ELLA BLAME

ELLA BLAME has an incredible vocal range: her voice covers the entire baritone, tenor and contralto ranges and exceeds the upper limit of the soprano range. She can produce sounds that are very similar to synthesizers, with no effects. Sometimes angelic, sometimes satanic, the many colors of her voice can be described as Billie Holiday meets Bjork and Loreena McKennit… yes these three names together sound very absurd, you just have to hear it for yourself... more

Kevin BARTLETT

This month's interview guest is KEVIN BARTLETT, musician, composer, bassist and guitarist extraordinaire, founder of the record label "Aural Gratification". Most of you know him as the co-producer of 9 Happy Rhodes albums. He lives in Woodstock, NY where he owns a newly built studio. He recently released his second CD "Glow In The Dark" as a follow up to his first album "Near Life Experience" which was released in 2003... more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

NEAL MORSE / ? LIVE

On his latest release, Neal Morse is at the very top of his game. Performing the entire Question Mark album and songs from One on disc two. With a concoction of high-energy virtuosos accompanying him, the Question: Live album is an instant classic... but not for all the reasons you might think. Yes, the songs are memorable. Yes, Neal performs with a full band and yes, the production is astounding. What Neal has brought to the table is a fantastic journey through heart and mind. His inspired vision is carefully unveiled with each and every track. This is not simply 2 CDs filled with cool songs to fulfill an obligation to release a double live album - this is a score, a musical feat unmatched in progressive rock today.

I need to preface by saying that I happen to be very familiar with Christian music and it's historical artists. So when Neal Morse unashamedly proclaims his Christian faith, I cringe in the recesses of my mind and prepare myself for cliche, hokey, milky smooth safety songs that are meant to meet a religious audience ill prepared to consume complicated arrangements & instrumental expertise. Boy was I wrong. Neal and his entourage hold nothing back. The live performance is nothing short of a mold-breaker, shattering all preconceptions of what Contemporary Christian Music is supposed to sound like. While writing this review, I struggled with how I could phrase what I was thinking while listening to the album. What I was thinking will not sound very proper, and one shudders as the words leave the lips, but if you're honest with yourself you will be thinking the same thing... and that is that Neal Morse is too good for CCM.

Crazy to iterate I know, and I presume I will be berated with emails shooting me down for such a statement. Before firing up your email client, let me re-phrase by saying "unlike most Gospel or Inspirational music found on the shelves today, Neal Morse is actually performing music worthy of The Creator" Taking for example the very first track, "The Temple of The Living God". Even the title conjures up the dreaded image of reverent "worship" type music fit for a Presbyterian Sunday service. There is a little bit of that, and you'll think that as Neal begins singing "after all with our backs against the wall, we seek the Temple of The Living God" that you've been dragged to an Amy Grant concert against your will. However Morse, in true form, reveals that there is much more to this musical imagery than just hushed silence and monk-like humility. There are twists and turns, highs and lows, peace and battles when seeking "this Temple".

Moments like these are rampant throughout the performance. The band is unbelievably tight. The crowd is no doubt an equal split of Spocks Beard fans & newcomers as well. Elisa Krijgsman's (Seraph, Metrolpole Orchestra) guitar work is impeccable. Collin Leijenaar (Jessica Koomen & Jazz Trio) does a more than adequate job where you might be expecting Dream theater's Mike Portnoy. Jessica Koomen (The Soul Quartet) adds a dimension all her own and delivers a welcome dynamic to Neal's music. Wilco van Esschoten (Gerald Troost, In One) does not miss a single beat. His bass playing is tasteful when needed but smokin' when demanded. Who can stand at the keyboard helm with Mighty Morse? His name is Henk Doest (New Day, Orville), a dutch session musician who really does hold his own, but no doubt walks away with a few lessons learned by Neal Morse.

You're encouraged to buy this CD direct from Neal's site by clicking

Also catch him on MySpace: www.myspace.com/nealmorse

DALE JUDAY