MOMENTUM

Once again, Neal Morse is preaching to the converted ... converted Progheads, that is.

Momentum furthers Morse's musical journey toward a very personal promised land. Longtime collaborators Mike Portnoy (drums), and Randy George (bass) are onboard, and, along with a host of additional musicians, manage to bring a bright, epic, celebratory sound to life. The bold "Weathering Sky" and nice change-of-tempo "Smoke and Mirrors" are solid build-ups to the 30-plus minute closing track, "World Without End," which continues the Morse tradition of crafting really long tracks that never seem to overstay their welcome. The one oddball, "Freak," might be the closest Morse has come to aping Ben Folds' Tin Pan Alley pop style. Definitely different but an interesting curve ball, nonetheless.

The refreshing thing about Morse is that he's less a proselytizer than a hardcore quester in regards to his faith. The guy's seeking answers and utilizing his sizable musical talents in an attempt to figure things out. End result: He doesn't beat you over the head with his spiritual views and listeners get to enjoy some excellent, big-hearted prog while he undertakes his journey. Everybody wins.