comments: "We hope to make every evening special - with jamming and interacting - a modern "The Last Waltz" that can happen with 11 musicians, no egos and 3,5 hours to kill. There were the times of Fillmore East & Fillmore West in the USA in late 60's, it had all these insanely great bills every time, it's rock history and it’s been in our system since we were teenagers. With The Flower Kings we have fans seeing 4 or 5 shows of a tour and we want to surprise them too. We love our fans dearly and we even know many of them, not only by face, but by name. Those smiling faces are the true reward and it's like seeing old friends. I know so many fans in Peru, Argentina, Indonesia, Greece, Israel, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Canada, Finland, Norway etc. want to see a show like this, but for geographic, political or health reasons don't have the chance or funds to get to a show like this. But we want to step into their living rooms and bring this joy to everyone, every age so we are planning to record the show, for a future release. Just having 11 musicians on tour together will be great - the sheer musicality onboard that bus will most likely make it implode. We are all looking forward to this grand adventure in February 2013 and to play together and bring all this talent together for a night to remember."
Neal Morse has once again compiled the artistic mayhem for a Christmas album like no other! Featuring the genius of Neal Morse, Steve Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt, Steve Hackett and MANY more! Now available in CD, mp3 and WAV files and all on www.radiantrecords.com.
Nashville, TN—Coming off of a highly successful 2011 marked by the release of the critically acclaimed "Testimony 2" and an enthusiastically attended tour throughout the U.S., Mexico and Europe, Neal Morse could easily have justified going on a creative hiatus to catch his breath. But that would fly in the face of his convictions and the sense that he is being led to build upon the swell of success he is experiencing.
In January 2012, Morse was pondering the possibilities of a change in direction. After all, it had been a decade since he left the progressive rock stalwart Spock's Beard to pursue a solo career that would allow him to write more freely about his personal faith. And in that time he had recorded 6 impressive studio records that were heralded for their unique hybrid of epic compositions that tested the boundaries of musicianship while maintaining a remarkable sense of melody through irresistible hooks and addictive choruses. He could have taken a break. Or gone in an entirely new direction. But he felt led otherwise, as summed up in the new record's title track: "You've got some new momentum, you better keep going."
Morse's long time studio partner and friend Mike Portnoy had a small window in January 2012 when he could record. The only problem was, there was only one song and a few bits and pieces written. Taking a leap of faith, he scheduled a recording session with the drumming legend and longtime bass player Randy George in two weeks, hoping that the music would arrive before the musicians. And boy did it ever.
"Momentum" features five exceptional stand alone songs and one longer conceptual piece. In addition to the accessible title track, there's the quirkily clever, Gentle Giant-inspired "Thoughts Part 5," which follows in the footsteps of the previous "Thoughts" tracks penned by Morse with Spocks Beard. "Smoke and Mirrors" trods an introspective, acoustic path, while "Weathering Sky" offers a raucous cry for deliverance and renewal from a searching soul. Rounding out the shorter tracks is "Freak," an upbeat, strings-charged song unlike anything Neal has recorded to date. Last comes "World Without End," a near 34-minute, six-part epic that contains everything that defines Morse as a master of the genre.
Another highlight of this record is that, in addition to a masterful solo by guitar wizard Paul Gilbert, there are contributions from Adson Sodré, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette—three musicians who were selected as members of Morse's new touring band through an exciting YouTube driven open audition process.
While "Momentum" propels Morse forward and further cements his standing as a prolific progressive rock icon, it steers clear of the potential "more of the same" trap, and features fresh musical angles and some of the finest performances to date by the Morse, Portnoy, George team.
The release of "Momentum" on September 11 will be quickly followed up by a North American tour that spotlights the fresh talent of his new live band, with stops in such cities as Nashville, Jacksonville, New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Mexico City.
Much to the delight of progressive rock fans around the globe, Neal Morse is moving ahead with "Momentum," and there doesn't appear to be any kind of end to his unique creative talent in sight.
TRACK LISTING
Momentum (6:25)
Thoughts Part 5 (7:51)
Smoke and Mirrors (4:38)
Weathering Sky (4:15)
Freak (4:29)
World Without End (33:39)
Introduction
Never Pass Away
Losing Your Soul
The Mystery
Some Kind of Yesterday
World Without End
Total Length: 61:17
Written and Produced by Neal Morse
"Thoughts Part 5"—Written by Neal Morse and Randy George
"Smoke and Mirrors" and "The Mystery"—Music by Neal Morse, Lyrics by Chris Thompson and Neal Morse
Mixed by Rich Mouser
Featured Musicians Neal Morse - Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals Mike Portnoy - Drums Randy George - Bass
Additional Musicians: Paul Gilbert - Guitar solo on "Momentum" Adson Sodré - Guitar Solos on "World Without End" Bill Hubauer - Clarinet, flute, guitar and additional keys on "The Mystery" Eric Gillette - Additional vocals on "Thoughts Part 5" Wil Morse - Additional vocals on "Thoughts Part 5" Chris Carmichael - Strings Rick Altizer - Additional vocals on "Weathering Sky" and "Smoke and Mirrors"
Please note that Neal will be performing at the Cornerstone Festival between 9:35pm and 11:30pm. The start time was changed a few weeks ago, but has recently been changed back. As a result, some flyers may have the incorrect start time.
