Now here’s an album that slipped out with very little advertising or promotion. In fact I can’t remember seeing one advert for it in any of the numerous music magazines I regularly read through. What we have is a double live album recorded at the “Columbia Club” Berlin on July 14^th, 2006 which features Neal’s “?” album performed in its entirety on the first disc and performing highlights from the “One” album on the second disc.

Neal has used some stellar musicians on his solo albums, most noticeably Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy  on drums, who also appeared on Neal’s last live effort “Testimony Live” DVD. I mention this as many people may be expecting Neal to be using personnel that have supplied performances on his studio outings and that is not the case here. To be honest that doesn’t bother me at all and in a way makes the whole thing slightly intriguing as one wonders if they can create the grand often technically involved music that forms the basis of “?”.

Well after a few listens I can assure fans of Neal’s music that everyone involved in making this CD has done themselves, and the music, justice. The performance is spirited (excuse the pun) and full of energy. It’s also very honest and sincere with everyone pouring themselves into the songs especially on “In The Fire” where we get a very exciting and inspiring instrumental battle between keyboards and guitars. This track almost gains something extra in the live arena that is missing from the studio version and judging by the whoops and whistles of approval from the audience I’m not the only one who “feels” this.

On “Solid As The Sun” and  “Entrance” Neal can’t resist a bit of preaching to the crowd that some people may be a little uncomfortable with. If you’ve followed Neal’s career however it will come as no surprise as, lets face it, he left a very successful day job as frontman for Spock’s Beard to pursue his faith and promote it through his music. He is only doing what comes natural to him on these songs and it’s obvious that here is a man who isn’t frightened to wear his emotions in public.

As a whole the performance here of “?” is as one would expect, feeling very organic and natural. Nothing feels forced and it is very much a warts and all recording. For those reasons it succeeds in style. Take it as a given that the music is inspiring and satisfying and even without the presence of superstar musicians to back him up nothing is lost in the power and delivery department.

The second disc takes some of the best moments from the “One” album. On the sprawling epic that is “The Creation” the band show they are more than up to the challenge of keeping up with its many musical sections and it all hangs together and its power is not diminished. On “The Man’s Gone” and “Cradle To The Grave” Neal gets his son Wil Morse up on stage. I am sure for Neal it’s a very special moment and judging by the crowd they approve, however it may be a syrupy moment too far for fans that are following Neal through his Spocks’ Beard link and who are in it for the music more than the “message” that Neal is now actively immersed in. Personally I would have preferred Neal to sing this one himself but hey you can’t please everyone all the time.

The performance of “King Jesus” is full of passion and for some this may be a new track as it only appeared on the limited edition bonus CD .The band surge through it and as a result it does sound a little bit frantic but one has to remind yourself this is a live version and emotions are probably running high. “Reunion” is Neal Morse the preacher in full flow and once again some people may feel just a little bit uncomfortable with the sustained religious fervour on display. I would remind listeners that this is Neal in his natural environment and emotions that run through him will come out in a way that he feels is appropriate. His studio albums are a controlled environment and as a result the intensity isn’t the same as the live rendition.

To close the second CD there is a bonus track entitled “Encore Medley” which features the wonderful Transatlantic song “We All Need Some Light” followed by the Spock’s Beard songs “Open Wide The Floodgates”, “Solitary Soul” and “Wind At My Back”. These tracks all come from the Spock’s Beard classic “Snow” album and one is left lamenting his departure form the band.

As a live album “?” works just fine and is worthy addition to the ever growing Neal Morse solo catalogue. It shows him in a very natural and yet intense light that one doesn’t get from his solo outings. In fact this may be the closest that many will come to hearing the real Neal Morse. I know the religious fervour that rises to the surface will always put some people off Neal’s music, which is a shame as when he is on form he is exceptional as this live release ably demonstrates.

Let us know your views on ? Live

Track Listing

The Temple of the Living God
Another World
The Outsider
Sweet Elation
In The Fire
Solid As The Sun
The Glory Of The Lord
Outside Looking In
12
Entrance
Inside His Presence
The Temple of the Living God
The Creation
The Man's Gone
Cradle To The Grave
Help Me/The Spirit And The Flesh
King Jesus
Reunion
Encore Medley:
We All Need Some Light
Open Wide The Flood Gates
Solitary Soul
Wind At My Back