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Morse, Neal: Testimony 2 Live in LA (DVD)

Melodic/Progressive Rock

Music: 5.0/5.0 / Video: 2.0/5.0

Radiant Records
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by Craig Hartranft,  10.24.2011

Neal Morse is, without question, talented and prolific, an inspired composer and entertainer. On the heels of the album Testimony 2, a continuation of the tale of his journey to faith in Jesus Christ, Morse delivers Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles.

This two DVD package is immense and entertaining. Yet, while it's long on Morse and band's talent, swelling with with Morse's magnificent compositions, it's short on video production value. Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles is a lesson on how to do a concert DVD on the cheap. Simply, the video production is flat and sometimes nearly amateur with the contrived split screens sometimes two screens or four screens. Yuck. It often distracts from the music.

Regarding the music, in the live context, Neal and company are brilliant: energetic and entertaining. Consider the smile of drummer Mike Portnoy throughout; this tells the story. But this is why we enjoy Neal Morse, and devour any live experience. Notable are the powerful Sola Scriptura medley, the terrific and epic Seeds of Gold, and the lively Lifeline. Yet, true to the title, the second DVD offers the entire Testimony 2 album. Wonderful and amazing! With his faith as the back drop, there is something supernatural informing Neal and friends in this performance.

One bonus track will certainly inspire: Neal Morse reuniting with Spock's Beard at the 2011 High Voltage Festival. While typical of many concert DVDs, there 's also some interesting tour notes and photography.

Bottom line: the musical content of Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles is simply brilliant; the video production not so much. But, hey, me and a host of Neal Morse fans could care less about video pyrotechnics. Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles is one awesome concert DVD.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Bottom line: the musical content of Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles is simply brilliant; the video production not so much. But, hey, me and a host of Neal Morse fans could care less about video pyrotechnics. Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles is one awesome concert DVD.

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