In January 2012, Morse was pondering the possibilities of a change in direction. After all, it had been a decade since he left the progressive rock stalwart Spock's Beard to pursue a solo career that would allow him to write more freely about his personal faith. And in that time he had recorded 6 impressive studio records that were heralded for their unique hybrid of epic compositions that tested the boundaries of musicianship while maintaining a remarkable sense of melody through irresistible hooks and addictive choruses. He could have taken a break. Or gone in an entirely new direction. But he felt led otherwise, as summed up in the new record's title track: "You've got some new momentum, you better keep going."
Morse's long time studio partner and friend Mike Portnoy had a small window in January 2012 when he could record. The only problem was, there was only one song and a few bits and pieces written. Taking a leap of faith, he scheduled a recording session with the drumming legend and longtime bass player Randy George in two weeks, hoping that the music would arrive before the musicians. And boy did it ever.
"Momentum" features five exceptional stand alone songs and one longer conceptual piece. In addition to the accessible title track, there's the quirkily clever, Gentle Giant-inspired "Thoughts Part 5," which follows in the footsteps of the previous "Thoughts" tracks penned by Morse with Spocks Beard. "Smoke and Mirrors" trods an introspective, acoustic path, while "Weathering Sky" offers a raucous cry for deliverance and renewal from a searching soul. Rounding out the shorter tracks is "Freak," an upbeat, strings-charged song unlike anything Neal has recorded to date. Last comes "World Without End," a near 34-minute, six-part epic that contains everything that defines Morse as a master of the genre.
Another highlight of this record is that, in addition to a masterful solo by guitar wizard Paul Gilbert, there are contributions from Adson Sodré, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette—three musicians who were selected as members of Morse's new touring band through an exciting YouTube driven open audition process.
While "Momentum" propels Morse forward and further cements his standing as a prolific progressive rock icon, it steers clear of the potential "more of the same" trap, and features fresh musical angles and some of the finest performances to date by the Morse, Portnoy, George team.
The release of "Momentum" on September 11 will be quickly followed up by a North American tour that spotlights the fresh talent of his new live band, with stops in such cities as Nashville, Jacksonville, New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Mexico City.
Much to the delight of progressive rock fans around the globe, Neal Morse is moving ahead with "Momentum," and there doesn't appear to be any kind of end to his unique creative talent in sight.
Momentum (6:25)
Thoughts Part 5 (7:51)
Smoke and Mirrors (4:38)
Weathering Sky (4:15)
Freak (4:29)
World Without End (33:39)
i Introduction
ii Never Pass Away
iii Losing Your Soul
iv The Mystery
v Some Kind of Yesterday
vi World Without End
Total Length: 61:17
Written and Produced by Neal Morse
"Thoughts Part 5"—Written by Neal Morse and Randy George
"Smoke and Mirrors" and "The Mystery"—Music by Neal Morse, Lyrics by Chris Thompson and Neal Morse
Mixed by Rich Mouser
Featured Musicians
Neal Morse – Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals
Mike Portnoy – Drums
Randy George – Bass
Additional Musicians:
Paul Gilbert – Guitar solo on "Momentum"
Adson Sodré – Guitar Solos on "World Without End"
Bill Hubauer – Clarinet, flute, guitar and additional keys on "The Mystery"
Eric Gillette – Additional vocals on "Thoughts Part 5"
Wil Morse – Additional vocals on "Thoughts Part 5"
Chris Carmichael – Strings
Rick Altizer – Additional vocals on "Weathering Sky" and "Smoke and Mirrors"
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