The Grand Experiment, the first album by the supergroup The Neal Morse Band, was released in 2015. A masterpiece of prog rock, superb, original, and fresh, with top-notch instrumental and vocal performances. This album marks the beginning of a new musical adventure, uniting the talents of exceptional musicians. Each track is a sonic journey, filled with compelling melodies and profound lyrics, with songs ranging from energetic rock to more intimate and reflective moments.
The lineup is simply stellar, from Mike Portnoy's drums to Randy George's bass, and the superb keyboard work of Neal Morse and Bill Hubauer, not to mention Eric Gillette's superb guitar playing, which stands out for its skill. No comment on Portnoy, who is a monster, as we know from his work in other bands. The mixing is also fabulous.
The band already displays its trademark, a great balance between epic progressive rock tracks and shorter rock songs, with a sound driven by choral compositions.
Five tracks on vinyl and five on CD, plus a DVD with a 45-minute video titled "The Making of The Grand Experiment."
There's no doubt about it: the experiment was a resounding success. Three more albums of even greater quality will follow.
Tracklist
1. The Call (10:12)
2. The Grand Experiment (5:27)
3. Waterfall (6:31)
4. Agenda (3:45)
5. Alive Again (26:44)
Duration 52:39
Bonus CD
1. New Jerusalem (Freedom Is Coming) (7:30)
2. Doomsday Destiny (5:27)
3. MacArthur Park (11:07)
4. The Creation (live *) (18:40)
5. Reunion (live *) (9:42)
Duration 52:26
* recorded at Morsefest
Bonus DVD
1. The Making of "The Grand Experiment" (45:40)
- Music Videos :
2. Agenda (3:47)
3. Grand Experiment (5:28)
Duration 54:55
LineUp
- Neal Morse - vocals, keyboards, guitar
- Eric Gillette - guitar, vocals
- Bill Hubauer - keyboards, clarinet, vocals
- Randy George - bass, bass pedals, bodhrán
- Mike Portnoy - drums, vocals
Featuring:
- Jim Hoke - saxophone
- Chris Carmichael - strings
- David McKee - industrial loops (4)
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page
