Rudess Morgenstein Project
Rudess Morgenstein Project

1997, the 'Falling to Infinity' tour by Dream Theater is in full swing. Jordan Rudess, at the time a free agent, and the magnificent drummer Rod Morgenstein (awarded best prog drummer from 1986 to 1990) serve as the "opening" group with 40 minutes of absolute technical spectacle. Keyboards and drums. Morgenstein is the drummer for Steve Morse and in the '80s, they opened Rush's 'Power Windows' tour. He also manages quite well as a keyboardist.

The project was born almost by chance in 1994, when a power outage during a concert left only Rudess's keyboards with energy. To entertain, they found themselves improvising, and it all came out spontaneously, so well that they tackled this production solo. An absolute gem for those who live on bread and DT. But not only. One thing is certain, here Rudess feels 100%. Great arranger and synth programmer. Rod executes excellent soundtrack-worthy virtuosity. It is very colorful music and, if we want to, pop progressive. The absence of the guitar somewhat necessitates this label. Immediate melodies that don't overwhelm as in Liquid Tension.

Morgenstein has a sense of restraint and a touch that the friendly Portnoy still dreams of. He also ventures into a pseudo fusion. Each listener will have their own idea given the unique nature of the compositions. The best tracks: "Don't Look Down" which sounds like an action movie theme, "Drop the Puck" with Rudess's amusing solos and breaks, "Never Again" nostalgic, "Odd Man Out" is the little masterpiece of the whole with a phenomenal drum part that even touches samba, and expertly inserted keyboards. A very faithful false guitar made with Rudess's Kurweil. "Over the Edge" true progressive as always very technical. The title, who knows where it takes "cue" from.

It is undoubtedly a work dedicated to keyboardists, and drummers will appreciate Rod's indisputable skill. It is interesting to hear Rudess alone with his influences exposed and "lightened" from Dream Theater. Don't expect any emotional introspections. It must be listened to by progressives. Technique, technique, and more technique. Virtuosos on the loose.