| |
Every time Neal Morse Releases a DVD, we know that that
we are going to be treated to an extremely tight performance
in front of an ecstatic audience, and his latest visual release
Sola Scriptura and Beyond is no exception. Coming off the
heels of the Sola Scriptura album, an ambitious work in its
own right, the road proves to be a much welcome place for
the musical might that Morse and his band conveys.***
A lot of music is to be heard and seen on this 2 DVD
set, you have both the whole Sola Scriptura and ? albums performed
in their entirety (Sola Scriptura is played all the way through,
front to back while ? is spread out between two separate performances
through medleys & so on), there is a big Testimony medley,
some cuts from One, an acoustic version of Transatlantic’s
“Bridge Across Forever” as well as their “We All Need Some
Light,” and Spock’s Beard’s “Wind at My Back” from Snow, which
is a big bonus here.***
Regardless of what music is performed, the band members
that he brings along with him (as always) are their utmost
finest - the musicianship is unbelievable and the chops are
flexible with whatever stylistic vibe the music calls for
– whether it be acoustic singer/songwriter, prog-rock jam
sessions, technical metal, or sophisticated pop - the music
and the message is delivered with the highest power and precision,
and with music like this – there is no better way. And of
course, Neal masters every instrument he touches, flawlessly.***
Another feature is the behind the scenes documentary of
the tour, where you have Morse telling interesting stories
about his guitars, the band members, the tour coming together,
etc., behind the scenes footage and candid conversations with
the band. The sound is excellent audiophile quality, really
being spacious; but yes, the shows were shot in digital (name
a modern concert that isn’t these days), yet the multi-camera
angles and the editing made for a great overall visual experience.
This DVD has outdone Testimony Live and is essential for Neal
Morse, Spock’s Beard, and fans of not only progressive rock,
but great pop/rock music in general – he continues to outdo
himself every time, it only leads to the hopeful anticipation
for actually seeing him perform live, but this is the next
best thing.
|
