Flying Colors – Live in Europe
Radiant Records
http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/444-flying-colors-live-in-europe.aspx
Rating: B
This is a Prog Rock Supergroup featuring Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (vocals, guitars) and Steve Morse (guitars). It does not get more super than Morse/Morse/LaRue/Portnoy. These guys are legends in the music business and they slam it out over the course of this live concert recorded in Tilburg, Holland in 2012.
The set includes their entire debut studio album performed live and also features songs from each band member’s musical past.
While Casey McPherson is the least known member of the group, as a member of Endochine he proved his worth as a vocalist. The band performs his song “Can’t Find a Way” and it is actually one of the best moments in the show, proving he belongs on the same stage as the musical giants standing next to him.
Neal Morse, most famous for his past time in Spock’s Beard, thrills the audience with that bands tune “June.” Of course, Steve Morse shines on the entire album. It was a real treat for the band to pay homage to his time in the Dregs by including the song “Odyssey.” LaRue gets a nod for his tune “Spur of the Moment” while Portnoy shines on Dream Theater’s “Repentance.”
At the end of the day this is a musician’s band of musicians and their audience is those who either play like them or wish they could play like them.
This is the cream of the crop when it comes to flat out talent and ability…from performing to songwriting to instrumental mastery, it does not get any better than this in a live setting.
Track Listing:
Blue Ocean
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Love is What I'm Waiting for
Can't Find a Way (Endochine/Casey McPherson)
The Storm
Odyssey (Dixie Dregs)
Forever in a Daze
Halleluja (Lenord Cohen)
Better Than Walking Away
Kayla
Fool in My Heart
Spur of the Moment (Dave LaRue)
Repentance (Dream Theater)
June (Spock's Beard)
All Falls Down
Everything Changes
Infinite Fire
By Jeb Wright
