LIVE IN EUROPE

MORSE. STOLT. TREWAVAS. PORTNOY. I should simply stop my review right here because of the weight these names carry in the genre of progressive music. If you want a real sense of what happens when you compile a bonafide 'supergroup', then the DVD and accompanying CD are just what you need.

I've read some reviews criticizing the performance; however, given the fact that they had very little time to rehearse, I think the boys still pulled it off. They begin with one of my favorite epics, "Duel With The Devil". One can tell that they're having a great time (not sure about Stolt sometimes with his ho-hum approach and some of his criticisms of the band on the second disc), but approach it in a very business-like manner.

Morse's vocals are a bit strained throughout the performance; however, the DVD shows what a true talent this man is. I don't think he gets enough credit as a keyboardist, but the man can flat out play--beautiful piano solo during "All Of The Above". One touching moment was Morse explaining why he's wearing a red New York Yankees' jersey in showing support for the (gutless) attacks on New York on September 11th prior to "We All Need Some Light". I just love the end of that song when the chorus of "We all need some light now" is mixed in with Stolt's vocals. Very beautiful.

Pete Trewavas actually impresses me the most and proves to be the rhythmic backbone allowing Portnoy to power away. Pete, however, just anchors it while having just a great time. You can tell that the man loves to perform.

"The Stranger In Your Soul" is worth watching alone. When the song grunges it up and the 4 members trade off vocals, it's very moving. During the extended music section, Morse even runs over to Portnoy's kit (which he has been known to do) and drums along with him. Excellent bass solo by Trewavas, as well.

As for Gildenlow: yes he is on here, but only to lend support. I read a review criticizing that he didn't do anything. Well, that's because he wasn' a member of Transatlantic. He's very valuable to the sound on this disc, however.

I refrain from a 5 star rating because of Portnoy's profanity. I'm not a prude and have been known to utter an expletive now and again; however, he just comes off as a hard nosed New Yorker (which is what he is, I suppose) who spouts off F-bombs that serve no purpose ("Nothing but epics! Nothing but %$@! * epics tonight!"). Do us a favor, Mike, and don't talk.

As mentioned earlier, one disturbing part is hearing Stolt criticize the music and needing to take chances. It shows me that if Transatlantic ever re-form (typing with crossed fingers is hard), Stolt may not agree to it. If you watch the Instant Delivery DVD of The Flower Kings, you can tell that he enjoys that part of his career far more than this side project. Still, it doesn't detract from the music.

I'm still hoping for some sort of reunion. I've heard Portnoy and (especially) Trewavas expressing a big interest in doing something else, but it's left up to Morse on whether or not it happens. Let's hope it does because I think it would be good for progressive music and "We all need some Transatlantic now!"