In April 2012, Neal Morse decided to hold open auditions for a new, USA based, band and we caught it all on video. This is Part 1 of 3. By the end of Part 3, you will know who to expect on the US and World stage, with Neal, in July and October.
**Parts 2 & 3 will follow during the month of June**
Neal and his new band of world-class multi-instrumentalists will be performing their first live concert in Bowling Green, KY on July 5, 2012, benefiting the Son Rhea Foundation. This is a show you don't want to miss!
Click Here to purchase your ticket and help support a great cause!
The guys at Cornerstone have announced that this will be the LAST Cornerstone Festival after 28 years. You don't want to miss this opportunity. Neal will be playing the Main Stage on Friday, July 6th.
Return of the Giants? Hogweed! Get ready for another dazzling disc of remarkable re-imaginings from prog's de facto trio. What songs will they tackle? How will their influences manifest themselves? Will Randy complete his transformation to Rob Halford? Find out this May!
MASCOT LABEL GROUP ANNOUNCES MARCH 27 RELEASE DATE FOR DEBUT FROM FLYING COLORS
Quintet Features Mike Portnoy, Dave LaRue, Neal Morse, Casey McPherson and Steve Morse
New York --- Mascot Label Group has announced a March 27 release date for the debut from Flying Colors (available the day prior overseas) on their Music Theories Label. The formation of the ensemble began with a simple idea: virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way. Refreshing, classic, old and new, the recordings are saturated with the many styles, tones and hues of the players who in becoming a band have delivered a unique fusion of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary music. Flying Colors is Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (lead vocals), and Steve Morse (guitar). Portnoy shares, "This album has bits and pieces of what you'd expect from each of us. However, the sum of all its parts led to brand new, unchartered territory for all involved."
In 2008, executive producer Bill Evans brought the idea to the world renowned musicians and producer Peter Collins. Intrigued by the idea, and the prospect of working together, the four signed on to form a band and record a first album. Steve Morse and Dave LaRue have developed a magical music chemistry over the years, that began early in their careers as partners in Dixie Dregs. Morse subsequently became a member of Deep Purple in 1995, while LaRue’s ongoing musical adventures include Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, Steve Vai, and the aforementioned Portnoy. Multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer Neal Morse is one of the leading figures in progressive rock, who's significant notoriety follows his co-founding of the seminal band, Spock’s Beard in 1995, recordings as a solo artist, and contributions to the super-group Transatlantic. Mike Portnoy is one of the most popular and respected drummers in both metal and rock, and an accomplished writer and producer. He is the recipient of numerous industry accolades, including 26 Modern Drummer awards, Revolver Magazine’s Golden God award for "Best Drummer" and Drum Magazine's "Drummer of the Year". He rose to prominence as the leader, drummer, producer, and co-writer for metal/prog juggernaut Dream Theater, before moving on in 2010. That same year, he worked on Avenged Sevenfold’s #1 album Nightmare and their subsequent tour. And, it was Portnoy who recommended Alpha Rev's emotive singer Casey McPherson as a contender to join Flying Colors.
McPherson, who's 2010 Hollywood/Disney album New Morning debuted in the Top-5 on two Billboard charts, enjoyed major success at radio with multiple hits. The track "New Morning” spent 17 weeks in the Top-10 on Triple A Radio, and enjoyed a run on Vh1’s Top-20 Countdown for months. Steve Morse offers, "Casey was a glorious find, because he could make anything sound fantastic, and is a multitalented like the others."
Flying Colors convened for just nine days in early 2011, and composed and recorded this album during a short and intense session. Dave LaRue recalls, "It was quite an experience - the band moved at a fast pace, ideas flying around the room at all times. Sections of tunes were arranged, then re-arranged, ideas were tried every which way until we made them work, or, in some cases, discarded them altogether. Just keeping track of everything was a challenge!" McPherson adds, "This record is filled with trial and triumph. Raw and delicate songs alike amidst the swirling and daring orchestration of Steve, Neal, Mike and Dave. It's been such an inspiring challenge melding folk, prog, pop, and metal all into one big recording."
Touring plans for Flying Colors will be announced in the coming months.
Not all Christmas albums are created equal, and when Neal Morse gets creative, you are guaranteed something unique.
"A Proggy Christmas" is only available to Inner Circle Member. Click here for more information on how to sign up.
