Sometimes when a band loses a core member, they crumble but there are times and bands that not only rise to the occasion, but surpass all expectations.

When Neal Morse announced he was leaving Spocks Beard many thought the death knell had sounded for the mighty US Proggers.
How wrong they were not only did drummer Nick D'Virgilio take over vocal duties but they released the fantastic 'Feel Euphoria' album which was heavier and more diverse than their previous work. Since then ‘The Beard’ have gone and topped that again this year with the release of 'Octane'. The band toured the album with some European dates earlier this year, more dates were promised and just in time for the 2nd leg of the 'Octane' tour they have released the absolutely stunning live album 'Gluttons for punishment', recorded on a few of those dates earlier this year.

I've been lucky enough, along with Imarocker forumite Rael to see the Beard live, on the 'Feel Euphoria' tour, and even though both of us have been to more gigs than either of us can remember one thing we both agree is that Spocks Beard are THE BEST BAND WE HAVE EVER SEEN LIVE!!!! Not a statement made lightly trust me on that, these guys put the RAWK in Progressive Rock.

Back to the album.
Disc 1 opens up with 'A flash before my eyes’ a suite, lyrically themed, but made up of very individual tracks, a concept piece, without being a concept piece! (Very Prog-ED) 'Flash' from 'Octane', is based around a car crash, and the narrator’s life literally flashing before his eyes. The feel of 'flash' is heavier in tone than the studio version. Nick is on fine form with 'surfing down the avalanche', brooding and menacing when needed. Alan Morse is riffing away thundered along by Dave Meros on bass and newest beard Jimmy Keegan who drums with the band on the live gigs (D'Virgilio handles the drums in the studio), the sound is filled out by Ryo Okumoto on keys. This is heavy and it rocks so solidly it just makes you wanna get the head going. This track has been likened by some to the tone of Audioslave.

'She is everything' segues in, melancholic and touching, a tale of what is being lost as the events unfold, the solo by Alan Morse is blinding, an emotive and fluid solo that many a guitarist would love to be able to perform, not just in technique, but tone & feel, he's also dropping little riffs in here and there that bring the song even more to life. 'Climbing up that hill' is a more straightforward tune, with the usual Beard twist. There are instrumental sections such as 'letting go' that keep the flow of the cd moving before we reach the finale of 'Flash' 'of the beauty of it all' when the lyrical melody of the 'Ballet of the impact' track 2 of the suite returns. The recreation of this live is breathtaking and shows why these guys are the top of their field. The final 2 tracks on disc 1 are 'harms way' a Morse era track, that's inclusion will surprise many, but it has to be said that the band, even though having lost Morse as second keyboard player & guitarist as well as songwriter give a spectacular rendition of this song. The final track is the instrumental NWC' from 'Octane', 'NWC' is a great chance for the guys to let go before a drum battle between Nick D'Virgilio & Jimmy Keegan breaks out, if I can find fault with this live cd its that someone who doesn't know the Beard live wont have a clue about the
2 drummers (c'mon guys we need a live DVD). On the last tour this was something else to watch, 2 absolutely brilliant drummers (both also seasoned session drummers) trading licks, a definite highlight of the gig.

Disc 2 begins with 'At the end of the day' a track from the album 'V' a Neal Morse era track again another stunning version, sometimes you'll find that when one vocalist replaces another they can’t carry the older material, this definitely isn't a problem here, you don't know how much I wish I was going to see them on this tour!!!!! 'The bottom line' from their 1st post-Morse release 'Feel Euphoria' which details a falling out between two lovers, has an added sparkle live with the piano seeming more prominent in the mix giving the track an extra emotive depth.

As with all great Prog bands you have a musicians that are top of their field, and this time its Keyboard player Ryo Okumoto's turn to shine. He plays a beautiful piano piece that turns into the next track 'Ghosts of Autumn'. This track was one of my favourites from 'feel euphoria', one thing to keep in mind about the difference between this incarnation of SB and the Morse era version, is that Morse at that time wrote a large percentage of the material, but this time it’s bass player Dave Meros’ turn to shine with assistance from long time Beard cohort John Boegehold as writing partner. This is a stunning song full of emotion which includes another absolutely sublime solo by Alan Morse. If, you need some music that reaches into the bottom of your soul and pulls your heartstrings look no further. I do have to say that there is a small change in 'Ghosts' that always reminds me of 'The trees' by Rush. Just a tiny progression .Then there’s a straightish hard rocker 'As long as we ride'. Big riffs, Big big riffs, this is a reason why the Beard can transcend musical boundaries. Great stuff altogether, a jazzy bass and vocal mid section and then the track builds up and goes into a jam before coming back in and rockin right till the end.

