4NYC

I have only known Jordan after he joined Dream Theater at "Scene From a Memory" album. Through that I album I then admire how fantastic his keyboard work is. With his acrobatic and pulsating keyboard work throughout songs like "Fatal Tragedy" or "Home" I could conclude that he is truly a virtuoso. It made me very happy because there was a successor of Rick Wakeman (Yes) in prog world. So, I always compare Jordan's work against Rick Wakeman.

When I got this solo album by Jordan Rudess, I finally compared it with the solo work of Rick Wakeman especially with the kind of "The Six Wives of Henry VIII". But when I spun this album for the first time, I found that the music was basically a live solo using piano. So I clicked to the album by Rick Wakeman (Piano Live) couple of years ago. So then I compare this "4NYC" with Rick Wakeman "The Piano Album - Live" which I have already reviewed at this site with four stars (excellent) rating.

This album does not demonstrate any virtuosity of Jordan in playing piano to the fullest. I know that he can perform better and he has proved it through his contribution to Dream Theater album since "Scenes From a Memory". But as far as this album concern, everything turns into mellow and in some cases make me bored because I lost my patience. There is no acrobatic work with respect to his virtuosity. It sounds like a classical piano music presented here. It's far away from my expectation, especially when it's compared with Rick Wakeman "The Piano Album - Live".

Overall, this album is suitable for collectors / fans only.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW