in May, Neal's new prog rock epic "Testimony 2" will be released. Although further details such as track list, cover, etc. aren't known yet, there is reason to rejoice: A month after the release Neal Morse & Band will go on tour again. They will not only play at the High Voltage Festival in London, but also present the new album in numerous concerts across Europe. It is Neal's longest solo tour to date.
All details and constantly updated tour dates can be found here:
http://www.nealmorsefans.com/index.php? ... =1&lang=en (http://www.nealmorsefans.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=261&Itemid=1&lang=en)
I've just booked for the London gig :D
London gig is day before my birthday might join you there
I may well be at the Manchester show. Looking forward to the album! :)
Well surely that knocks the idea of him taking over if Nick can't do the festival. Can't see him doing a whole set and then doing a totally different one for the Spock's. He'd never get enough time to rehearse for a start.
Not at all.
Last year, Pete Trewavas played Saturday with Transatlantic and Sunday with Marillion. Carl Palmer played Saturday with Asia and Sunday with ELP.
I have no doubt Neal could do both if it were on the cards but apart from maybe a guest encore I'm not expecting a full Spock's set with Neal...but it would be nice.
You're talking about 2 musicians who know their old back catalogue backwards playing bass or drums. Fronting a band with new songs would be a whole different ball game. Agreed though, it would be nice
Quote from: "owen"You're talking about 2 musicians who know their old back catalogue backwards playing bass or drums.
In Asia's case, less of a "back catalogue" and more of a "fossil record' perhaps.
Quote from: "Geetar"Quote from: "owen"You're talking about 2 musicians who know their old back catalogue backwards playing bass or drums.
In Asia's case, less of a "back catalogue" and more of a "fossil record' perhaps.
New Asia (John Payneversion) due soon :D
Here's the latest on the new CD...and a book too :)
http://www.nealmorsefans.com/index.php? ... =1&lang=en (http://www.nealmorsefans.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=273&Itemid=1&lang=en)
I heard a track off the new album on Sunday on the local commercial radio rock show.
Never heard any Neil Morse before. Sounded good.
I need to do some research into Mr Morse...will be seeing him at High Voltage and some homework beforehand seems prudent. I guess the new release will feature somewhat but are there other songs that are highly likely to be played?
Difficult to say actually as he's not had any 'hit songs' per se and most of his tracks seem to be about 20 minutes long or form part of a longer suite! As a starter, his triple live CD 'So Many Roads' should give you a flavour of what he's likely to choose from. It also features some Spock's Beard and Transatlantic tracks too. 8-)
Thanks DS...will investigate. :)
Quote from: "D S"As a starter, his triple live CD 'So Many Roads' should give you a flavour of what he's likely to choose from. It also features some Spock's Beard and Transatlantic tracks too. 8-)
If only for the sneeze in Leviathan.... :lol: ;)
I'm guessing that he will use his HV slot to do the whole of Testimony 2
That's not a bad theory. :)
Quote from: "L33VEY"I'm guessing that he will use his HV slot to do the whole of Testimony 2
That's what he'll be doing at the London gig I'll be attending in June.
I previewed a couple of new NM tracks on EIMA last night. It appears to have given Pedro a proper shove. :D
If you haven't heard it yet, you can stream the show here: //http://www.thedividingline.com/eima
The tracks start at the 01:57:25 mark.
That was really shovelly... ;)
Just dithering over which bundle to order.
Hmmm...and now I have ordered it (2CD + DVD) and it's a good job there is a free download of disc one because the confirmation contains the dreaded words that were behind my asking if it can only be ordered from the US :-
"Thank you for your order! Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of Non-Ticket items."
4 - 6 weeks??
That's most likely just a standard script. It said somewhere that pre-orders will be shipped to arrive the week of May 22nd.
Quote from: "gr8gonzo"That's most likely just a standard script. It said somewhere that pre-orders will be shipped to arrive the week of May 22nd.
Indeed so. The whole thing is bascially run by Neal's wife so it's very much a cottage industry.
Quote from: "Pedro"Hmmm...and now I have ordered it (2CD + DVD) and it's a good job there is a free download of disc one because the confirmation contains the dreaded words that were behind my asking if it can only be ordered from the US :-
"Thank you for your order! Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of Non-Ticket items."
4 - 6 weeks??
I've bought before from Radiant Pedro and they are usually quite quick. I've just pre ordered too and got disc 1 as a download :D
Quote from: "mr_john"Quote from: "gr8gonzo"That's most likely just a standard script. It said somewhere that pre-orders will be shipped to arrive the week of May 22nd.
