alternative-zine.com

Reviews

Jordan Rudess: Rhythm Of Time
Jordan Rudess - Rhythm Of Time - [Magna Carta Records]

2005-01-20

2004 was a very intense year for Dream Theaters keyboardist Jordan Rudess.
He knew that if he wans to release his solo album this year he will have to do it before Dream Theaters world tour, and before they enter the studio to record their new album, and the only way to do it was through intense work, and so, Jordan locked himself In his studio for 14 days, without phones, fax and Emails, and no connection to the rest of the world, and in that period of time, he wrote, composed, recorded and finished his new solo album Rhythm of Time.

In the new album, throughout eight tracks, we are show from where Jordan got hi reputation as one of the best keyboardist in the progrock scene.

On this album, Rudess guests varied top musicians such as Vinny more, Joe Satriani, Greg How, and a pleasant surprise as Rod Morgenstien takes the drumming role instead of Terri Bozio and perfects their chemistry, Kip Winger contributed his amazing vocals on two track.

What came to me as a surprise was the attention given to progmetal, a style that I personally thought was nurtured by his friend from Dream, I expected him to lean towards more classical music, it’s not a bad thing, quite contrary , Jordan has the chance to shine even brighter with his great virtuous playing.

The first track opens with an electronic keyboard sound and keeps running throughout progmetal bits with all rhythmic games we were brought to know and love, it changes character and texture constantly, somewhat of an overture for Rudess keyboarding playing ability.

The third track “Insectsamongus” opens in with the keyboard sound from “The dance of eternity” and continues with a battle of velocity and texture between the musicians and sounds and every once in a while goes back to the original riff, gets tropical and spacy, a great journey back to the progmetal bit, definitely a ride to remember.

The two ballades represent the progrock genre musically, Kip does a great work on the vocals, very touching, very moving, on this track Jordan is shown as the great synth arraigner that he is, and spends less attention to virtuous side of his playing .

What I personally find very refreshing on this album, was to hear how Rudess reacts to different musicians then his friend on Dream Theater, and does less velocity and speed and technical battles, and each player reacts so definitely different then he used to.

The only thing that bothers me on the album, as some of the sounds used on it in don’t sound to real, and sometimes ever disconnect you from the mood the album sets.


It’s a great album, refreshing and inspiring, certainly reflects one of the greatest keyboardist nowdays.

Roy Povarchik



Share |
 
blog comments powered by Disqus