Jordan Rudess
The Road Home (2007)

For old prog rock fans like yours truly, keyboard virtuoso Jordan Rudess has put out one of the most enjoyable releases of the year with The Road Home, his tribute to a few of the songs and bands from his youth that influenced him. Genesis (2x), Gentle Giant, Yes (3x), King Crimson, and ELP get loving and downright entertaining workouts from Rudess and his stable of powerhouse guests, which include the likes of Neal Morse (Transatlantic, Spock's Beard), Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree, Blackfield), Ron Thal, Ed Wynne (Ozric Tentacles), Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs), Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard, Kevin Gilbert), and Kip Winger .

The opening song, "Dance on a Volcano", is in many ways is the least surprising (or most expected) selection on the disc. Neal Morse handles the vocals, paying back the debt for Rudess's stunning guest turn on Morse's ? (aka The Question Mark Album) two years ago, and this sets the tone and the M.O. for the disc. Of course there is jaw-dropping keyboard playing and great arrangements but the treat here is how much space Rudess gives to his guests to spread out and really contribute. The guitar solo by Marco Sfogli in the last 3 1/2 minutes of "Dance" is some of the most melodic playing I've heard all year from anyone.

"Sound Chaser" initially seemed to me to the be most surprising choice, but on reflection, and after hearing Rudess absolutely stomp the Patrick Moraz key parts, it makes perfect sense that Relayer and especially this barnstormer make his short list. Undoubtedly this is the only cover version of this song ever done as it is a technical MONSTER. The vocals really shine on this track, courtesy of Nick D'Virgilio and Kip Winger, especially in the opening verses. Again there is tons of great guitar work woven in around the whirlpool of keyboards. I don't think I've ever heard the sorely underrated Ed Wynne anywhere but with Ozric Tentacles and it's a real pleasure to hear him in this setting.

[Okay, a quick look at All Music Guide indicates that only one of these songs ("Dance On A Volcano") has ever been previously covered by someone NOT in the original band and that version (by Chaneton???) is so obscure that for all practical purposes it is safe to declare this as an album of songs no one has ever tried to cover. For nit-pickers, "I Talk To The Wind" has been covered a number of times BUT no one has ever put it in a medley with "Supper's Ready" and "And You And I" performed on solo piano. So there :p ]

"Just the Same", one of the trademark songs of the Gentle Giant catalog, is given an fun (and exciting) arrangement by Rudess. Again, it's almost easy to forget that this is a keyboard player's album as the dual guitars of Wynne and Ron Thal get so much room to flex but you can literally see Rudess smiling as he solos. Possibly my favorite cut.

Rudess takes the next two tracks for himself -- a solo piano medley consisting of "Soon", "Supper's Ready", "I Talk To The Wind" and "And You and I". This is followed by a Rudess original called "Piece Of The ∏", which sounds a bit like one of his Dream Theater solos -- not a bad thing and actually this piece has a lot of Emerson influence I've not noticed in Rudess before but should have (like their shared penchant for tack piano solos) and serves as a nice intro for the final cut: "Tarkus".

While "Tarkus" isn't my favorite ELP track, this version has forced me to seek out the original again (having not heard it in at least 30 years). I've noted several times recently that of all the original prog bands, ELP has held up least well over the years, tending to sound like all the things people hate about prog music -- pompous lyrics, flash for flash sake, musical showing off. Rudess' arrangement makes this piece sound fresh and actually compelling (though a lot of that I think is in the excellent choice of vocalists on this piece - whoever thought Steven Wilson and Kip Winger would be right for this should be very proud). The biggest surprise on the album and a nice surprise at that.

This is one of those discs that makes me happy when I listen to it. It will be played often. It has already become a staple of iPod, iTunes, auto and I've foisted in on just about everyone I can think of that might remotely enjoy it. I suspect it will join a select few discs that have become part of my life's playlist and I'm glad for that. Thanks Jordan.

Posted 24 November 2007.