Indeed so. The whole thing is bascially run by Neal's wife so it's very much a cottage industry.
Is his wife called Nellie Morse?
:)
Quote from: "L33VEY"Quote from: "mr_john"Quote from: "gr8gonzo"That's most likely just a standard script. It said somewhere that pre-orders will be shipped to arrive the week of May 22nd.
Indeed so. The whole thing is bascially run by Neal's wife so it's very much a cottage industry.
Is his wife called Nellie Morse?
:) Close... Cherie. What? There's 2 e's and an i there.....
Quote from: "mr_john"2 e's and an i there.....
Is that a new band?
Quote from: "Mikey"Quote from: "mr_john"2 e's and an i there.....
Is that a new band?
If it is I want 10%.
Could be some sort of rave band.... :D
Oh joy! Got the album, and it's utterly fabulous! I still haven't heard one boring moment on a Morse record, and this is no exception. And wow, Mike is awesome, beautiful playing and great sound.
DVD with "making of" too, I love that stuff. That's why I've seen the Frost* reports so many thousand times. :mrgreen:
I got it too. Can't wait to watch the DVD.
I took advantage of offer to download the first CD so I'm getting to know that a bit. Musically there are some top notch tunes in there. Lyrically of course it is quite firmly in the religious area but it's not too overpowering.
Only one listen to the shorter second disc but it sounds good too.
A happy purchase. :)
Me too. Turned up one day after release despite the Radiant Record's website stating 6-8 weeks for delivery to the UK! Been listening to the downloaded 1st disk for a week or so and love it. Really like all the back references to old SB stuff - very cleverly interweaving old and new themes.
Then today - finally got around to listening to the second disk. Blimey. That 25 minute epic "Seeds of Gold" is stunning with some fabulous stuff from Steve Morse (Is there some sort of "Morse Code" I don't know about??)
I wish he would release an instrumental version like EIMA...
Mine turned up earlier this week. I already downloaded CD 1 via the Pre Order. Yet another masterpiece from Neal, now for the gig in London next month :D
It is jolly good stuff (wow, the guy really likes cheeses, I must read the lyrics sometime ;) ) - looking forward to seeing this done in full (I presume) at High Voltage - plenty of opportunities for guest spots with Spock's being in town too.
Yes, I would share the above comments. My copy also arrived a couple of days ago and it was good to finally hear CD2, having been enjoying CD1 for a while in MP3 format. Being a glutton for punishment (hmm, there's an apt phrase... 8-) ), I also bought Neal's book, not because I share his religious beliefs but I am interested in his musical journey and why he made the decisions he did. He signed both the book and CD, adding 'Matthew 7:7' - I had to 'Google' that to see what he was on about! :D I'd certainly recommend the album to anyone who likes Spock's Beard, Transatlantic or just decent prog that strikes the balance between melody and virtuosity. As Pedro says, the religious element is there but not too in-your-face (thankfully!). ;)
Over the last 10 years or so, there have been 3 people who have really inspired me musically and rekindled my love for music yet strangely they could hardly be more different people - Neal Morse, Steven Wilson and, of course, Jem. As I'm going to see Neal in Glasgow on the 18th June, that means I'll have see all 3 of them live within the last 6 / 7 months - which is good!
Or not. Had The Arches on the phone tonight to tell me that NM's gig there is now cancelled. No reasons given. :(
Looks like the Manchester one is cancelled too from Neal's website but again, no reasons as yet.
Not a happy bunny... :evil:
Quote from: "D S"Or not. Had The Arches on the phone tonight to tell me that NM's gig there is now cancelled. No reasons given. :(
Looks like the Manchester one is cancelled too from Neal's website but again, no reasons as yet.
Not a happy bunny... :evil:
I have (or had) tickets for Manchester and have heard nothing, but you're right, it looks cancelled! Not happy about this either.... :|
Further to that, if he thinks that by cancelling the remainder of the UK gigs, those audiences will go and pad out the crowd at the Koko (where a DVD's being recorded) instead, he is sadly wrong methinks.
A post from the tour manager stated that the Glasgow & Manchester shows were cancelled by the promoter (SJM) due to low ticket sales.
Just sad... :?
the koko gig has now been moved to the kclsu presumably for the same reasons, ive got tickets but can anyone tell me where it is and also has it got a bar.
