Neal Morse - ?
	Released: 2005 Label: InsideOut Cat. No.: SPV 48622 CD / IOMCD 226 Total Time: 56:23
	Reviewed by: Eric Porter, January 2005 ? falls right into place musically in the post Spock's Beard career of Neal Morse. Morse's dynamic rhythm section of Mike Portnoy (drums) and Randy George (bass) provide him with everything he needs to deliver his powerful melodic music and message. Morse handles most of the guitars on the album, but the tradition of guest artists continues with Steve Hackett, Roine Stolt, brother Alan, and keyboardist Jordan Rudess lending their talents. ? offers little in terms of surprises if you have followed Neal's career, but that does not mean it lacks in quality or appeal. An emotional punch is packed in every track, but the standouts include (both opening and closing) "Temple Of The Living God," the buildup of "Sweet Elation" leading into the keyboard/guitar solos. Speaking of solos, the following track "In The Fire" just blazes with guitars and keyboards. Steve Hackett boldly steps out of the speakers in "12" with that instantly recognizable tone. Neal continues to mix multi-part vocal arrangements, with amazing musical workouts, tucking in a pensive ballad, and making it all work in the overall flow of an album. ? shows that Morse has never really left behind the sound of Spock’s Beard or Transatlantic, but just found a new cast to carry out his music while embarking on delivering his more outwardly religious lyrics. One of the standout albums of 2005. [See also Bobo's and Duncan's reviews -ed.] More about ?: Track Listing: The Temple Of The Living God / Another World / The Outsider / Sweet Elation / In The Fire / Solid As The Sun / The Glory Of The Lord / Outside Looking In / 12 / Deliverance / Inside His Presence / The Temple Of The Living God (2) Musicians: Neal Morse - vocals, guitars, keyboards Mike Portnoy - drums Randy George - bass Jordan Rudess - keyboards Mark Leninger - saxophone Steve Hackett - guitar Alan Morse - guitar Roine Stolt - guitar Contact: Website: www.nealmorse.com Note: will open new browser window Discography The Light (1991) Beware of Darkness (1995) The Beard Is Out There Live (1995) (cd/vid) Official Live Bootleg (1996) The Kindness of Strangers (1997) From The Vault - 1995-1998 (1998) Day For Night (1999) Live At The Whiskey and NEARfest (1999) Don't Try This At Home (2000) V (2000) Snow (2002) Solo: Neal Morse (1999) Merry Christmas From The Morse Family (2000) It's Not Too Late (2001) Testimony (2003) One (2004) Lead Me Lord (Worship Sessions Volume One) (2005) ? (2005) Testimony Live (2004) (DVD) with Nick D'Virgilio: Two Separate Gorillas - Live In Europe (2000) Transatlantic: SMPTe (2000) Live In America (2001) (vid) Live In America (2001) (cd) Bridge Across Forever (2001) Bridge Across Forever - Special Edition (2001)
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