Live

Neal Morse | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 30, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Metal Blade
• ASIN: B000VAK284
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,639 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Temple of the Living God

2. Another World

3. The Outsider

4. Sweet Elation

5. In the Fire

6. Solid as the Sun

7. The Glory of the Lord

8. Outside Looking In

9. 12

10. Entrance

See all 12 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. The Creation

2. The Man's Gone

3. Cradle to the Grave

4. Help Me/The Spirit and the Flesh

5. King Jesus

6. Reunion

7. Encore Medley: We All Need Some Light/Open Wide the Flood Gates/Solitar

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magic night in Berlin with Christian prog, November 5, 2007

By 

Bodhi Heeren (Copenhagen) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live (Audio CD)

Neal Morse is a talented multi-instrumentalist and a gifted composer, though his songlines tend to sound very alike. But first of all his an engaging, manic and charismatic performer, as evidenced on his "Testimony Live"-DVD. Emanating a profound and apparently hard-earned spirituality. And of course known from his many years with Spock's Beard and as part of the seminal Transatlantic, one of the greatest prog-units ever.

Here he is caught live a summer night in Berlin 07/14/06 with a band comprising of young (and rather wierd-looking) Dutchmen. Playing the whole of the "?"-album. One could feel tentative wether these umknown musicians could recreate an album played by giants like Roine Stolt and Mike Portnoy. But they not only re-create it, they actually take it far beyond the studio-version, just as an authentic live-recording should.

And while Collin Leijenaar might lack the authority and sheer technically brilliance of Portnoy, he certainly is a monster drummer. In fact all musicians plays great, with enthusiasm and the instrumental finesse required to play the intricate music of Neal. Not least the very solid and inventive bassplayer Wilco van Esschoten. They all might sound a bit stiff the first 3-4 numbers, but then everything start to gel and built up to some very high moments. Great solos, fine interplay, very strong backing vocals, not least thanks to the only female in the band Jessica Koomen.

We also get a healthy dose of songs from the strong "One" album, including "King Jesus", originally only on the bonus-disc. And a snippet of the beautiful Transatlantic-anthem "We All Need Some Light".

Neal probably wouldn't be Neal if we didn't get a little sermon/rap, this time based on Ezekiel and the dry bones in the desert, and his little son Wil singing on "Cradle To The Grave".

Magnificient stuff that should appeal to all fans of progressive music, intelligent metal and heartfelt and inventive music. And of course fans of classic rock as Neal always have been musically inspired by Pink Floyd and Yes.

And you sure don't have to be a Christian to enjoy it. (Personally I wouldn't mind to see Neal someday embrace a more universal spirituality, less obsessed with sin and devil).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Neal does ? live justice with newly assembled band, December 16, 2007

By 

Livingstill "Mark" (Meadville, PA.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live (Audio CD)

First review says much that I would write. instead, I'll just say that Collin is a great drummer. So if you're afraid that you won't like it because Mike Portnoy isn't on this one, well, chances are you'll be able to appreciate an excellent up-and-coming drummer when you hear him. Collin can hold his own and has a unique, driving style. The song '12' is a good example of that. The second disc is just as good as the first, if not better. 5 stars because it has taken over my car cd player for 3 weeks. Period.

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a good album, August 27, 2008

By 

proclaimation "proclaimation" (Reno, NV USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Live (Audio CD)

I enjoyed the studio version alot - probably the best christian album I have heard in the last few years. This album shows Neil & Co. bringing it to life on stage and they do an excellent job. someone complained on amazon about it being too preachy at places but I really haven't that at all on the album. Too bad he'll be overlooked at any music awards you see on TV.