Stolt Morse Portnoy Trewavas

Amazon.com
Transatlantic, justly positing itself as an art-rock supergroup for the 21st century, comprises the guitarist Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings), the singer and multi-instrumentalist Neal Morse (Spock's Beard), the drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), and the bassist Pete Trewavas (Marillion). The band's debut album, SMPTe, is named for its musicians and plays on the acronym for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, whose ubiquitous synchronization code facilitated this project-studio recording. The album offers five lengthy pieces of derivative but highly accessible rock. The players wield their progressive-rock chops with dexterity and fervor, turning on a dime from the psychedelic-jam musings of Procol Harum and Gentle Giant to the precision and symphonic-pop colors of Yes and Asia. Given the band's deep pool of playing and singing talent, it's no surprise that the album's weakest link is its lyrics, but for all of SMPTe's purple, freshman-English writing, an infectious, almost Beatlesque idealism pervades the record, buoying parts of its breathtaking 31-minute centerpiece, "All of the Above," and sweetening "My New World" with a playful melody and artful Mellotron accents. While SMPTe is by no means destined for the annals of progressive-rock greatness, the album nevertheless rewards repeated listening and represents a triumph of music and beauty over affectedness and gloom. --Michael Mikesell

Product Description
2000 release from progressive super group featuring members of Spock's Beard & Dream Theater. Metal Blade.

Stolt Morse Portnoy Trewavas,Transatlantic,Metal Blade,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Stolt Morse Portnoy Trewavas

Average customer rating: Very satisfying prog rock Greatly done A stunning tour de force debut from this prog supergroup! SKANK POWER!!!! Progressive "supergroup" shines

Stolt Morse Portnoy Trewavas Transatlantic Manufacturer: Metal Blade ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bridge Across Forever Snow ? V One ASIN: B00004RDJ1 Release Date: 2000-03-21

Tracks:

1. All Of The Above
2. We All Need Some Light
3. Mystery Train
4. My New World
5. In Held (Twas) In I

Amazon.com

Transatlantic, justly positing itself as an art-rock supergroup for the 21st century, comprises the guitarist Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings), the singer and multi-instrumentalist Neal Morse (Spock's Beard), the drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), and the bassist Pete Trewavas (Marillion). The band's debut album, SMPTe, is named for its musicians and plays on the acronym for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, whose ubiquitous synchronization code facilitated this project-studio recording. The album offers five lengthy pieces of derivative but highly accessible rock. The players wield their progressive-rock chops with dexterity and fervor, turning on a dime from the psychedelic-jam musings of Procol Harum and Gentle Giant to the precision and symphonic-pop colors of Yes and Asia. Given the band's deep pool of playing and singing talent, it's no surprise that the album's weakest link is its lyrics, but for all of SMPTe's purple, freshman-English writing, an infectious, almost Beatlesque idealism pervades the record, buoying parts of its breathtaking 31-minute centerpiece, "All of the Above," and sweetening "My New World" with a playful melody and artful Mellotron accents. While SMPTe is by no means destined for the annals of progressive-rock greatness, the album nevertheless rewards repeated listening and represents a triumph of music and beauty over affectedness and gloom. --Michael Mikesell

Album Description

2000 release from progressive super group featuring members of Spock's Beard & Dream Theater. Metal Blade.

Customer Reviews:

