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Jordan Rudess: Permission To Fly
Jordan Rudess: Permission To Fly
Melodic Progressive Rock
5.0/5.0
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InsideOut Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 04.09.2024 | Released: 06.09.2024
When not working with his main gig, Dream Theater, respected and talented keyboard player Jordan Rudess has had a prolific solo career over the past 25 years. He returns with his latest album Permission To Fly on the premier prog label InsideOut Music. While many previous efforts have been instrumental albums, this project includes vocals provided by That Joe Payne, formerly with The Enid. Rudess also recruited additional guest musicians for the album, including drummer Darby Todd (Devin Townsend), dentist and guitarist Steve Dadaian, and Chilean guitarist Bastian Martinez for solos within Embers and Into The Lair. Lyrics for the album where written by Rudess' daughter Ariana.
Jordan Rudess
Commenting on his creative process, Rudess said, "Making music is as vital to me as air. Whether it's composing piano pieces or embarking on more elaborate projects like this album, the act of creation plays a critical role in my emotional processing and self-expression. Once I immerse myself in a new project, the inspiration flows, and I'm reminded of the satisfaction that comes from bringing musical ideas to life."
Conceptually and lyrically, Rudess explains that "The essence of the album is deeply informed by the tumultuous events of 2023-2024, with motifs of peace and anti-violence woven throughout many of the songs."
Considering the songs within, the listener can expect Rudess' versatile piano and synth exploration which creates arrangements ranging from straight progressive rock and metal to ballads to compositions that are fusions of rock, metal, and even jazz. Perhaps the signature song that defines Rudess' approach is the aptly titled, The Alchemist, which shows the diversity of his talent and wizardry. The song is playful, complex, and also completely engaging as Rudess and the players flex their musical muscles.
Softer, more anthemic, songs come with Haunted Reverie, Footstep In The Snow, and the first single, Embers. Into The Lair, one of the more heavier numbers, has a diverse amount of Rudess synth solos around Bastian Martinez' guitar work. The album finishes with an instrumental piece, Dreamer, which is largely synth symphonic and atmospheric. Which leads me to mention vocalist That Joe Payne whose voice is melodic and smooth but also adds an atmospheric and ethereal tone to the songs.
All said, Jordan Rudess' Permission To Fly is progressive rock of the highest order: complex, creative, and expansive, but also completely entertaining and engaging. Rudess is a piano and synth wizard. Quite recommended.
Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.
The Take Away
All said, Jordan Rudess' Permission To Fly is progressive rock of the highest order: complex, creative, and expansive, but also completely entertaining and engaging. Rudess is a piano and synth wizard. Quite recommended.
Support the artist, click the link below to buy the album at Amazon (US site) in your favorite format.
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