? LIVE

As a fan of Neal Morse's previous solo efforts, I like this one as well. Although, it's not the album I would recommend newcomers to start out with. Working with mostly Dutch musicians, recorded live in Berlin, it all sounds tight and impressive for the most part. Before, Morse has worked intensely with Mike Portnoy, Randy George and a couple of other almost steady partners. However, what surprises me a bit is the fact that this (temporary?) European band seems to really come into their own on the second disc of this double album. Almost as if they were only warming up during the live version of "Question Mark (the entire album) and let go of all inhibitions when they start over with selected songs from "One". Maybe there is some form of respect or awe that keeps them from doing their absolute best at first - I don't know...

Neal is preaching now and then, and if you have a problem with that - be warned. If you enjoy his personal approach in that sense, tying up the themes and expressing his motivations in a spiritual way, you may see this as a bonus. It works for me, most of the time. Highlights overall include this fresh version of "The Creation" and the concluding medley with incorporated elements from Spock's Beard material as well.

All in all, it lives up to the conclusion "Good - but not essential for everyone. In other words; three solid stars the way I see it at this point. That might change over time, but I doubt it.