Morse, Neal - Sola Scriptura

Year of Release: 2007
Label: InsideOut
Catalog Number: SPV 79362/IOMCD 269
Format: CD
Total Time: 76:02:00

Too much of a good thing perhaps? There is no questioning the amazing talent and effort poured into Sola Scriptura, the latest release from Neal Morse. The musicianship and arrangements are amazing, but if you are a fan of Morse's career (Spock's Beard, Transatlantic, and solo), there are few, if any, surprises to be found on his latest release.

The song structure/flow of Sola Scriptura is set up like both Transatlantic records, three lengthy epics and a short ballad to break things up. Neal not only repeats himself musically and structurally, but nestled within "The Door" is an obvious references to the Genesis classic "Watcher Of The Skies" (during the ending section "Upon The Door"), and the Beatles riff to "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" (during "In the name of god" section).

If there is a surprise moment on the disc, it would be the Alice In Chains influenced vocal in "Do You Know My Name." The CD again features Randy George (bass), Mike Portnoy (drums), and his penchant for guest guitarists continues with Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big) adding tasteful flamenco and lead guitar. The criticism reflects how spectacular Morse's body of work is, to find a CD this good a bit disappointing is really a testament to Neal's music. There are few musicians capable of consistently releasing such powerful, complex, and melodic music. The music is just too good to pan, but by dipping into the same bag of tricks time and time again, the magic is beginning to wear off.

Tracklisting:
The Door: (29:14) Introduction / In The Name Of God / All I Ask For / Mercy For Sale / Keep Silent / Upon The Door // The Conflict: (25:00) Do You know My Name? / Party To The Lie / Underground / Two Down, One To Go / The Vineyard / Already Home // Heaven In My Heart (5:11) // The Conclusion: (16:34) Randy's Jam / Long Night's Journey / Re-Introduction / Come Out Of Her / Clothed With The Sun / In Closing...

Musicians:
Neal Morse - vocals, keyboards
Paul Gilbert - guitar
Mike Portnoy - drums
Randy George - bass

Discography:
Spock's Beard - The Light (1991)
Spock's Beard - Beware of Darkness (1995)
Spock's Beard - The Beard Is Out There Live (1995) (cd/vid)
Spock's Beard - Official Live Bootleg (1996)
Spock's Beard - The Kindness of Strangers (1997)
Spock's Beard - From The Vault - 1995-1998 (1998)
Spock's Beard - Day For Night (1999)
Spock's Beard - Live At The Whiskey and NEARfest (1999)
Neal Morse (1999)
Spock's Beard - Don't Try This At Home (2000)
Merry Christmas From The Morse Family (2000)
Neal Morse and Nick D'Virgilio - Two Separate Gorillas - Live In Europe (2000)
Spock's Beard - V (2000)
Transatlantic - SMPTe (2000)
It's Not Too Late (2001)
Transatlantic - Live In America (2001)
Transatlantic - Bridge Across Forever (2001)
Transatlantic - Bridge Across Forever - Special Edition (2001)
Spock's Beard - Snow (2002)
Testimony (2003)
One (2004)
Lead Me Lord (Worship Sessions Volume One) (2005)
? (2005)
Morse Portnoy George - Cover To Cover (2006)
Sola Scriptura (2007)
?: Live (2007)
Lifeline (2008)
Testimony Two (2011)
Testimony 2: Live In Los Angeles (CD/DVD) (2011)
Cover 2 Cover (2012)
Momentum (2012)
Neal Morse Band - The Grand Experiment (2015)
Neal Morse Band - Alive Again Tour 2015 (2016)
Neal Morse Band - The Similitude Of A Dream (2016)
Neal Morse Band - Morsefest 2015 (CD/DVD) (2017)
Life & Times (2018)

Transatlantic - Live In America (VID) (2001)
Testimony Live (DVD) (2004)
Sola Scriptura And Beyond (DVD) (2008)
Neal Morse Band - Morsefest 2015 (BR) (2017)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: April 7th 2007
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Artist website: www.nealmorse.com
Hits: 3256
Language: english