News Archive 2003

Wow! We just had our first rehearsal yesterday with the full band (Violin, Cello, Saxophone, 4 Keyboards, 8 Guitars, Congas, Timbales, Bass pedals and a Pedal Steel all being played by 7 guys who sing great!) and I'm really excited. When Mike Portnoy comes in tomorrow we're all just going to fly to the ceiling! This is just an incredible and totally unique musical experience.

The cellist, John Krovosa, who just arrived yesterday has this strap on modern cut down cello thing that's totally cool and he's a great player who's toured with Yanni and such and Rick Altizer's singing up a storm. Wait 'til you hear the vocals!!! Eric Brenton's guitar and violin playing is stellar as always and now he's playing the flute as well. Mark Leniger's sax playing is first rate... where can you go to hear something like this? It's not just a band, it's like a mini orchestra!

Then enter Mr. Portnoy and you have something that defies description. I just feel people need to know that THIS MAY NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. The way everyone's schedules have lined up and all the player's being willing and available is a special occurrence that really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. There are still tickets available for these shows so please come if you can, we really want to share this with you.

November 13th   UK   Manchester   MDH
November 14th   UK   London   Astoria
November 16th   Holland   Rijssen   Lucky
November 17th   Holland   Tilburg   013
November 18th   Germany   Aschaffenburg   Colos-Saal
November 19th   Germany   Bochum   Zeche

November 21st   Metuchen, New Jersey, USA - Metuchen Forum Theater (tickets available at www.progradio.net/njproghouse)
November 23   Whittier, CA. USA - The Center Theater Stage (tickets available at www.radiantrecords.com)

Neal was featured in a feature interview for this month's HM magazine, the predominant magazine for hard music in CCM. The interview covers Neal's musical background and influences, his departure from Spock's Beard and Transatlantic, and his reflections on Testimony.

Firewire Strings has endorsed Neal Morse for his Testimony world tour. Neal and his band will be playing the company's innovative electric, acoustic, nylon and bass strings starting November 12 (2003). Firewire Strings is a new company, producing high-end, handmade strings treated with a custom process to reduce breakage and tonal degradation over time. (NOTE: Firewire also endorses Testimony contributor Kerry Livgren.)

Neal's extraordinary guitar playing on Testimony has landed him an endorsement deal with Gibson guitars. Across both discs of the new album, Neal plays rhythm and lead in a variety of styles on electric, nylon string and steel string acoustic guitars. Hear him for yourself!

After the primary vocal work on the first two discs of Testimony was complete, Rode Microphones honored Neal with an endorsement for his expressive vocal abilities. Neal began using the Rode NTK tube microphone on the bonus disc and has been ever since. "My Rode Mic sounds great. Such clarity! It's amazing the way the vocal sits in the track...without extra volume or compression," said Neal.

Final show added in the LA area on Sunday November 23rd, featuring the entire Portnoy Extravaganza. Click here for details.

If you have purchased your copy of "Testimony" from Radiant Records and are having problems playing Disc 1, please click here to request a replacement disc.

Check out the Neal Morse e-card by Jon Yarger of progRADIO.net. The e-card is available in both Windows and Macintosh format and contains a biography, information about the new album, a contest to win a copy of Testimony signed by both Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy, audio samples, and more!

Download the Neal Morse e-card now!

"Join the Progrock Cafe show on ProgRock.com and catch an exclusive live interview with Neal Morse. DJ Iggy and side kicks TC, the Silver Fox and the neighbor welcome Neal Morse to the ProgRock Cafe show this Friday night at 11:PM. Eastern Standard Time, September 26th.

In addition we will also be playing brand new tracks from his new album "Testimony"

So come join us and hear what Neal Morse has to say!

The ProgRock Cafe show. Getting you connected to the cutting edge of progressive rock world wide that listens to you. Bringing you the best of new and old progressive rock with a variety and special cameos.

DJ Iggy and side kicks TC, the Silver Fox and the neighbor welcome you to the ProgRock Cafe Fridays from 6:PM to 10:PM

Special Guest next Friday night September 26th Neal Morse

Contact us by ICQ #277869487 for request or you can join us in the ProgRock.com chat room. SEE YOU THERE"

Mark your calendars for Saturday September 27 7:00 Pacific Time. Neal Morse will be on-hand live for a very special "PapaJ's Matinee" where the newly released "Testimony" will be played in it's entirety. There will be some live audio discussion via telephone, and he will also be available in chat for any questions, comments or other communications.

If you were on hand for the "Snow" listening party you already know what a unique experience this is going to be. If not, be sure to check it out for yourself. Where else can you sit with other music fans and listen to a new masterpiece while at the same time discussing it with each other AND the artist?

http://www.thedividingline.com

An interview with Neal Morse by Kris Ferri, recorded on July 25th, 2003, is now available for download (21.14 MB) on the Delicious Agony website. After you enter the site, click on "Interviews" and then scroll down to "Archived Interviews".

"I guess now that the cat is out of the bag, it is safe for me to report that I do indeed play on Neal Morse's entire upcoming double CD "Testimony" which will be released on Sept 23rd......

I recorded my tracks back in February and I am honored to be a part of this amazing CD and to continue my working relationship with Neal. He has completely outdone himself once again and in my opinion has created another masterpiece.

Spock's Beard and TransAtlantic fans will be pleased to hear that the music is as proggy & beautiful as ever and Neal's writing style is still intact and as intense as ever!

I am also excited to announce that I will be joining Neal in the fall to do some exclusive live shows in support of the album.

More details coming soon.....

MP"

We have some great news for you! Neal Morse's new double CD "Testimony" has been mixed and mastered and the release date is set for September 23rd. They'll be more news about it in the coming weeks. All we're going to say right now is that if you liked Neal's music in the past, you're going LOVE this one (in my humble opinion). Neal will also be launching his new website, nealmorse.com soon and you'll find sound soundclips, photos and other goodies there.