Very satisfying prog rock.......2007-02-07

This first Transatlantic CD is better, I think, than the second one. The melodies and arrangements are stronger and there's more of a sense of the whole band participating--a good thing with Roine Stolt in the band. The arrangements are complex, but they seem to grow out of the basic song rather than being tacked on for trickiness sake, as so many modern prog bands seem to do. The lyrics are solid, too, which is definitely not always the case with modern prog. The real treat here is the full recreation of Procol Harum's "In Held 'Twas In I," one of the great recordings of the 60s and one that has been unjustly neglected. The band appears to be Mike Portnoy's brainchild, and I'm guessing that it was his choice to include this piece, since the original includes some of the very finest rock drumming ever committed to tape. It takes some courage, too, because Portnoy largely duplicates BJ Wilson's fills note for note--and by doing so demonstrates how large the gulf is between him and Wilson. Listen to Portnoy's drumming on this piece and observe how every note in any given fill is exactly the same volume as the others, and spaced perfectly evenly. From a technical standpoint that's admirable, but it conveys no feeling. Now put on Procol Harum's version of this piece and listen to BJ Wilson play those same fills. Each note is distinctive, and each is there for a reason. His fills are absolute perfection, both in conception and execution. They define the space and propel the music, while underscoring the music's structure. He creates a huge sense of space with just a few notes, and he plays with just a hint of swing that makes the time work. It's the same thing that made Mitch Mitchell such a towering figure in rock drumming (John Bonham, too, had that swing feel going on, even in his most gargantuan playing). But all this is pretty nit-picky. The fact is that Portnoy and company deserve credit for honoring this music--and for adding their own considerable contributions to the tradition.

Greatly done.......2007-02-03

This "supergroup" is made from member of Spock's Beard, The Flower Kings, Marillion and Dream Theatre. It is clear for me that this album is a great one and that the orientation of the sound and composition is more of Spock's Beard than any of the other. The three more long and complex songs "All of the above", My new world" and "In held" are top class composition. The other two act more like some filler to complete the album. Overall, greatly recommanded for any prog fan.

A stunning tour de force debut from this prog supergroup!.......2006-12-19

Transatlantic, for those not in the know, was a prog supergroup comprised of Neal Morse (Spock's Beard), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Roine Stolt (Flower Kings) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion). This is their debut album and is simply staggering...a joyous prog album. I first heard of this project when I was getting heavily into Dream Theater and Spock's Beard and I'm glad I checked it out...it's amazing.

The album opens up with the 31-minute opus "All of the Above". I don't know what I can say about this song...it is one of the best prog songs I've ever heard, perfectly written and constructed. It sounds almost like it fell out of the sky like this, so to imagine Neal Morse wrote it and the band arranged it is mind-blowing. It moves from section to section seamlessly and feels far shorter than its half-our length. This is followed by two shorter but still excellent tunes, "We All Need Some Light", which is a quieter, more introspective song, and the upbeat "Mystery Train". The album is closed by two more epics, the 16-minute "My New World" and the 17-minute cover of Procol Harum's "In Held Twas In I". Both songs are excellent and again flow so well they seem far shorter than their length would suggest.

A lot of people criticize this album for having too much of a Neal Morse influence on it...he wrote all of the originals on this album (on Transatlantic's second album, they were all band collaborations). To that, I say, so what? The guy is super-talented, a musical genius, and this album is fantastic.

If Transatlantic weren't just a side-project for these guys, this easily could have been a huge prog band...they're that good and play that well together. Definitely an album worth checking out, and if you're a fan of Dream Theater or Spock's Beard (like I am), essential!

SKANK POWER!!!!.......2006-05-26

Released in March of 2000, this album was probably the first and only album in the 30+ years of progressive rock's existence to use the word "skank" in the lyrics. If that's not worth noting, I don't know what is.

Oh yeah, and the music's pretty darn good too.

Progressive "supergroup" shines.......2006-05-15

THE BAND: Neil Morse (lead vocals, keyboards/piano, acoustic & electric guitar), Roine Stolt (acoustic & electric guitars, mellotrons, percussion), Pete Trewavas (bass, moog pedals), Mike Portnoy (drums & percussion).

THE DISCS: (2000) Two versions available - the single disc version, or the double disc. The 2nd available disc is a 'bonus' disc of sorts featuring some alternate takes of the same songs, as well as a few studio "jams" of old classic tunes like the Beatles' "Oh Darling" and the Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman". The 1st (studio) disc clocks in at approximately 77 minutes. The 2nd 'bonus' disc at approximately 37 minutes. Disc 2 also has a 6 minute 'behind the scenes' video of the band in the studio. My 2-disc set folds out like a hard-cover book. There are 32-pages of pictures, extensive band interviews, song lyrics/credits, and thank you's. Recorded at Millbrook Studios, Millbrook, NY. Label - Inside Out Music.