Radiant Records now also has the ePub version of the "Testimony" book available for purchase.
This is the version that is used with Kindle, iBooks (on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad) and other digital book readers.
Transatlantic
"More Never is Enough"
-Live in Manchester and Tilburg-
5 Discs in a beautiful Digi-Pak consisting of 3 Audio CDs and 2 Full Length DVDs.
The set includes a 3+ hour concert DVD from Tilburg (plus the "Return of the Giant Hogweed" encore), audio from the whole Manchester show and crazy STRANGER JAMS – (the section where Mike does all kinds of crazy stuff, like crowd surfing in Cologne, singing Smoke on the Water and more.)
Set to release on October 25th, 2011.
The Very Best from the Very Best of Prog!!!
And...
Neal Morse
Testimony 2
-Live in Los Angeles-
Fresh from Neal Morse's recent T2 World Tour, comes this amazing 5 disc Digi-Pak consisting of 3 Audio CDs and 2 Full Length DVDs with over 3 hours of mind blowing music and a whopping 4 hours of concert footage and extras!
Guaranteed to excite and satisfy the Prog fan for years to come.
This is the closest you can get to being on the tour without actually being there! Contains professionally shot footage of the historic reunion of Neal Morse and Spock's Beard, Live from the High Voltage Festival in London and a 90 minute behind the scenes tour documentary!
COMING SOON!!!
Transatlantic Live in Manchester and Tilburg.
5 disc set consisting of 3 Audio CDs and 2 Full Length DVDs.
The set includes a 3+ hour concert DVD from Tilburg (plus the "Return of the Giant Hogweed" encore), audio from the whole Manchester show and crazy STRANGER JAMS - the section where Mike would do all kinds of nutty stuff. See Mike crowd surfing in Cologne! See Mike sing Smoke on the Water.
ALSO COMING SOON!!!
Fresh from Neal Morse's recent T2 World Tour, comes this amazing package consisting of 3 Audio CDs and
2 Full Length DVDs with over 3 hours of mind blowing music and a whopping 4 hours of concert footage and extras!
Guaranteed to excite and satisfy the prog fan this Christmas and for years to come.
This is the closest you can get to being on the tour without actually being there! Contains professionally shot
footage of the historic reunion of Neal Morse and Spock's Beard, Live from the High Voltage Festival in London
and a 90 minute behind the scenes tour documentary!
Radiant Records Website:
Check out our new site at www.radiantrecords.com for great offers, lots of new items plus super sales and bundle deals. Take a look and let us know what you think...
Neal's amazing biography, Testimony, is now available in digital. The formats are compatible with all modern reader and listening devices (e.g. Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Android).
The AudioBook is over six hours, and read by Neal, himself.
Neal Morse is ready to launch his new album and his book!
Now taking pre-orders for Testimony 2 and the Testimony Book.
We are ready to start taking pre-orders for the new Neal Morse prog concept album, Testimony 2! (release date is May 23)
Special Offer! Pre-order the Special Edition and receive a free MP3 download of Disc 1 on May 5th!
(THE LINK AND PASSWORD FOR THE DOWNLOAD WILL COME WITH YOUR ONLINE RECEIPT, IT WILL BE ACTIVATED MAY 5TH – You can hear the album before the concerts that start May 19th!)
There are two versions of the album, a regular 2 CD version and a Special Edition 3 Disc box set that includes an extraordinary DVD titled "The Making of Testimony Two". This is really a good one.
Neal's Book! - It's finally done! Also, being released at the same time is Neal's new book titled "Testimony - The inspirational and spiritual journey of a prog rock musician."
Here's a bit about the book:
From the obscurity of dozens of California bar bands and nightclubs to the heights of some of the most prestigious concert venues worldwide, Neal Morse recounts the events that led him though the maze of musical, personal and spiritual experiences that shaped his life. Starting from his first musical endeavors as a child, Neal bears his soul as he recalls the pitfalls, heartaches and temptations along his journey.
This hard-hitting, inspirational exposé takes the reader from Neal's club days to the formation of Spock's Beard and from the rigors of musical and personal burnout to the wondrous joy of spiritual fulfillment and purpose.
The book spans approximately 230 pages in paperback form, and includes photos from all stages of Neal's life.
Special Offer! Pre-order the Testimony 2 Special Edition Box Set and the Book together for one low price. Neal will sign the first 200 books and Special Editions pre-ordered whether ordered separately or bundled together.
Here's a bit about the CD and DVD:
Neal Morse - Testimony 2
In 2003, Neal Morse released his Testimony album. It was an artistic triumph that was and is still considered one of his best to date. With the sequel, Testimony 2, Neal goes even deeper into unchartered musical and lyrical territory. Incorporating the legendary drummer Mike Portnoy and the excellent bassist, Randy George, this breathtaking album is a prog epic with depth that will dazzle and melodies that reach into the soul.