Neal just posted on twitter:
"Ok. I've been waiting for the final word: MANCHESTER AND GLASGOW have been canceled and London is on at the new venue. Pass it on!"
Quote from: "turbo"the koko gig has now been moved to the kclsu presumably for the same reasons, ive got tickets but can anyone tell me where it is and also has it got a bar.
Here's some info on the venue - http://www.kclsu.org/landing.asp?sectio ... +Nightclub (http://www.kclsu.org/landing.asp?section=113§ionTitle=Tutu%27s+Nightclub)
And here's a map - //http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=wc2r+2ns&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.566626,39.506836&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=A
I assume that tickets bought for the original venue are valid for the new venue, I hope ?
Quote from: "mr_john"Quote from: "turbo"the koko gig has now been moved to the kclsu presumably for the same reasons, ive got tickets but can anyone tell me where it is and also has it got a bar.
Here's some info on the venue - http://www.kclsu.org/landing.asp?sectio ... +Nightclub (http://www.kclsu.org/landing.asp?section=113§ionTitle=Tutu%27s+Nightclub)
And here's a map - //http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=wc2r+2ns&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.566626,39.506836&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=A
cheers mr john :D
Sad about the other gigs but very pleased about the London venue change. I was undecided whether to go to the Koko gig as getting back into central Lond for my last train home at 11:30 was going to be hit and miss. But...this is much easier if that google map is to be believed. Double checking venue then booking ticket. I work at Bush house at the A :lol: ldwych so could probably hear him from my desk otherwise :-)
Quote from: "turbo"cheers mr john :D
Most welcome chum!!
So who's going to the London gig on Thursday ? I'll be there :D
I'll be there, I'll be there, I will be there. :D
Quote from: "turbo"I'll be there, I'll be there, I will be there. :D
Looks like we'll be the only Frosties then :)
Quote from: "keithd"Quote from: "turbo"I'll be there, I'll be there, I will be there. :D
Looks like we'll be the only Frosties then :)
Plus 1.
Thursday is normally "Hubby's Taxi" night, but I'm let off this week.
And listened to Testimony 2 twice and didn't "get it". Third listen today did the trick.
I'll be one of the few wearing a Frost* T-shirt of some description... ;)
I'll be there....but....then you're probably already in the queue...just heading off myself as it's only just around the corner from t'office.
Excellent night had by all - although it was bloody hot in there and the gig ran for almost 3 hours from just past 8 through to 11:15
Set list (as far as I can remember):
Beware of Darkness
Leviathan
The Seperated Man
Seeds of Gold (one of the high points of the gig & I think Neal knew it too as he commented on how well they'd played it)
Testimony 1 stuff - not sure which bits - I can never remember any titles but it kicked butt!
10 minute break
Testimony 2 from start to finish including a mad dash out front through the audience (thanks for the slap on the back Neal - almost knocked me over!) and a stunningly good end from "Road Dog Blues", through "It's for you" and "Crossing Over".
Encore:
Bridge Across Forever
then two tracks I didn't know...but everyone else seemed to!
Saw a Keep Calm and Mellotron T-shirt in the queue and I was wearing my Black Live Machine but other than that I didn't spot any other Frosties.
Quote from: "Againesis"Excellent night had by all - although it was bloody hot in there and the gig ran for almost 3 hours from just past 8 through to 11:15
Set list (as far as I can remember):
Beware of Darkness
Leviathan
The Seperated Man
Seeds of Gold (one of the high points of the gig & I think Neal knew it too as he commented on how well they'd played it)
Testimony 1 stuff - not sure which bits - I can never remember any titles but it kicked butt!
10 minute break
Testimony 2 from start to finish including a mad dash out front through the audience (thanks for the slap on the back Neal - almost knocked me over!) and a stunningly good end from "Road Dog Blues", through "It's for you" and "Crossing Over".
Encore:
Bridge Across Forever
then two tracks I didn't know...but everyone else seemed to!
Saw a Keep Calm and Mellotron T-shirt in the queue and I was wearing my Black Live Machine but other than that I didn't spot any other Frosties.
Yes, great gig it was. Neal was overcome when telling the tale of the song Jayda about his daughter. Afraid i wasn't wearing a Frost* Tshirt but had my Yes Tshirt on. Anyway, here's a few photos https://picasaweb.google.com/keith.davi ... ykopyaqQE# (https://picasaweb.google.com/keith.davies53/NealMorse?authkey=Gv1sRgCMn1xcykopyaqQE#)
Clearly the Frost* Experiments in Live Appeal T shirt wasn't enough to identify me - should stick the numberplate across my chest instead... :lol:
Happily stayed at the back propping up the barrier in front of the mixing desk - being tall has its advantages.
