Soaring, joyful progressive rock

Yes, this is easily the most uplifting, joyful prog rock concert I have had the privilege to watch on DVD. Here are a group of mature, brilliant musicians enjoying what they do in the intimate venue of Shepherd's Bush Empire, London. And the packed crowd laps up every moment that lasts for over three hours. This is no cold, clinical performance but rather a warm evening of smiles of musos and interaction of the crowd. 

Neal Morse sings with his usual passion with nods and shouts of encouragement as Mike Portnoy flays away with a flurry of cross sticking. Watching the interaction between Transatlantic is worth the price of DVD alone. Pete Trewavas on fat bass (plus harmony vocals), stands next to the drums, and not only feels the pulse of the bass drum, but throughout the show turns to face Portnoy during intricate passages. Listen to Trewavas's full, rich bass tone particularly on "All of Above". Guest, David Gildenlow, sings, fills in on keyboards, jumps and power chords his way adding to the enthusiasm, while Roine Stolt, seems serene on the most intricate guitar riff. The great camera work catches all these interesting glances, action and band spontaneity. (No artistic flourishes, intrusive fades or flash camera work - but rather good, clear, crisp footage.) 


The concerts begins with the 78 minute opus 'The Whirlwind". From soaring melodic guitar lines to full throttle band with organ, keyboards, overdriven guitar and harmony vocals, this contains both light more acoustic sections to dark almost prog metal interludes. Overall this is accessible music with everything from styles of Yes, Kansas to Grateful Dead jamming and Crosby, Stills and Young harmonising by everyone in the band. 


Although everyone contributes to the composition, Morse seems to have had the biggest influence and certainly the lyrics are his. From the excellent 'interview' and 'Behind the scenes' extras on the second disc, Morse explains how it was Portnoy who saw all the separate compositions and gave musical direction for them to be moulded into one piece. Likewise Portnoy is enthusiastic about the emotion and general message of the Whirlwind and says he doesn't think they are explicit 'Christian' lyrics in his answer to the reporter. They may not be explicit yet they are a resounding declaration that points to seeking the giver of life. As a taster read the following key sentences from the lengthy 12 part Whirlwind lyrics.


"And I know that we are more than dust and ashes
And one day we will know what we have known"


"There's a reason you're here, this is not by chance
When the giver of life is asking you to DANCE!"


We're on trip in a foreign land
Reach for home, where the kingdom stands
There is the key he has given you, search it out
All who seek will find the truth!


Certainly this amalgam of soaring prog rock is a stirring and appropriate vehicle for these words. Ironically Neal Morse and material like this is not known in the Christian market. Irrespective of your spiritual perspective, this DVD is primarily a body of great music. If you already listen to the likes of Dream Theater, Spocks Beard, Pink Floyd and Kansas - you'll love this. But this is as accessible to those who don't normally listen to prog rock. If you like light rock or watching musicians play, this will be a fascinating experience that will grow on you and introduce you to a new genre.


It is worth mentioning that if you are not familiar with the guitaring of Roine Stolt, then you are in for a treat (his singing is also beautifully distinctive). The melodic lead lines are more in keeping with a David Gilmour, Kerry Livgren or Brian May approach than of the Satriani or Petrucci intensity. Although this is no ways as heavy as a Dream Theater concert, this is still a Portnoy extravaganza as he shouts and conducts the crowd while completing the drum fill with his right hand (you won't be disappointed)! This concert happily seems to go on forever, which for lovers of this music is a good thing. This is simply Epic, with a capital 'E'. 


PS: I really like the transparent hard plastic packaging of the DVD case. Definitely watch the behind the scenes of the tour as there are great excerpts from most of their concerts including many surprises. Look out for what they do and sing on Mike Portnoy's birthday. I'll try not give away too many surprises but from surfing to singing 'Smoke on the water' these guys were having fun!