The original and current members of Spock’s Beard joined to perform their classic concept album Snow at Neal Morse’s annual Morsefest event, which is held in his hometown of Nashville, TN. Neal left the group shortly after the album’s release in 2002 and the album had never been played live. Saturday night, July 2nd was the first of two performances the group are doing in support of that album. The next will be at the Loreley Night of the Prog, July 15.
The show featured all 7 members; the original lineup of Neal, Alan Morse, Dave Meros, Ryo Okumoto, and Nick D’Virgilio, as well as, current singer Ted Leonard, and drummer Jimmy Keegan. While Neal led the show, Nick sang lead on a number of tracks including the two he sang on the album originally, Carie and Looking for Answers. Ted took the reins on Devil’s Got My Throat, while Jimmy performed Freak Boy. The audience joined in on Wind At My Back making for a thrilling 2 hour show.
The group closed with their anthem June followed by Falling For Forever the new 20 minute epic from the band’s best of collection The First Twenty Years. The lighting and sound could rival any arena show, with high-def videos and more than a dozen cameras filming the event and displaying on screens placed throughout the venue.
The first night of the weekend was highlighted by an unplugged Storytellers (prog edition), featuring Casey McPherson of Flying Colors, Nick D’Virigilio, Neal Morse, and his guitarist, Eric Gillette. The core ran through a number of pop covers and well as songs from their various bands. This was an incredible weekend for any fan of Spock’s Beard, Neal Morse, and Prog. Morsefest continues to grow into one of the more exciting and well-produced prog events.
