Customer Reviews

Live

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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).

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.

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.

I see that other reviewers think that this CD is 5-Star excellent, but I enjoy the studio recording more. The band is great, even without Mike Portnoy (Although I feel sorry for any rock drummer who has to fill his shoes). The drawback is that the production is not as crisp as the studio versions of the songs. The sound is a bit boomy. Also, Neal's vocals are (like most rock vocalists) not as precise or in tune when live as in the studio. Because things are so loud onstage, rock vocalists (Neil included) often push too hard and sound out of breath. It is not a bad CD. The band executes the material very well and the compositions are marvelous, but rock recordings just sound better in the studio; and live rock is best when you are there and can feel the chemistry.

If you like Neal Morse and are wondering if this is as good as Testimony Live, it is. A great band gives a great performance. If you like the original albums you'll like this too. Highly Recommended.

realmente es increíble cómo estos "desconocidos alemanes" acompañan a Neal Morse tal como si fueran Mike Portnoy y Randy George... o hasta mejor!!!! Los solos de guitarra son más potentes que en el álbum "?" de estudio, y el segundo CD tiene versiones geniales en vivo del álbum "ONE", lástima que no lo grabaron completo en vivo....!!!! Definitivamente Neal Morse es un genio, y lo más espectacular no sólo es su talento musical sino la profundidad espiritual de sus letras... lo recomiendo 100%

The previous reviews have all probably said it better than I can but suffice it to say even without stalwart sidemen Randy George on bass and the incredible Mike Portnoy on drums, this band absolutely nails every track often better than the original studio versions. I must also concur with one of the previous reviews that my only real "complaint" with Neal is that he sometimes gets too preachy and heavy-handed. Perhaps if he were a tad more subtle with his message that he would appeal to a much wider audience. Aside from the heavy-handed messages, this is a prog lovers dream recording. Great musiicianship and a very clear well balanced/mixed recording.

For anyone not wishing to wade through my whole review: Music 5 stars, preaching/testimony 0 stars - hence overall I give it 3.

I knew to expect that this live CD would contain an element of Neal Morse's testimony to his faith. I was prepared to accept that, after all, I've thoroughly enjyed his post-Spock's Beard work even though it is entirely devoted to Christian themes. So what did we actually get?

Well, we got a lot of great music - undoubtedly Morse and his band (a group of very talented Dutch musicians to be sure) produce some excellent, let's call it brilliant, music. I love the music. There is nothing to complain of on the music front, and much to be pleased with. The production and sound are great. Those who are familiar with Morse's music will find much to enjoy on this score, including the inclusion of the track "King Jesus" that failed previously to make it onto CD.

However, I found that the preaching, the discussion of Neal's family etc. rather intruded on the music and, well, I'd have preferred it had been cut back a lot. I usually enjoy hearing an artist give an insight into his/her music and life generally but the rather extended testimony sections (no pun intended), for me anyway, get in the way of the music. I'm sure those who are committed Christians will find this very inspirational, but I'm not a believer and so it is just annoying for me. I contrast this with the outstanding "Testimony" DVD - there was some preaching/testimony on that as well, but it was to a lesser degree and did not have the same level of distraction for me - I could happily accept it as part of the show.

Others may be able to ignor (or enjoy) the preaching/testimony on this CD, but for me they detracted from what is otherwise a brilliant exposition of both composition and musicianship. Apart from the "chat" I'd have happily given this a full 5 stars for the music.