Neal Morse’s career path is full of unexpected twists and turns, sudden changes and pleasant surprises—much like the epic progressive rock compositions for which he has become known. In the mid ‘90s he formed the quirky Spock’s Beard, whose debut recording, The Light, was an unexpected success. Over the next 7 years, Spock’s Beard released 6 critically acclaimed studio recordings and multiple live recordings while establishing a passionate fan base in the “prog rock” community.
In 2000, he formed the prog supergroup Transatlantic with drumming legend Mike Portnoy (formerly with Dream Theater), Marillion’s Pete Trewavas and The Flower Kings’ Roine Stolt. In a remarkably brief but productive few days together, they knocked out SMPTe, a richly received, massive work of vintage, long form prog. Two years later, the sophomore release, Bridge Across Forever, solidified Transatlantic’s global appeal.
In 2001, Morse shocked his followers with word that he was stepping away from music…with no indication of where he was heading. Morse was now walking an unknown road. After reaching success with Spock’s Beard, he was starting all over again, this time boldly declaring his faith and risking fan rejection and financial failure. He needn’t have worried. As the Testimony Live DVD triumphantly documented, his solo tour was full of magical moments and was a deeply affirming experience. Morse returned to the studio with Mike Portnoy and touring bass player Randy George to record 2004’s One, a conceptual album that was a vast and rewarding work that harkened to new heights beyond his former work. Since then it’s been Morse, Portnoy and George on the journey until members, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette were added as permanent members of the Neal Morse Band. In another striking move Morse debuted the Grand Experiment as “The Neal Morse Band” A Collective effort that saw a 5 way collaboration between the members. Morse continues to pursue other solo releases as well as maintaining a fan club which puts out content regularaly throughout the year, encompassing all of Morse’s ventures.
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