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I wish there was a way to start again
Just blink and count to ten
In a land of beginning again
Where no one knows the bad things that you've done
The past is truly gone
In the land of beginning again...

Freddie Prinze Jr. looks astonished as he reads the name on the paper "Wow, this is a shock...the MTV music award for best album goes to...Neal Morse?!?"

Sigh...I can dream can't I? In a perfect world with musical justice these scenarios would be the crescendo of the swell of popularity surrounding the groundbreaking, stunning release Testimony from Neal Morse. Hey...it could happen! 

Neal Morse was the main creative force behind Spock's Beard for a number of years (no slight intended to the other fine musicians that carry on in SB) and after becoming a Christian several years ago felt at tug from God to leave that band and do something different. Thankfully for Spock's Beard fans, Testimony is not in a completely different style from Morse's Spock work, but different enough for Neal to gain more than a few fans from genres of music other than progressive rock. 

Testimony is a two hour-plus sharing of one man's journey and transformation through God's grace and mercy. The CD is a digital version of the age-old practice of "testifying" in the congregation. Or if you prefer, Testimony can be thought of as visit with Neal Morse as he relates his struggles in life over the years and the victory he has experienced. Either way you look at it, Testimony is a work of intense breadth and depth. Morse shares his heart in an open, willing and honest manner that draws the listener in for a journey from LA to Nashville and ultimately Heaven. 

The sheer length of the project can be daunting, but do yourself a favor. Find a nice quiet place, unplug the phones and listen to this album as a whole. From the opening (and bookend piece) strains of "The Land of Beginning Again" you will be amazed at this fascinating story in song.

Testimony is broken down in five parts/movements-the first two on disc 1 and the last three on the second disc. Disc one covers the "B.C."-Before Christ phase on the surface-but upon deeper inspection Neal details how God was working with him even during the times he was seemingly farthest from his Heavenly Friend while gigging, partying and searching for that one big break. Disc two covers Morse's conversion transformation and his struggles with whether to go to the next level in his relationship with God or to walk in his old ways. Disc two also features my favorite section, part 5, featuring an effervescent and joyful group of worship songs directed to the Father. 

Musically and stylistically, Testimony is a smorgasbord of styles ranging from piano-based, hook laden power-pop rock, classic sounding rock, several goose bump-raising, tear inducing heartfelt ballads, towering symphonic progressive rock, and even acoustic/Celtic/Bluegrass influenced prog (think a joyful Riverdance here on the song "Sing it High").  Powerful drumming by Mike Portnoy (of Dream Theater), swirling majestic orchestral parts, tasty Mellotron, surprising slide guitar parts and even a bit of flamenco classical guitar are all thrown into a spectacular and memorable mix of music that is unforgettable. You will find yourself singing along to Morse's infectious melodies upon your first listen.

Morse is refreshingly candid about his thoughts, life, beliefs and relationship with the Lord. I hope that this will not keep some folks from listening to what Neal has to say. The conviction that Neal Morse shares in Testimony and the powerfully creative way that he expresses that conviction deserve to be heard-by millions, and by you and me at the very least. 

Testimony has my vote for CD of the year and it ranks alongside the other favorite works featuring Neal (Spock's Beard's Snow and Transatlantic's Bridge Across Forever). The CD is from Radiant Records, Neal's label at <http://www.radiantrecords.com.> There is also a very cool 3 disc Limited Edition featuring a 3rd disc of covers...a 13 minute version of "Tuesday Afternoon" by the Moody Blues and "Can't Find My Way Home" from the super group Blind Faith. Even the cover of the CD is thought provoking. Neal and what I guess are his children are standing in the greenery and looking thoughtfully towards the sky, hands raised to the God of all creation.

Look for Neal on tour with a traveling band featuring Mike Portnoy on Drums and Randy George of the group Ajalon on bass.

Barry Nothstine 9/24/2003 

Morse crushed countless devotees when he left Spock’s Beard during the upward trajectory following their ambitious 2002 release, Snow.  A beacon for half-closeted prog sympathizers like me, Spock’s was a current band that could muster tricky musical arrangements, but infused them with soul, humor, and Beatles-inspired pop sensibility.  Since Morse’s previous solo outings spotlit steps into piano man territory, and given the reason stated for departure (religious experience), many expected an overly pious version of his mellowed solo storytelling.  Decidedly not so - Testimony fills two CDs with something-to-prove musical ambition, while the lyrical focus is humbled and direct. 

The thrilling “Overture No. 1” ranges from orchestral passages to angular stabs a la Wings’ “Live and Let Die.”  In Spock’s Beard, string parts were Mellotron whiz Ryo Okumoto’s territory; here, they’re performed by members of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.  Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, Morse’s partner on two Transatlantic albums, provides forceful and meticulous percussion.  Kerry Livgren, a Beard influence who long ago left Kansas under similar circumstances, guests on Testimony as well.

“California Nights” finds Morse at his most conversational, describing the hollowness of pursuing the West Coast star-making machinery.  He yearns for a place “where no one knows the bad things that you’ve done; the past is truly gone” during “The Land of Beginning Again.”

The question remains whether Testimony could have been made with Spock’s Beard.  Given the direction the Snow material was heading, one would think so.  Still, the freedom and inspiration heard here are undeniable. Testimony feels more like a fresh start, rather than the continuation of an established solo career. 

Jeff Elbel 10/14/2003