The final track is the 'the light' the title track from their 1st cd by the same name, this is a Neal Morse signature track, to me this is a surprising and brave move by the band, 'the light' has always been a highlight of Spocks Beard live shows, I remember the 1st time I heard it live on cd, it was like one almighty musical kick in the nads. And I still am as stunned today by it as when I 1st heard it, I have to say that this was one of the 1st Spocks Beard tracks I ever heard and holds a special place for me. Nick D’Virgilio has a voice that would remind you at times of Neal Morse, but you can tell the difference. But hell, this a blinding version there's no looking back now. Any detractors should go hide their heads in shame, imagine if Phil Collins had been able to do justice to 'Suppers Ready'. This is an event of that magnitude. Flawless, absolutely flawless. Gluttons for punishment? I'm a glutton for more!

The sound on this is cd crystal clear, the mix is perfect with great separation, Rob Aubrey the Beards soundman has done a fantastic job with not only the live sound but the mixing and mastering of this. In a nice touch the band have included pictures of their crew in the credits section, a lot of times we forget the behind the scenes people who make the gigs we go to as great as they are.

Some readers may be a bit confused with Alan & Neal Morse. Neal & Alan founded the Beard, but Neal who was responsible for a lot of the bands material at that time left. Alan his brother still plays with the beard. And the prospect of an Alan Morse solo cd (see 10 questions) is an exciting prospect to look forward to, Alan sang a great track 'moth of many flames' on the bonus disc of 'feel euphoria' and taking into account that the solo output by members of the beard has previously seen some stunning CDs by Nick & Ryo respectively.

I'm a huge fan and have a lot of time and respect for Neal Morse, always will have and he made an incredible contribution to Spocks Beard, but that was in the past, this is the future and it's a very bright one indeed.

SAV

Just before they beard return to Europe for the second leg of their tour
Alan Morse took time to answer the www.imarocker.com 10 questions

Q. How are you, where are you?
I'm doing great here in the Los Angeles area. Best weather anywhere. Worst traffic, but I don't drive much!

Q. What's currently happening in Alan Morse's /Spock's Beards world?
We just came out with a new live double CD "Gluttons for Punishment", our best live yet. Getting ready for a European tour in a couple of weeks. No Irish dates, though, sorry. I'm also working on my first solo CD for earlier next year, I'm really excited about it.

Q. What has been the best concert by one of your peers you ever attended?
Best by one of my peers? Not sure what you mean, I'm not sure who would be considered my peers... I loved touring with Dream Theater, they killed every night, but I don't know if I could consider them peers.

Q. What was the first song you ever wrote/performed?
The first song I ever wrote & performed was called "I Missed The Blimp". I have a thing for blimps, I think they're cool. One of the first songs I remember performing was "What's the Buzz, Tell Me What's a-Happening" from Jesus Christ Superstar. My brothers and I performed it in our church.

Q. Do you remember the first place/ time you stepped on stage to play? What happened?
I've been performing since I was a little kid, so it's hard to say. But the first time other than recitals & school stuff was probably that performance in church I mentioned earlier. We won the battle of the bands at my junior high school, I was in eighth grade. We played "Frankenstein" with the synthesizer and everything!

Q. What performer are you in awe of? Why?
There are lots, but one of the biggies would have to be Paul McCartney. I saw him a couple of years ago & he can still really sing. Sounds great, just amazing. And so many great songs!

Q. What would be the high point & low point of your career?
My favorite gig so far was in Holland, we played a big festival on the same bill as Edgar Winter, Dream Theater and Joe Satriani. What a gas! That was unbelievable!

One of the low points was a gig we did in Las Vegas a couple of years ago. It was in some dive bar, we barely fit on the stage. I didn't even want to play, but people had come hundreds of miles to see us, we kind of had to go through with it. It was pretty rough.

Q. What is you favourite city/town to have a show in & Why?
Derry, Ireland, of course! I would like to come there someday... Of the places I've played so far, I like a lot of them. I particularly like a town called Utrecht in Holland, very beautiful; the people are nice, a cool place to hang out. I recommend it!

Q. If you could do something else what would it be?
I'm not sure, maybe a writer. I never thought about it much, I've wanted to play music since I was twelve years old. I've been an Electronic Engineer, a Technician, a Salesman and Company President. Didn't care much for any of that.

Q. What colour is the sky in your world?
Blue, but it's starting to get a little cold. I almost had to put a jacket on today! ;-) Life is hard here in LA...

Cheers,
Alan

www.spocksbeard.com
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