Official Neal Morse - Testimony 2 thread

[bosk1]

I know it has been mentioned in a couple of other threads, but there isn't really a thread just about this, so I thought I'd start one.  I'd love to know how far along the writing and recording is, given that Neal, Mike, and Randy are supposedly working on it as I type this.  

I had a thought earlier as well.  What if this album isn't about Neal at all?  From Testimony and some of the things Neal adds in his between-song commentary on Testimony Live, I get the impression his wife was raised going to a particular church, but either never really committed until later in life or that she fell away and then later re-committed.  (I could be off base, but that's the impression I got)  So I was thinking, what if Testimony 2 is her story?  In a way, it makes sense.  I mean, people have been sort of wondering how Neal could do another whole album on his own conversion after Testimony.  But he would be in a better position than anyone else to tell his wife's own struggles with her faith and commitment (or recommitment).  Anyhow, that just popped into my head, so I figured I'd start an Internet rumor and see how far it flies.  

[Nick]

Off the specific topic of your post, but I don't really care what the stories about, I just hope Neal continues his string of excellent musical work!

[Quadrochosis]

Off the specific topic of your post, but I don't really care what the stories about, I just hope Neal continues his string of excellent musical work!

This.

[ariich]

I had a thought earlier as well.  What if this album isn't about Neal at all?  From Testimony and some of the things Neal adds in his between-song commentary on Testimony Live, I get the impression his wife was raised going to a particular church, but either never really committed until later in life or that she fell away and then later re-committed.  (I could be off base, but that's the impression I got)  So I was thinking, what if Testimony 2 is her story?  In a way, it makes sense.  I mean, people have been sort of wondering how Neal could do another whole album on his own conversion after Testimony.  But he would be in a better position than anyone else to tell his wife's own struggles with her faith and commitment (or recommitment).  Anyhow, that just popped into my head, so I figured I'd start an Internet rumor and see how far it flies. 

This is a very interesting idea. I know some others posed the question that maybe it was about someone else, but I don't think anyone specified his wife. It's certainly plausible though.

The alternative is that it is about the challenges he has faced over the last few years.

[Nick]

Two disc album. First disc will be about finally coming to his senses and making the last Transatlantic album. Second disc will be about how he will soon be making another Transatlantic album.

[Quadrochosis]

And then a bonus third disc about how he is going to rejoin Spock's Beard, while continuing his solo career and TA.

[j]

I think The Letter M suggested it could be Portnoy's "testimony" of sorts.  Interesting speculation, if nothing else.

I hope it's more interesting musically and lyrically than Testimony.  Looking forward to it, regardless.

-J

[The Letter M]

I think The Letter M suggested it could be Portnoy's "testimony" of sorts.  Interesting speculation, if nothing else.

I hope it's more interesting musically and lyrically than Testimony.  Looking forward to it, regardless.

-J

Was that me? I don't remember WHAT I said...

Anyway, I suggest everyone to check out the Neal Morse Forums for more info, straight from Randy George and Neal himself!

Also, because they said they've included themes from the first Testimony, that has led me to believe this 75-minute, single-disc album will be a direct continuation of Neal's first Testimony. My theory is that this is just a continuing Testimony of Neal's faith and belief as he continues to struggle and live in his life with God and Jesus. The last 8 years have been full of ups and downs, and that's certainly enough to fill a whole album's worth with!

I'm looking forward to hearing this, especially Mike's "Fill Of The Year" that he put in it at the end of his drumming sessions (the end of his 3rd day with Neal! What other man records 75 minutes of drum parts in 3 days?!?). Randy seems to think it'll be a good album from his comments, and from what they've said, there's been a lot more collaborating this time around, especially considering they only had 3 days together. I'm sure Mike had a lot to do with it, and his arranging skills - in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he had Neal put MORE themes from the first album into the new one!

Hopefully Neal can do some of his guitar/keyboard/vocal parts in the next couple weeks before he finishes remodeling his studio for the Morse/Morse project next month! I really want Neal to get this album out in May as he's planned (much to the surprise of Mike!).

-Marc.

[The Letter M]

"Hello from the studio from Neal" - https://nealmorse.yuku.com/topic/3869
Randy's Testimony 2 Studio Diary - https://nealmorse.yuku.com/topic/3866
YouTube Video from Mike/Neal/Randy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_zAXwDLUA4
Another YouTube Video from Mike/Neal/Randy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnZ4ugRdTac
Neal's Home Page Download Christmas Greeting Video - https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&send_id=1014295889&email=0dfec238dee7436b6774ee971f3e2664

-Marc.

[Ħ]

I think The Letter M suggested it could be Portnoy's "testimony" of sorts.  Interesting speculation, if nothing else.

I hope it's more interesting musically and lyrically than Testimony.  Looking forward to it, regardless.

-J

I actually said that, but I doubt it anyway.  Just wishful thinking on my part.  I do wonder where Mike is spiritually now.  I know that having a Higher Power is critical to the 12-step program, so I'm sure he has dealt with that issue.  And he is never hesitant to work with Neal.  In fact, I recall reading or hearing somewhere that Mike was really touched on a couple moments of the original Testimony tour...during "I Am Willing," was it?  Even by just watching the documentaries and all the videos Marc posted, Mike just seems so happy around Neal.  Just always smiling.

