LISTEN

You don't have to be a Dream Theater fan to enjoy this album .

In fact, if you are a die hard fan of Dream Theater, I doubt that you can appreciate this debut solo work by inventive keyboard player Jordan Rudess who is currently with Dream Theater. For sure, you will be able to draw a line about his keyboard work characteristic which is very obvious can be observed throughout segments of pieces of music offered by this album. The music style is far away from any Dream Theater material or any progressive metal style. It's in fact very close with an R&B or jazzy-pop tune. So then, you might ask - where is then the progressive element? It's probably irrelevant to discuss here as it requires lengthy space to do so, let's just appreciate the music.

First off, I have to admit that Jordan's keyboard work is very entertaining and it creates many maneuvers with his pulsating keyboard work. The album starts off with a "close to" R&B style "Listen to the Voice" (3:51) but it differs from any other pop songs in the way the keyboard is played. Jordan inserts his solo beautifully. Most of his solo or fills are similar with Rick Wakeman's style. It's nice. The next track "Inspiration" (5:14) is really a pop song with good melody and .. of course .. a nice keyboard solo. "Beyond the Shoreline" (4:18) showcases Jordan's similarity with Rick Wakeman. The keyboard work at background of the music as well as solo during interlude is very very Wakemanish. Am not quite sure if Jordan is actually adoring Wakeman, but the fact is that this music is heavily influenced by Wakeman. Jordan also gives excellent piano solo throughout the song. Under the song "Take Time" with its upbeat tempo, the inventive keyboard work is really close to Rick Wakeman. This song features stunning guitar solo. It's really enjoyable.

Overall, this is a debut album that has keyboard fills and solos in the vein of Rick Wakeman's solo album. Musically, it's very easy to digest. You do not have to be a prog lover to digest the music, it's really easy listening. The production, sonic quality, of the CD is really excellent. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Jordan Rudess is definitely an extremely talented keyboard player. I know. I've seen him in concert. And he shows that he is talented on this album. What he does not show here is that he is a particularly great songwriter.

The keyboard parts on this album, especially on the more upbeat songs, are fantastic. Although Rudess on this album shows a tendency to sound more than a little like Rick wakeman, both in tone and in style (except for Boogie Wacky Woogie, where he sounds more like Keith Emerson). This can be forgiven, as this was his first album.

What is harder to forgive is the blandness of the vocal melodies, particularly on the ballads. A guy as talented as this should just shut up and play the synth.