News Archive 2004

In their review of One, Renown Magazine awarded One their highest rating. Neal Morse is the only independent artist covered in the publication, one of the most popular in Christian music.

"If you are looking for something that is fresh and unique compared to what you hear all day long on the radio – while still staying true to it’s rock roots – then consider checking out Neal Morse and his One album. Hats off to Neal Morse for another great album – well deserving of the high rating it receives." - Renown Magazine

Morse's new studio album is a conceptual, progressive rock album entitled, One. Mike Portnoy returns to perform on drums (in what is regarded as perhaps his finest performance), and up-in-coming prog artist Randy George (Testimony Live) returns on bass. They are joined by legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy on several tracks. The result is more of a band-focused, straight-ahead sound than on Testimony, harkening back to Neal's Transatlantic work.

Neal also took a more collaborative approach on One, writing with Portnoy and George. The three artists worked together closely to capture and articulate Neal's vision; his singular design enriched with their distinct voices. Continuing in the tradition of Snow and Testimony, One is epic in scope and sublime in nature; the next remarkable chapter in Neal's musical and spiritual journey.

"It's definitely in me to do this music. It all comes from an honest place," says Morse. "Music is like spiritual food. Not everybody has the same taste, but God wants everybody to be fed."

Renown Magazine, the popular source for CCM news, has published a feature interview with Neal Morse. Read about his history, the upcoming album titled "One," touring, goals, and more. Neal is the only independent artist selected to be interviewed by Renown this year.

"If you haven't heard of Neal Morse before? or even if you have? consider taking the time to read this conversation. You really get to see this musician's heart and focus for his music and ministry." - Josh McConnell

This month's Goldmine Magazine focuses on progressive rock, and has a feature article on Neal Morse. Topics include Testimony and beyond, as well as Neal's past work with Transatlantic and Spock's Beard. Goldmine is only available at news stands (e.g. Borders, Barnes & Nobles) and by subscription; be sure to check out this great article. Also in the same issue is a story on Testimony guest artist Kerry Livgren, and his new band, Proto-Kaw.

Neal will speak and perform at the Sunday, Oct. 3rd worship service at the renown Moody Church in Chicago. He will play two songs acoustically, and then be interviewed by senior pastor Rev. Dr. Erwin Lutzer.

The service begins at 9:50am CST. Come witness as 2,000 people have the opportunity to hear Neal for the first time! The service is also broadcast live over the Internet (audio & video).

Moody Church website: http://www.moodychurch.org
Video/audio stream: http://www.moodychurch.org/live.html

NOTE: If you plan to attend, please arrive 15-20 minutes early and obtain parking information from the parking staff (located on the Clark Street entrance).

Neal Morse - Solo concert
Saturday, October 2, 2004
7:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Hope United Methodist Church
2920 South M-37 Highway
Hastings, Michigan 49058-9364
Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 day of show

Online advance ticket orders available at http://www.hammsterwheel.com/NealMorse.htm

or email info@hammsterwheel.com with any questions.

Sea of Tranquility awarded the Testimony DVD 5 (out of 5) stars in their review. Read it here.

The sweeping, three-part series, "Crossroads: When Rock Music Intersects The Gospel" features Neal Morse as a prominent figure in the history of spiritual music. Presented by the United Methodist Church, the series covers artists ranging from YES to J.R.R. Tolkein. Also included is a special feature on Kerry Livgren, who performed on Neal's Testimony album. Accompanying the series are interviews with the brightest stars of inspirational music, including Phil Keaggy and Neal Morse.

http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=5365

click here to read Renown Magazine's review of Testimony.

England's Classic Rock magazine announced their list of the 100 Greatest Frontmen of Rock. Neal was one of the only indie artists in the list, which covers the entire history of rock up to the present. Anyone who has seen Neal live won't be surprised, of course. The upcoming Testimony Live DVD is a great example of why!

Neal Morse Testimony Live will be released on June 28th, 2004 in Europe and on July 13th, 2004 in the US. The Double DVD will contain over 189 minutes of live footage and 66 minutes of tour documentary!