With apologies to anyone who had tickets for the cancelled gigs, it was indeed a belter. Gave me a better understanding of why Neal is as fervent as he is. Frankly if my own daughter had been miraculously healed in the same way then I'd probably be holding a prayer meeting now as well.
Having only got my ticket the night before, I got back to my car in an empty O2 car park and wondered at the shame of people like Neal not being able to even sell out a Student Union, when they deserve to be packing out the O2. The general public's loss I guess and our gain.
Quote from: "L33VEY"Happily stayed at the back propping up the bar
;)
What concerns me is that the low ticket sales & the cancelled gigs in the UK may result in no future gigs in the UK. I hope I'm wrong.
Quote from: "keithd"What concerns me is that the low ticket sales & the cancelled gigs in the UK may result in no future gigs in the UK. I hope I'm wrong.
Totally agree it is indeed a worry, that was th first time ive seen neal as a solo artist [seen him with spocks and transatlantic] and what a great show it was, it would be such a shame if this stops him graceing our shores again.
As one who had a ticket for the cancelled Glasgow show tonight, I can only echo these concerns. Maybe it is the overtly Christian element to his current music which is a turn-off to some but, as the very good review of Testimony 2 in CRPP makes clear, you ignore the quality of the music behind this at your peril.
I'm really glad you guys enjoyed the show. I'm not at all envious! :twisted: ;)
Quote from: "L33VEY"Clearly the Frost* Experiments in Live Appeal T shirt wasn't enough to identify me - should stick the numberplate across my chest instead... :lol:
Happily stayed at the back propping up the barrier in front of the mixing desk - being tall has its advantages.
I'm too short to be a full time Frostie spotter. We really must get organised before these things - I spent the whole night on my own and would have loved to have a rant about how good the band were.
BTW - my wife just looked over my shoulder at the photos keithd uploaded and said: "Blimey - he's an old bloke isn't he? He looks like Des O'Conner" (apologies to any non UK Frosties who are happily living in ignorance of Des's existance).
In the middle of reading Neal's book. I had no idea he was such a rebel in his youth :shock: Really enjoying the book but £15 is a bit expensive.
Quote from: "keithd"In the middle of reading Neal's book. I had no idea he was such a rebel in his youth :shock: Really enjoying the book but £15 is a bit expensive.
I think that's the average release price for a new book these days. Places like Waterstones/Tesco/WHSmiths etc slash prices as a loss leader scheme, hence why new books can be so cheap.
Much like Jem, the money from the book goes directly to the artist so it's all good really ;)
Quote from: "mr_john"Quote from: "keithd"In the middle of reading Neal's book. I had no idea he was such a rebel in his youth :shock: Really enjoying the book but £15 is a bit expensive.
I think that's the average release price for a new book these days. Places like Waterstones/Tesco/WHSmiths etc slash prices as a loss leader scheme, hence why new books can be so cheap.
Much like Jem, the money from the book goes directly to the artist so it's all good really ;)
Fair point. I guess I'm too used to paying less when I'm downloading Kindle ebooks from Amazon. I was hoping this was going to be available on Kindle, maybe it will but couldn't wait to read it, plus the fact that it was there at the gig so I thought, grab it while you can :)
Quote from: "keithd"I guess I'm too used to paying less when I'm downloading Kindle ebooks from Amazon.
Cheaper in Asda, not impressed that most newer books are more expensive on the kindle
Neal's book is in Asda?
Quote from: "Pedro"Neal's book is in Asda?
Think Mikey was referring to new release books generally rather than Neal's specifically.
Must say though that I would always buy new relase hard copies of books in places like Waterstones and/or independant book retailers. The industry is dying a death as a result of ASDA/Tesco's etc who can afford to sell books a cut rate price as they make millions of pounds elsewhere in their business. Shame really. The recent price for Waterstones (the company) of £40m just goes to show that we need to support traditional book sellers.
/professional soap box rant!
Quote from: "mr_john"Quote from: "Pedro"Neal's book is in Asda?
Think Mikey was referring to new release books generally rather than Neal's specifically.
Correct.
Credit card alert - Live Testimony 2 coming
http://www.nealmorse.com/ (http://www.nealmorse.com/)