The CD of the year for 2003 is the concert DVD of the year for 2004. Neal Morse's phenomenal Testimony Live DVD has arrived, and it is mighty.
Let me ask you a question: Are you looking for something fresh, exciting, and different in Christian music? Or in ANY musical genre? Then I suggest you park yourself in your favorite comfy chair with a snack and a frosty cold beverage (or piping hot one) and absorb Neal Morse's Testimony Live DVD. Neal Morse's 2 CD magnum opus Testimony was a much-needed shot burst of musical adrenaline and creativity in 2003. Read a detailed review here of the Tollbooth's October 2003 Pick of the Month here: http://www.tollbooth.org/2003/reviews/morse.html
The live DVD takes the Testimony experience to the next level; as you watch you see the emotion that Morse pours into the songs and the performance. Testimony is, after all, the story of Morse's conversion to Christ. And as you see his story unfold, you will experience with Neal his pain, confusion, and struggle, as well as his search for truth, and ultimately his triumphant, joyful breakthrough as Christ takes hold of his life. At the portion of the show where Neal gives his heart to Jesus a simple wardrobe change from black shirts and jackets to white makes a potent statement. It is fitting that the performance of Testimony climaxes with a majestic suite of praise directed to the Heavenly Father.
There are not many musical works that bring me to the emotional peaks that Testimony does. While listening and watching I found myself in tears, felt goose bumps rise on my arms, and even caught myself laughing and beaming with joy. Ultimately, all believers in their own personal way share Neal's experience and victory.
The video and audio presentation of Testimony Live is top-notch. The picture is clear and crisp and the stage is tastefully lit. The multiple camera angles do a nice job of capturing the performance, with very few instances that I thought gee, that camera should be focused somewhere else at this point! I loved the drum-cam perched above world-class drummer Mike Portnoy's drum kit. Watching Portnoy capably tear into the drums is like watching a whirlwind in action lightning fast, dangerous, powerful, and precise!
The musicianship of Testimony Live needs to be highlighted as well. In an interview for Soul Frequency Radio last year, Neal mentioned that he prayed God would assemble a group of like-minded musicians that would flesh out the music and spirit of Testimony. Just a few weeks before the tour was to take place this amazing team of eight musicians was assembled:
Neal Morse on lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion, and drums. Morse is the heart and soul of the group, a talented composer/lyricist with a heart for God.
Mike Portnoy (of Dream Theater) on drums and vocals. Mike's wit and unbelievable talent add an exciting and crucial dimension to the performance.
Randy George on bass, keyboards, and vocals. Randy leads the Christian prog-rock group Ajalon and has played with Rick Wakeman of Yes. Randy also heads up CPR (Christian Progressive Rock http://www.cprogrock.com). Randy handles the low end with ease and quiet grace.
Rick Altizer on guitar, keyboards, percussion, and vocals. Rick's cheerful demeanor, classic Beach Boy vocals, and his on-stage antics (you gotta see it folks) provide a lot of background fun.
Eric Brenton on guitar, violin, mandolin, pedal steel, flute, and vocals (and probably something else I am forgetting!). Eric seems to be holding a different instrument every few seconds in the DVD, and he nimbly plays them all to magical effect.
Mark Leniger on saxophone, percussion, and vocals. Mark is a member of Neal's church and the cosmic rocking cowboy of the group, as well as a handy multi-instrumentalist.
Bert Baldwin on keyboards and vocals. Bert is the keyboard tech for Dream Theater and a classically trained keyboardist. For Testimony Live, he stepped into the limelight to add his able hidden talents to the mix.
Finally, John Krovosa on electric cello. John adds an intense and dramatic presence with his spiffy electric cello.
I was fortunate to be invited by Morse to film some of the rehearsals, and got to spend a little time with each of the players. I was amazed at the spirit of camaraderie and friendship this merry band possessed. The depth of musicianship this group possesses is astonishing.
The encores included are classic songs from some of Morse's other musical adventures: Spocks Beard and Transatlantic. And the DVD includes a fun tour documentary (you can see this reviewer for a couple of seconds in the beginning, surely another reason this DVD is a must-have).
Testimony Live is a unique and forceful keepsake, a DVD that is essential to any fan of great music concerts.