Tracklisting:

DVD 1 - Part One:

1. The Land Of The Beginning Again
2. Overture No. 1
3. California Nights
4. Colder In The Sun
5. Sleeping Jesus
6. Interlude
7. The Prince Of The Power Of The Air
8. The Promise
9. Wasted Life

Part Two

10. Overture No. 2
11. Break Of Day
12. Power In The Air
13. Somber Days
14. Long Story
15. It?s All I Can Do

Part Three

16. Transformation
17. Ready To Try
18. Sing It High

Part Four

19. Moving In My Heart
20. I Am Willing
21. In The Middle
22. The Storm Before The Calm
23. Oh, To Feel Him
24. God?s Theme

Part Five

25. Overture No. 3
26. Rejoice
27. Oh Lord My God
28. God's Theme 2
29. The Land Of The Beginning Again

DVD 2:

1. We All Need Some Light
2. The Light
3. Stranger In Your Soul

+ Tour Documentary & Photo Gallery

Neal is scheduled to perform a solo/acoustic set at this year's California Prog Day. Produced by Jim Harrel, the all-day concert will focus on the new generation of progressive rock artists. It all happens in Whittier, California on July 3rd (2004).

Come see Neal Morse with his combo band LIVE performing Songs from his CD Testimony

**FREE** Performance

Saturday May 1, 2004

2 PM Central Time

Family Christian Store, Bowling Green KY

270-781-6043

Tuesday, April 27th
around 9:30 PM
Blue Sky Court
410 4th Ave S Nashville, TN 37201-2212
All Ages Show - Free Admission
615-242-6033

This is an "industry" showcase so Neal will be playing for about 1/2 an hour with his "combo" band. They'll be doing a brief selection of songs from the Testimony album. There will also be several other artists performing that night. This is basically to introduce Neal to the Christian market. Come and support Neal and friends!

This year's Progressive World poll awarded in three categories, with Neal placing in each. Testimony took the #2 spot for Album of the Year, and Transatlantic's Live in Europe DVD took second for DVD of the Year. Both categories were heavily contested, with offerings from Rush, Yes, Kansas, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, David Bowie and Coldplay. For the third category, Best New Artist, Neal Morse received an honorable mention, as he is not technically a new artist, but has principally reinvented himself.

Neal Morse will be attending the GMA (Gospel Music Association) show this year. Along with distributor Central South, Morse will meet with press, industry and fans alike to discuss and promote Testimony, his critically-acclaimed double-CD. Activities will include a live performance by Neal at a GMA-sponsored after-hours event.

The cover story of CCM Magazine's current (March) issue, is "The Future of Rock." The feature discusses the reemergence of rock as the dominant music genre in secular and CCM culture. Neal is cited as one of the new CCM artists that "feed the freshness" and "keep rock's flame burning." We couldn't agree more!

Neal topped the Dutch Progressive Rock Reader's Poll this year, with several wins. Testimony took home Best Album, over 584 others, including releases from Rush, Radiohead and King Crimson. Neal also received the most votes for "Best Track [song] of 2003," with "I am Willing" as the most popular.

Morse also won Best Concert of 2003 for the Testimony tour, in a heavily contested category that included shows from Peter Gabriel, among others. Transatlantic's Live in Europe, Neal's final release with the band, took home Best DVD of 2003.

Testimony is now available, nationwide, in Christian bookstores. Central South Distribution's new rock-centered distribution arm will carry Testimony to the CBA market. Jamie Warden, Central South's National Accounts Manager, enthused, "We're really thrilled to be carrying Testimony; we feel it's a remarkable artistic achievement that's truly unique in the CCM market."

Legendary guitarist and singer/songwriter Phil Keaggy had the following to say about Testimony:

I believe Neal Morse has a masterpiece recording with Testimony! It is rich with wonderful music and musicianship, and lyrically tells the honest story of a man's search for life and innocence again. His straightforward approach is disarming, as the great production pulls you in closer to the message. I found myself saying, "How come I never heard of this artist until just recently"? I recommend this double CD to anyone who loves music in all its diversity and passion and who are also looking for a true, honest and resounding testimony." — Phil Keaggy

Neal will be one of the featured artists on a new release, CPR: Volume I. The double CD, produced by Randy George, showcases the best in new Christian progressive rock. Artists include Proto-Kaw (w/Kerry Livgren), Ajalon (w/Rick Wakeman), Glass Hammer and (of course) Neal Morse. The expected release date is April 1, 2004.

Two singles from Testimony are available for free download from Neal's official website: "Oh Lord, My God" and "I am Willing." They are available in these formats: MP3, MP4 (M4A/ACC), WMA, Ogg Vorbis and 3GP (for cell phone). In addition, "The Change" from It's Not Too Late, and "Landslide" from Neal Morse, are also available.

A concert DVD of the Testimony tour is in the works, slated for a Spring release. Taken from the 013 in Tilburg, Holland; this will be the 3rd concert DVD featuring Neal.