By: M.J. Brady
hen I first heard word on this "project" CD I was very excited, the idea of taking the talents of these musicians, and making an instrumental release, was very intriguing to say the least. Already familiar with DreamTheater's outstanding guitarist and drummer, King Crimson's Stick/bass master, and keyman Rudess, who was beginning to get some recognition as a sideman with the Dregs, so what could one possible expect? Maybe the next fusion masterpiece? Well after getting my hands on this CD, The first song made my notions come to fruition, "Paradigm Shift" had all the moves, furious technicality, melody, and power, and a nine minute song to start things out. So as I read the liner notes, I find out they hammered this whole thing out in one week! Well, their are some songs that are seemingly experimental, and some not so technical songs as well, and one that is a flat 30 minute jam. Yet, one has to wonder, what could they have done in in a more relaxed atmosphere?, With ample time to create together, as according to the liner notes, some obstacles hindered the project even as it was planned. Well, there are certainly some shining moments on this CD, "Paradigm Shift", "Kindred Spirits", "Freedom of Speech", "Universal Mind", all show what the band sounds like in a more focused group setting, these songs alone make this a must for fusion fans, the sound of these songs also represent somewhat the new direction Dream Theater would be taking, as Jordan Rudess, would soon be enlisted as the replacement keyboardist for Derek Sherinian. LTE, is an example of the strong musicianship of each of it's members, both as writers and performers, as one week to create a CD of this caliber is no easy feat, still, to think what could happen if they were locked in a studio for months, with nothing but time?
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