Disc 1 - Testimony 2, the main disc tells us the poignant story of Neal's life from the beginning of Spock's Beard through when his leaving the band in 2002. The brilliant conceptual piece consists of 13 songs in three sections each over twenty minutes long.
Total time: 78:52
Disc 2 consists of 3 great tracks. Two shorter songs and one 26:00 minute prog epic, "Seeds of Gold" which features a guitar solo by famed guitarist, Steve Morse.
Total Time: 36:51
This album marks the audio reunion of Spock's Beard as it contains a "tribute" to Spock's where Neal and the guys sing an elaborate vocal section that is reminiscent of the early days of the band.
Guests Include: Nick D'Virgilio
Alan Morse
Dave Meros
Steve Morse
Paul Bielatowicz
Matthew Ward
Eric Brenton
Members of the Nashville Symphony
The Making of Testimony 2 DVD - An in depth look behind the scenes at the entire process of creating this amazing album. Edited by Chad Hoerner. This one really shines! From the beginning of the writing process on the beaches of California, to the tracking sessions in Nashville Tennessee, this documentary will take you on the journey along with Neal, Mike Portnoy and Randy George as they create this epic. Not to be missed!
Total running time: 64:28 NTSC Region Free
Here's the track listing for the CDs:
Disc One
Part Six: 22:50
Mercy Street
Overture No. 4
Time Changer (with Spock's Beard)
Jayda
Part Seven: 22:54
Nighttime Collectors
Time has come Today
Jesus' Blood
The Truth Will Set You Free
Part Eight: 32:36
Chance of a Lifetime
Jesus Bring Me Home
Road Dog Blues
It's For You
Crossing Over
Mercy Street Revisited
Total Time: 78:22
Disc Two
Absolute Beginner 4:39
Supernatural 6:11
Seeds of Gold 25:59
After having had such a fun experience the first time around in 2003, Mike Portnoy, Paul Gilbert and Neal Morse are reuniting once again to pay tribute to their greatest influence of all: The Beatles!
Due to a scheduling conflict (and further fueling the "Paul is dead" rumours), original YMC bassist Matt Bissonette is unable to join the band this time, but we are pleased to announce the addition of Utopia legend Kasim Sulton who will surely be an amazing addition to the lineup!
The setlist for these shows will be ALL NEW without any repeats from the 2003 shows...
YELLOW MATTER CUSTARD
A Tribute To The Beatles
Mike Portnoy, Paul Gilbert, Neal Morse & Kasim Sulton
Three Nights Across America - 2011
The new Transatlantic extravaganza, Transatlantic - Whirld Tour 2010, captures one of the world’s greatest current prog bands at the height of their glory. The 2 DVD set features 6 camera shoot of the full 3 hour concert performance at London's famed Shepherd’s Bush Empire as well as a two hour "behind the scenes" documentary that is among the best quality material the world of prog has seen or is likely to see in the near future. The performances by Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold), Neal Morse (ex Spock's Beard), Pete Trewavas (Marillion) and Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings) and Daniel Gildenlow (Pain of Salvation) are among the finest ever and the material includes the entire 79 minute masterpiece "The Whirlwind" album as well as all of the best music Transatlantic has ever recorded.
Also, included is a 22 minute intimate interview with the guys backstage at the London “High Voltage” Festival as well as a 5 camera shoot of their encore from “High Voltage”, the Genesis classic “Return of the Giant Hogweed” with Mr. Steve Hackett!
Mixed in stereo and 5.1 sound by Roine Stolt. DVDs are 334: 28 in length. NTSC Region free.
Available in 3 formats:
2 DVD version
3 CD version
2 DVD and 3 CD LIMITED EDITION deluxe box set! A Massive Package with Extra Artwork!
OVER 8 HOURS OF PURE MAGIC!
Track List:
CD 1
The Whirlwind - 79:52
CD 2
All Of The Above - 30:19
We All Need Some Light - 8:40
Duel With The Devil - 28:31
CD 3
Bridge Across Forever - 6:03
Stranger In Your Soul - 30:00
TRACK LISTING
Here's a bit about the book:
The new Transatlantic extravaganza, Transatlantic - Whirld Tour 2010, captures one of the world’s greatest current prog bands at the height of their glory. The 2 DVD set features 6 camera shoot of the full 3 hour concert performance at London's famed Shepherd’s Bush Empire as well as a two hour "behind the scenes" documentary that is among the best quality material the world of prog has seen or is likely to see in the near future. The performances by Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold), Neal Morse (ex Spock's Beard), Pete Trewavas (Marillion) and Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings) and Daniel Gildenlow (Pain of Salvation) are among the finest ever and the material includes the entire 79 minute masterpiece "The Whirlwind" album as well as all of the best music Transatlantic has ever recorded.