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NEAL MORSE 'One' Inside Out (2004)
Last year’s ‘Testimony’ was one of my top 10 albums of 2003 and I was
eagerly awaiting this new one to say the least. Neal Morse made his name
with the Spock’s Beard before finding God and leaving a very successful
band, who to their credit have picked up and carried on.
‘Testimony’ dealt with Morse’s conversion to Christianity and his road to it via his past
musical and personal upheavals. ‘One’ continues along a theme, a small
subject really, that of mankind! Dream Theater’s drummer Mike Portnoy and
bassist Randy George help out musically.
Three big multi-part epics ‘ The Creation’, ‘The Separated Man’ and
‘Reunion’ form the main part of the album. ‘The Creation’ follows on from
‘Testimony’ in sound with strings, lush backing arrangements and the precise
percussion of Mike Portnoy.
Classic prog permeates ‘Author Of Confusion’ with its keyboard flurries and time changes. ‘Candle To The Grave’ adds a
welcome acoustic interlude. ‘Reunion’ rounds it all of in grandiose style
and even includes a horn section.
Neal Morse has done it again and produced a wonderful album full of
challenging yet ultimately listenable music. Whilst waiting for a new Kansas
album, get hold of this little gem (plus if you’re a Spock’s Beard fan of
course).
****
Review by Jason Ritchie
£12.99
Album review
Label website
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