SoundPress.net CD Review: Neal Morse

NEAL MORSE - MOMENTUM
A SoundPress.net CD Review

SoundPress.net CD Review: Neal Morse - Momentum

Neal Morse Continues to Progress with Momentum!

"You've got some new momentum, you better keep going," aptly describes the direction prog-rock icon Neal Morse is going. 2011 was a busy year for Neal with the release of the critically acclaimed Testimony 2 CD and the formation of the supergroup Flying Colors.

2012 is proving to be just as prolific for Morse. In January, with a small window of time, Neal with drummer Mike Portnoy and bassist Randy George worked on new material. The result was the masterful and melodic Momentum which is due out September 11, 2012.

The title track kicks off the album at a peppy pace propelled by the rhythm team. Spirited instrumentation is interspersed with insightful lyrics such as "tomorrow will soon be your yesterday". Subtle spiritual points are placed among the complex prog-progressions. Guest guitarist Paul Gilbert sizzles on his solo adding a jolt to the already animated tune.

"Momentum" sets the overall tone of the record with its thrust of energetic and engaging patterns melding with subtle sentiments and sounds. "Thoughts Part 5" mixes a cappella with aggressive rhythms amongst intricate instrumentation in a tribute to Gentle Giant.

The stride slows for the acoustic and reflective "Smoke and Mirrors". Here the composition, guitar and shimmering keys are at the forefront. "Weathering Sky" is a rocking call for renewal from a searching soul. In the song "Freak" witty words are punctuated by strings. The up-beat tempo of the track tempers the rather sad statements of being the "ultimate outsider".

Another highlight of this record 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.

Of course, it would not be a Neal Morse record without an epic. "World Without End" - clocking in at over 33 minutes and presented in six parts - is the tour de force of Momentum.The tracks have plenty of power packed progressions and observations in opulent arrangements. Like many of Morse's songs the tune is diverse and dynamic yet somehow different from what Neal has done before.

The release of Momentum in September of 2012 will be supported by a quick North American tour that spotlights the fresh talent of Neal's new live band, with stops in Nashville, Jacksonville, New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Mexico City. Neal Morse continues to progress and Momentum is another major move in a his creative canon.

Momentum 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)
i Introduction
ii Never Pass Away
iii Losing Your Soul
iv The Mystery
v Some Kind of Yesterday
vi World Without End
Total Length: 61:17

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"

• Info: -- USA/TN: www.nealmorse.com (Laura Turner Lynch/SoundPress.net)

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