AN EVENING WITH JOHN PETRUCCI AND JORDAN RUDESS

Glad to see this album is featured here in this site. I got this album from the first release by Soundman Music (2000) with different track sequence and the number of tracks in my CD is showing 9 instead of 10. "State of Grace" and "Hang 11" are not in my CD track list, however my CD has "Hurglass" that is not available in the 2004 release. Both versions of CDs were recorded from their performance at the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center in Nyack, NY on June 10th,2000.

The first time I got the CD I thought that these two gentlemen would play Dream Theater like music but performed unplugged, or sort of that. But when I spun the CD with "From Within" as the opening track, it was totally different kind of music than Dream Theater and it's so far away from being progressive metal. This opening track is flowing wonderfully and gives me peace of mind listening to the combination of keyboard and guitar work. The second track in my CD list sees "Furia Taurina" which has become my favorite track. I know why I like this track: it's basically due to my astonishment seeing Petrucci plays like Al Di Meola (I'm refering to the trio live performance album of Al Di Meola-John Mclaughlin-Paco De Lucia) with his acoustic guitar while Rudess gives improvised rhythm section with his grand piano / keyboard. But when piano solo of Rudess takes a chance, Petrucci gives his powerful rhythm using the acoustic guitar. Oh man .. it's really a fabulous music!

In "Black Ice" Petrucci gives his vintage with Dream Theater through electric guitar riffs while Rudess performs his piano solo. Wow! can you imagine Dream Theater music meets jazzy piano? Try this man! Really greeaaaatttt .!!! What makes so interesting is that this riffs-based music is performed without drum. "In The Moment" also features electric guitar riffs and solo while Rudess gives his long sustain keyboard work during the guitar solo. When piano takes part, the electric guitar provides background work with improvised electric guitar solo. There is also heavy influence of classical music.

I recommend this album to be in your music collection. John and Jordan have given their best compositions and performance through this album which is very enjoyable and rewarding. You should not miss this one. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW