ONE

With ''Testimony'' Morse actually got back on track of a second-born highly prolific career.Along with Mike Portnoy he played on The Beatles' cover band Yellow Matter Custard, while at the same time he prepared his second concept album ''One'', based on the relationship of God with a Christian man.He established a supporting duo with Mike Portnoy on drums and Randy George of Ajalon on bass, while Morse was responsible for guitars, keyboards and vocals.Of course the album again features a long list of guest musicians like Phil Keaggy on guitars or Chris Carmichael on strings.''One'' was eventually released on Inside Out in November 2004.

To talk about the concept is needless, it actually depends on what anyone believes religionally speaking.To talk about the music of Morse though is more than interesting.''One'' is compiled by one CD of almost 80 minutes of music, split in three epic tracks and some shorter compositions, and the composition level is on par with the best of THE FLOWER KINGS or SPOCK'S BEARD.Very tight and grandiose musicianship all the way, exploring the fundamentals of 70's Prog music in a contemporary way.The blend of modern and vintage sounds in melodic and deeply atmospheric textures remains Morse's biggest weapon and the main reason the man is regarded as one of the leading figures of Progressive Rock, maybe a member of a future Prog Hall of Fame.The long tracks are full of orchestral arrangements, spicy interplays, strong breaks and sufficient melodies, filled with balanced vocal- and instrumental parts.The use of analog keyboards next to the bombastic synthesizers and the atmospheric piano lines of Morse lead the way, though there are strong amounts of great guitar lines with both sensitive solos and more aggressive riffs.The compositions are trully magnificent with a strange twist from rich and powerful venues to lighter, more emotional textures.There has been some fantastic work done also in the vocal department, full of demanding harmonies and multi-vocal crescendos, one of the best vocal performances in a Prog album.Anyone into Classic Prog ala GENTLE GIANT, GENESIS, YES, GENTLE GIANT or KING CRIMSON will simply love Neal Morse's personal career.

Another highlight in Neal Morse's career.His departure from Spock's Beard seems to have worked as a rebirth and ''One'' is an excellent release of Classic Progressive Rock, served with today's standards.Highly recommended.