Artist: NEAL MORSE
Album: ? (CD)

Year: 2005
Media type: CD

After being at the forefront of progressive rock with Spock's Beard for ten years and then going on to achieve equal success with the supergroup Transatlantic, Neal Morse decided to embark on a solo career in 2003. "Testimony" and "One" heralded the beginning of Morse's new direction. His third album, simply titled "?", is another ambitious piece of classic prog rock featuring a host of guest musicians of the highest calibre.

An air of mystery surrounded the new project as Morse teased fans with brief excerpts from the developing album via his website. Fans were challenged to guess who might actually be contributing to the album with the selected sound bites. Morse expands on this by saying, "I had the idea to make some kind of 'secret album' with a few friends so I wanted to get fans in the right mood. '?' deals with what I believe to be the mysteries of God. It's my goal to make people think about that and hopefully touch their hearts with my music".

As with previous albums, Morse plays the majority of instruments himself as well as singing and producing the album. Drumming sensation Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and bassist Randy George however return as Morse's permanent rhythm section as well as integrating into more creative aspects of the music. "Both of them helped to co-write 'The Outsider' and sections from '12' and 'Deliverance'. Not only that, they also proved to be very helpful with the arrangement of the whole puzzle" says Morse. Neal makes reference to specific sections on the album because he wants this album to be seen as a whole piece rather than as individual songs. The twelve parts of the album can be selected separately on the CD merely for convenience.

In contrast to "One", Morse decided to recruit several guest musicians this time around. Along with the addition of cello and violin that were present on "One", "?" features a horn section, bag pipes, saxophone and backing vocals. Aside from Portnoy and George, Morse invited some high profile friends to lend their talents to "?" including, Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess, saxophonist Mark Leniger, who was previously heard on the "Testimony" album and guitarists Steve Hackett, Alan Morse and Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings.

"Musically, this album is more concise" explains Morse. "We've left out the complicated stuff and designed it more like a band project. That's why the guest artists' performances are in the foreground more. Their individual touches are what make this album unique". And it works to great effect. "?" is a varied and superlative piece of music that is part concept album, part rock opera. The album is highlighted with beautiful passages of piano and saxophone, stirring keyboard and string solos as well as more riff oriented instrumentation.

The opening section, entitled "The Temple Of The Living Gods" moves from melodic, swinging blues rock into a more sax oriented jazz rock feel and features many classic moments. "The Outsider" and "Sweet Elation" incorporate the addition of gentle flutes and bells coupled with driving synth sections that recall early Genesis at times, while the rocking "In The Fire" is more reminiscent of Yes' "All Good People". Meanwhile, Zappa influenced guitar sections, densely woven soundscapes similar to the Planet P Project and lush Asia style arrangements with strings and choir all find their place on "?". An overwhelming work full of brilliant musicianship and touching melodies that proves to have a great effect on the listener.

Tracklisting:

01. The Temple of the Living God
02. Another World
03. The Outsider
04. Sweet Elation
05. In The Fire
06. Solid As The Sun
07. The Glory Of The Lord
08. Outside Looking In
09. 12
10. Deliverance
11. Inside His Presence
12. The Temple of the Living God

Musicians:

Neal Morse - Keyboards, Guitars, vocals
Mike Portnoy - Drums
Randy George - Bass