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| Neal Morse - Testimony |
 Released: 2003 Label: Inside Out / Metal Blade Cat. No.: IOMCD139 / 14451cd Total Time: 132:34 | |
Reviewed by: Stephanie Sollow, July 2004 As Neal Morse was the special guest for 2004's CalProg Festival, I though it best I brush up on his solo material, guessing that it would form the core of his set. And since Testimony was his latest, I guessed the bulk would be material from that album. As it turned out, it wasn't, as I detected only two pieces from it, the rest being from his earlier solo albums or Spock's Beard material. Listening to Testimony, you realize just how much of Spock's Beard's sound was his. Not that other members of the band didn't contribute, but Testimony sounds so very much like a Spock's album... and one that is more cohesive than Snow. I know, I know this is Morse's third solo CD; however, but for the players involved, it could very well be a SB album. Or at least, the next evolution of a SB with the brass elements - Jim Hoke on sax, Neil Rosengarden on trumpet - some classical elements - violins, viola, flute (Eric Brenton, Chris Charmichael), and cello (David Henry). Though those instrumental aren't the exclusive provenance of classical. Into the prog rock mix Morse adds jazz (including some slinky, New Orleans style sax on "The Storm Before The Calm," courtesy Mark Leniger), bluegrass, and classical elements all to tell his story. His story is of journeying from a depressed and struggling musician in L.A. to, eventually, a happy (or happier, at least), successful musician in Nashville and finding God on that journey, which brings about the happier outcome. Unlike the other overtly religious albums that I have heard, Morse's is not particularly preachy. Partly because it is about his journey rather than his trying to convert the listener to his point of view (at least not entirely, towards the end of disc two he does get close to doing so with "Rejoice"). But also unlike those I have heard, Morse doesn't present the material in a saccharine manner, no too-sweet, chirpy vocals. It's like a Spock's Beard album with a more overt religious context. So while I don't share Morse's religious views, from all other perspectives I quite enjoy this album. The album is the answer to question that was being asked after Morse's seemingly abrupt departure from Spock's Beard, and why. As I'm sure many thought he'd gone off his rocker and become a religious nut... Especially when it appeared - wrongly - that Morse was going to abandon music entirely. Not only was not the case, but he didn't abandon the particularly American brand of prog rock that folks had come to know him for. There are keys all over this release, mostly Morse, whether parpy synth tones or rumbling piano. Kansas' Kerry Livgren guests on "Long Story" by playing a guitar solo. Testimony is a two disk set, so once gets a lot of music, all pretty much flowing together from one song to the next. You might think that that might be too much music - especially if you're not into the "god thing" - but it's not. Morse makes the experience of listening so pleasurable, containing all the right Morse-isms, that you can understand his journey and his depth of feeling throughout. All albums should be this rich and diverse. There are reasons why this CD gets high marks, it's very, very good. Testimony is a mix of vocal and instrumental tracks, a mix of mellow rock and hard rock with a ton of beautiful and interesting textures. I think this as "Break Of Day" concludes and "Power In The Air" begins, a bridge that shows us these contrasts, as the former is light, lyrical and jazzy in spots, the latter a driving rocker, including electric piano (Eric Brenton). Joining Morse are a gaggle of musicians including his Transatlantic cohort Mike Portnoy on drums. The darkest musical moment is the grinding, classical-cum-jazz sounding instrumental "Transformation" that opens disc two. In fact, like the title suggests, it is a transition from something very dark to something that gradually gets lighter. In Morse's tale, it marks his move from L.A., where he had grown quite depressed over (in part) a musical career that was not going where he wanted -- or not going at all -- to Nashville. A region evoked in the twang, the gospel feel, and the bluegrass instrumental bridge of "Sing It High" (a revivalist feel, actually, echoed later in "The Storm..."). And even if the sentiments Morse expresses isn't one you share, there is something quite beautiful about "I Am Willing" in the arrangement, including Morse's soaring, heartfelt vocals. In a secular context, one might emote this way about romantic love; in this context though, Morse's religious love (agape) is clear and no less emotive. Though the album seems to come to a natural and satisfactory conclusion at the end of "God's Theme, " as here we find the first real break between tracks (aside from going from disc one to two), the album goes on for another ten minutes. It is in this ten minutes where Morse does get a little preachy, in, as I mentioned, "Rejoice." Sure, it's still great prog, but maybe just a little too much music. Though, on the other hand it's like getting "bonus tracks." They are strong enough not be merely filler, however. If you like Spock's Beard, set aside any preconceived ideas that this is album is full of tracks trying to tell you how "great god is." Yes, there is a bit of that at the end, but it still ends up being personal rather than preachy. Listen to the music, the rhythms, the emotion and feeling and I think you'll come away thinking quite highly of this album. Rating: 5/5 [See also Clayton's, Davide's, Keith's, and Eric's reviews -ed.] More about Testimony: Track Listing: Disc One: Part One: The Land Of Beginning Again / Overture No 1 / California Nights / Colder In The Sun / Sleeping Jesus / Interlude / The Prince Of The Power Of The Air / The Promise / Wasted Life / Part Two: Overture No 2 / Break Of Day / Power In The Air / Somber Days / Long Story / It's All I Can Do Musicians: Contact: Website: www.nealmorse.com Discography Spock's Beard
Solo:
with Nick D'Virgilio: Transatlantic:
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