Neal Morse just released his latest - and very personal - album Testimony 2. And even before the album got in stores he played the first shows in the US. Now he's on tour in Europe to present Testimony 2 live, this time he brought a string section with him.
Sunday night in Germany a lot people watch Tatort, a crime television series which was started in 1970 and it was a real blockbuster back then which is still very popular. Anyway, the chanced to see Neal Morse on stage made a few hundred fans heading for Bochum's Matrix. At a quarter past 8 PM the show began with the Spock's Beard tune Beware Of Darkness. It was followed by the jazzy and progressive Leviathan, a track which won't hook you up immediately but then it's will get you. "Good to be back in Germany! It's my home from home." Neal Morse announced - and he really meant it - and continued "I did a few concept albums, just a few." Laughter. Neal Morse and his mates continued the sonic journey with The Separated Man. "Is it really that hot?" he asked the audience, and yes it was hot. He continued to talk about the early days where he played in smoke filled bars, sharing memories. "Speaking of concept albums... I did a few." After The Door (just playing a part of the opus off Sola Scriptura) and Seeds Of Gold it was time to move on, to present Testimony 2 live! - they opened this part with Mercy Street. As Testimony 2 is telling about his life they stick to the running order and so they took everybody onto a journey through the life of Neal Morse - at least through this part of this life. Jayda is a very personal song and it was obvious that it isn't easy for Neal to sing it, but he - and his band - did a brilliant job. But you wouldn't expect something average from guys like Neal Morse or Kristoffer Gildenlöw, Ola Hedén and Ben Mathot - to name just a few of his mates. Neal Morse gave everybody the chance to shine, but most of the time they stayed in the background, just supporting Neal telling his story. Songs like Jesus' Blood or Chance Of A Lifetime represent different stages of his life and so they musically differ, but at the same time it was a homogenous set which ended - like the album - with Crossing Over / Mercy Street Reprise. And at the time Tatort ends the band left the stage, but a few minutes later returned for another 2 songs - King Jesus and the Transatlantic tune We All Need Some Light Now. And with this emotional track they closed the chapter, the show in Bochum was over. The fans headed for the merchandise booth or straight home, either way it seems that nobody regretted attending this show. Happy face everywhere and I bet the majority will be back next time Mr. Morse is on the road.
I have to thank Neal Morse, not just for a great evening! Thanks for talking me over to come and see the show which due to moving I thought about skipping. And to their promotion company who made it possible. Beside that it was kinda refreshing not to have several bands on the bill, to focus on one band and so to be able to give full attention to the main attraction.