But at any rate I seriously doubt this new album will be about Mike.

One thing that actually has my expectations sort of low for this new album is that I personally believe that Neal is much better at writing sad songs.  For example, Somber Days and All I Can Do are my two faves from the original, while all the songs from Part 5 plummet to the bottom.  Now that Neal has pretty much become super devout, I don't expect anything as emotionally gripping as All I Can Do.

[Jamesman42]

Now that Neal has pretty much become super devout, I don't expect anything as emotionally gripping as All I Can Do.

I know what you're saying with this, but in my walk with God over the years, people have called me "very devout", and yet I have seen in myself many instances of brokenness/sadness/strife/whatever (and, ironically, have written songs during those periods). We only know so much about Neal, and while these potentially sad songs would be after his "super devoutness", there could still be many things that have happened [to cause sadness/anger, especially his father passing, IIRC] that his testimony continues from that point where Testimony left off til now. That was 7 years ago IIRC (I'm really tired, correct me if I am wrong about any of this), and so very much can happen in 7 years.

I personally hope it's about Neal, but if it's about MP like Marc suggested, that'd be great as well.

I was gonna type more but I am tired and have a headache of sorts, plus Marc will probably respond to this and I'll gladly read his reply.

[Ħ]

I personally hope it's about Neal, but if it's about MP like Marc suggested, that'd be great as well.

WHARGLGARBL I SAID THAT!




...I just want the credit if it's true. 

[Jamesman42]

My bad, I was tired last night.

[j]

My bad, Brother, it was you who said it.  Must have been another crazy theory I associated with Marc.

-J

[The Letter M]

My bad, Brother, it was you who said it.  Must have been another crazy theory I associated with Marc.

-J

  Well... I won't say I *don't* have some crazy theories...

-Marc.

[Ħ]

I got Testimony Live for Christmas and when I was watching the documentary, I did see some demonstrations of Christian faith on MP's part.  There's kind of an awkward (at least awkward to me) moment where all the guys are gathered around having praying, and Mike's got his eyes closed with his hands up (which is characteristic of the charismatic movement).  Not to mention, near the end of the documentary, Mike says he's never been on a tour filled with as much feeling and passion ias this one.  I wonder where Mike is at this point spiritually, and if Testimony 2 will at least involve him as a particiipant in the storyline.

[Icebear]

Well, with Mike being so open about everything he feels, I'm sure we'll find out one way or the other.
As far as the album goes, I'm really looking forward to it. Testimony still stands out to me, out of all Neal's solo work. It may not be his greatest productionwise, but there's a freshness and joyfullness to it that I've always liked. Plus the themes/melodies are great.

[Jamesman42]

I got Testimony Live for Christmas and when I was watching the documentary, I did see some demonstrations of Christian faith on MP's part.  There's kind of an awkward (at least awkward to me) moment where all the guys are gathered around having praying, and Mike's got his eyes closed with his hands up (which is characteristic of the charismatic movement).  Not to mention, near the end of the documentary, Mike says he's never been on a tour filled with as much feeling and passion ias this one.  I wonder where Mike is at this point spiritually, and if Testimony 2 will at least involve him as a particiipant in the storyline.

I STILL NEED TO GET THAT DVD

But SSAB is freaking great. I used to watch it and fall asleep to it for months on end.

[The Letter M]

Looks like there will be a Bonus Disc coming with the new album, according to Neal:

Mike is recording his "keeper" drum parts here in the studio as I write. Everyone else had to leave for various reasons and now it's just the old team of Jerry, Mike and me.

Mike is going to the NAMM show in CA tomorrow and was going to go home after that but now is coming back to Nashvlle just to eat more of Cherie's cooking. Just kidding. He needs to finish some tracks on the MMPLM record and then do a few tracks for a bonus disc for Testimony 2. Can you say "hardest working man in show business"?

everything is sounding really fresh and cool and I think you'll dig it.

God bless you all,

Neal

https://nealmorse.yuku.com/reply/53275#reply-53275

-Marc.

[bosk1]

  Wait...  I haven't followed Neal's personal life that closely, but...I thought his wife's name was Julie.  (From the line from Testimony where he sings, "Julie and I got married in my bass player's old backyard..."  Anyone have any info.?  Help a brother hermano out!

[KevShmev]

No, it's, "Cherie and I got married." 

[bosk1]

Oh, really?  Wow.  I've heard that wrong for a long time. 

[Ħ]

Is it pronounced "Cherry" or "Sherry"?  On the album it sounds like the latter but I'm not too sure.

Neal has raved about her cooking before though.  Surprised there's not a song on it.

[The Letter M]

Is it pronounced "Cherry" or "Sherry"?  On the album it sounds like the latter but I'm not too sure.

Neal has raved about her cooking before though.  Surprised there's not a song on it.

The latter, I've seen enough of Neal's home videos and making-ofs to know this!

-Marc.