COMMENTS: Neil (Spock's Beard), Roine (Flower Kings), Pete (Marillion) and Mike (Dream Theater) have created a magnificent album here. Sure it's excessive and overblown... but that's what progressive rock tends to lean toward. This "SMPTe" is a modern day throw-back to the days of Yes, Genesis, King Crimson and ELP... a progressive era gone by. Morse's trademark Spock's Beard vocals. Lots of layered guitars dueling against gothic keyboards. Odd meters galore - up and down, slow and fast, hard and soft. Track 1 ("All Of The Above") starts the prog-fest off... all 31 minutes of it. Track 2-3 are great songs that lean toward the commercial side... and "Mystery Train" (tho short at 6+ minutes) is probably my favorite song on the album. "In Held (Twas I) In I" is a great 17 minute jam paying honor to the Procol Harem original. This is complex music at it's finest... best listened to with headphones so you can hear all the subtleties. A tremendous effort by 4 extremely talented musicians. This super group album gets 5 stars from me for music and disc presentation. *If you like this album, check out another 'supergroup' disc by OSI, Office of Strategic Influence (2003).

Average customer rating: Import version of the album

Stolt Morse Portnoy Trewavas Transatlantic Manufacturer: Pidm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00004UESQ Release Date: 2000-07-04

Customer Reviews:

Import version of the album.......2000-09-12

SMPT:e was released both in Europe and America (in both regular and limited editions). This is the import regular edition, containing the same music as the domestic release - the only important difference is the cover art.

Considering this import is even more expensive than the domestic limited edition, it is advisable to ignore this item and prefer either of the domestic releases.

Average customer rating: Nostalgic Progressive Rock This Limited Edition shouldn't be limited! This is good, not great... Supergroup indeed! Are You Ready To (Prog) Rock?

Stolt Morse Portnoy Trewavas (Limited Ed Transatlantic Manufacturer: Insid ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00004S85E Release Date: 2000-04-10

Tracks:

1. All Of The Above
2. We All Need Some Light
3. Mystery Train
4. My New World
5. In Held (Twas)
6. My New World (Alternative Take)
7. We All Need Some Light (Alternative Mix)
8. Honky Tonk Woman (Studio Jam)
9. Oh Darlin' (Studio Jam)
10. My Cruel World (Original Demo)
11. Interactive Section

Album Description

Limited edition digipak version of 2000 release from prog-rock supergroup feat. members of Dream Theater, Marillion & Spock's Beard. Includes enhanced bonus disc. Bonus tracks 'My New World' (Alt. Take), 'We All Need Some Light' (Alt. Mix), 'Honky Tonk Woman' (Studio Jam), 'Oh Darlin'' (Studio Jam), 'My Cruel World' (Original Demo) & interactive section.

Album Details

Limited Edition Digipak. With 37 Minutes of Extra Playtime plus CD-ROM Track. Featuring Members of Dream Theater, Marillion, Spock's Beard, Flower Kings.

Customer Reviews:

Nostalgic Progressive Rock.......2006-01-31

OK, so you know who's in the band. AND you know that they only formed for basically two albums and did a few tours from 2000-2001. TRANSATLANTIC united the geniusses of their respective groups across the ocean through the wizardry of studio magic.

Before you play the album(s), you THINK they might sound like a combo of Spock's Beard, Flower Kings, Dream Theatre and Marillion. The sound of SMPTe actually pre-dates these groups and goes back to the roots of their collective mentors, the original masters of 70's Progressive Rock.

Here are the current MASTERS of their genre, '90's Neo-Prog Rock' (Stolt Morse Portnoy Trewavas) come together in a playful way to pay tribute to their predecessors: 70's Original Progressive Rock.

When I listen to the tracks, it sounds like an ALL-STAR session of the legends participating in one huge superjam! You can distinctly pick out the deliberate and unique styles of ELP, Yes, Jethro Tull, Dixie Dregs, Moody Blues, Split Endz, and others.

