SoundPress.net DVD Review: Neal Morse - Testimony 2: Live in Los Angeles

NEAL MORSE - TESTIMONY 2: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES
A SoundPress.net DVD Review

SoundPress.net DVD Review: Neal Morse - Testimony 2: Live in Los Angeles

Neal Morse Testimony Two Live in Los Angeles -Dynamic and Divinely Inspired!

Neal Morse was born in 1960 and he has become one of the most respected names in progressive rock. Neal is a composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist (bass, drums, guitar & keys). Morse spent the early part of his career playing small clubs and in 1995 decided to pursue his passion for prog-rock by forming the band Spock's Beard with his brother Alan. The group did well. In addition, Neal joined a super group with the now former drummer of Dream Theater Mike Portnoy called Transatlantic. This endeavor also proved successful and established a long-time friendship and working relationship between the two.

In 2002, it appeared that Neal had it all, yet something was missing. It was at this junction that Morse dedicated his life and music to Jesus. Since then he has released a number of epics that addressed more spiritual issues. Over time, Neal was able to balance his secular projects with his faith. Morse has continued to tour in support of his music which has been documented on CDs and DVDs through the years.

Neal Morse Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles is a substantial 2 DVD/3 CD set that captures the whirlwind tour that followed the 2011 release of the Testimony Two record. Both mediums feature over three hours of live music performed by Neal and prog's elite.

Each format showcases some of Morse's major works including parts of the Sola Scriptura album and all of Testimony Two. "Seeds of Gold" is also another high point as is the music from One (2004) a concept album about man's relationship with God that Portnoy and guest guitarist Phil Keaggy appeared on.

The concert recorded at the Whittier Theater in Los Angeles has good sound and stage shots of all band members ranging from close-ups to further back. Side by side box views were used on occasion but overall the production like the stage set up is straightforward allowing the musicianship to be first and foremost.

Throughout the concert Neal aptly switches from guitars to keys while handling lead vox with some chat. Morse conveys his lyrics with conviction both vocally and visually with arms occasionally raised in praise. The band (Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Brenton, Rick Altizer, Mark Leniger, Nathan Girard & Nathan Brenton) is first-rate providing harmonies and elegant and expansive instrumentation to Neal's epics.

One of the most moving moments in the DVD is when Neal shares the story of his daughter who was born with a hole in her heart but was miraculously healed after a Mother's Day prayer service in 1998. "Jayda" was majestic. Morse continued the testimony admitting that he was drunk when he heard the news and played a couple of bars of The Doors "Roadhouse Blues" flowing into his "Nighttime Collectors" that featured animated axe exchanges from the guitar players. The story continued with a sax solo and Neal on his knees calling out to Jesus. The piece moved through more complex progressions ranging from jubilant to reflective and coming to a soaring set closer and an energized encore and thank yous.

The two DVDs cover the complete concert and have special features including Morse's reunion with Spock's Beard at the High Voltage festival in London . The tour documentary is also interesting and follows the band from their three 10-hour a day rehearsals to their week of live gigs.

The week was literally a whirlwind with the eight piece band traveling, flying and playing a show the same night. Interviews with the group were often at airports with the guys surrounded by their gear. Fan comments are also part of the film with several admiring Neal's unique mix of prog and praise. Neal Morse - Testimony 2: Live in Los Angeles is an amazing package of prog-rock that is diverse, dynamic and divinely inspired!

• Info: -- USA/TN 2011: www.nealmorse.com (Laura Turner Lynch/SoundPress.net)

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