SCORE: 20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR LIVE WITH THE OCTAVARIUM ORCHESTRA

The DT guys really handed out the goodies on this one! A few minor mistakes here and there (Jordan on one of the descending runs on the opening of SDOIT, feedback during one of the flute solos, etc), but by and large it was one of the best all-around performances yet. James was on like I have never heard, John P redeemed himself on the timing for the solo on "The Spirit Carries On" , and the acoustic latin-sounding section of "SDOIT" - as well as playing brilliantly throughout. John M was easier to distinguish and played brilliantly, Meistro Jordan remains one of the people that make life justifiable, and Mike continues to be the best at blending technical imposibility with true musicianship.

Other things can be said of the Octavarium Orchestra. The Horns were great, the Cellist was outstanding, and the Flutist was excellently chosen (no fake vibrato here!). The string section, however, was - at times - painfully out of tune and out of tempo. It must have been a nightmare to try to get everyone synchronized (and I give them full credit for trying), but I can only wish that the string section of the orchestra were half as talented as the band.

4.5 / 5