Don't be too hard on these guys.. they did it for fun! They are/were far too busy with their own bands and it was lucky they had the chance to experiment with each other. Luckily, Neil Morse is still following a similar sound (with some of the same musicians) on his solo work which includes '?' (Question Mark) and 'One', including guest Steve Hackett!

What will these guys think of next? Whatever it is, thank your lucky stars and ENJOY!

This Limited Edition shouldn't be limited!.......2000-11-19

Well, I'm usually somewhat reluctant of buying a "Limited Edition" with bonus CD, because the "bonus" is frequently nothing but studio garbage that is of worth only for die-hard fans collecting everything their band cranks out. Not so with Transatlantic: The bonus CD is really worthwhile, especially if you like the music and voice of Roine Stolt of the Swedish ProgRock band "The Flower Kings". Highlights of the additional disc are the alternative version of "We All Need Some Light" with Roine on lead vocals, and the demo version of Roine's "My New World", originally titled "My Cruel World". This demo verrsion is not only radically different from what finally went onto the CD, but it is also MUCH BETTER! For "Flower Kings" fans, it certainly pays to buy the "Limited Edition" for this track alone! You might also enjoy viewing the video on the bonus disc that shows Transatlantic at work, clearly showing the Roine actually doesn't talk much... ;-)

This is good, not great..........2000-07-17

I got this the other day due to a fanatical Marillion following. I enjoy prog for the most part, and this follows through with some great parts. Though there are many parts that seem to be a "best of..." type of recording and tribute to bands such as Yes, early Genesis and Gentle Giant. My main complaint though is who the heck let Neal Morse write sooooo much! The problem with this is that when he is writing, it sounds identical to Spock's Beard! The bad thing about that is that almost everything Spock's Beard does sounds the same! I am amazed at how many people throw attention to these guys. They are not bad and they are original from many other bands, but they are very un-original from themselves. Almost every chorus sounds the same (or atleast VERY similar). Maybe it is just me.

If you like Spock's Beard, then you will love this, as it sounds like a Spock's Beard CD with some very different breaks on it. I guess that is the compliment to the other guys in the band, you can't tell what parts they all wrote. But the parts written by Morse stick out like a sore thumb. The main credit I can give him is that atleast he can sing, unlike many "underground" prog bands.

So buy it to help these guys continue to record more stuff, there is enough good stuff here to recommend, but don't expect blinding originality, if you listen to prog, you've heard this all before. It is just done really well and its is tasty at times.

Supergroup indeed!.......2000-07-10

Remember when ASIA was a big deal? The first real prog rock supergroup with Steve Howe (Yes), Carl Palmer (ELP), Geoff Downes (Yes, Buggles) and John Wetton (King Crimson, UK). Well we have another one here! Here we have a true SUPER group with Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Neal Morse (Spock's Beard), Pete Trewavas (Marillion) and Roine Stolt (Flower Kings). All of these guys still kept their day jobs but this is no back seat side gig! What an amazing work! The limited edition is worth it with the demos and alternate takes! BUY THIS!

Are You Ready To (Prog) Rock?.......2000-06-12

Over the past few years, Magna Carta, Metal Blade, et al. have been playing mix and match with members of virtually all of the top musicians on today's progressive rock scene. Those of us who are faithful fans of bands like Dream Theater were eagerly anticipating the releases of side projects like Liquid Tension Experiment, Explorer's Club and Platypus. Progheads across the world have met many of these side projects with mixed feelings: most, however, seem to feel that the side projects have succeeded mainly in putting a different twist on an already existing musical formula. True, most of the more recent discs exhibit masterfully executed musicianship...but after all, that is exactly what we listeners expect from such performers.

However, with the release of Transatlantic's debut disc, we find something very original, surprisingly unique and performatively unexpected. This is a total band effort -- everyone shines, but no one shines so much that they overpower their fellow comrades. The perfect mix of originals and covers showcases the band's artistic creativity and inspired interpretation.

For a few bucks more, the import provides some additional goodies (alternate takes, additional jams, etc.) that are way too cool to miss. Check this disc out and keep your fingers crossed that the guys at Magna Carta can keep hooking up a diverse mix of players like Transatlantic!

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