Dream Theater keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess has had no shortage of creative output these days. Since the beginning of the pandemic nearly two years ago, Jordan took a few minutes to breathe. Before I knew it, he was back in the game utilizing technology without even the slightest delay. To keep himself busy and engaged with his fans, Jordan launched a Patreon page (check it out here) where he offered some fantastic incentives. Live Chat sessions, weekly short lessons, Live-Streamed performances, and even One-on-One calls where Jordan would take the time to provide feedback on a musician’s submitted track. It was (and still is) an excellent way for fans of all levels to connect with such an iconic musician.
In addition to all of those great things, Jordan also managed to create, record, and release a new album of material called A Chapter in Time. A Chapter in Time is a beautiful collection of piano pieces that has Jordan playing with a level of restraint that I seldom hear from him. I mean this in the highest level of respect possible. Let me explain.
I feel that Jordan Rudess is a musician who feeds off of the energy of the world surrounding him. When performing with Dream Theater, Jordan takes things over the top because that’s where it belongs with Dream Theater. The energy of the songs, the chaos of the arrangements, and even the subtle beauty fuel him and has him fueling the band.
A Chapter in Time is a perfect example of how the world around Jordan Rudess has inspired him and set the tone for his latest collection of works. Jordan had this to say about A Chapter in Time:
“This album was created as a musical reflection of a most unusual time in our history. When Covid forced everyone to stay at home, I felt an intense desire to express myself the best way I know how. Like a musical diary, I would capture my thoughts and feelings at the piano to create what is now presented to you as “A Chapter in Time.”
In the midst of a global pandemic, A Chapter in Time is much more than a collection of songs or even a soundtrack. A Chapter in Time is an album that I was able to connect with in so many ways. The optimism, the sadness, the promise, and even the meditative are just some of the vibes set into motion by this album. A Chapter in Time is an album that can easily connect with everyone of all ages and walks of life because it’s more than music. It’s every feeling that every one of us has lived through encapsulated into 47 minutes of music.
A Chapter in Time is precisely what it says it is. It is a part of history that we never thought we would see. But, like all great works of history, A Chapter in Time will be one of those things that generations from now music lovers will be able to listen to, feel, and understand just what we all experienced during these darker days. Music truly is the universal language and A Chapter in Time speaks volumes without the need to do so with words.
A Chapter in Time is available exclusively as a download from Jordan’s Bandcamp site only. Go here to pick it up!
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