NEAL MORSE

The great and good of progressive music give us a glimpse into their prog worlds.

Where’s home?

Nashville, Tennessee. I grew up in LA but have been here since 1995.

Your earliest prog memory?

Seeing Yes open for Black Sabbath at the LA Forum in 1972, when I was 12. Fragile had just come out, Rick Wakeman was there in his cape, at the Mellotron and the grand piano. Jon Anderson’s voice was incredible, Bill Bruford was on drums. I liken it to the glass shattering in Tommy – a whole world of possibilities opened up before me.

First prog record bought?

Fragile and, around the same time, ELP’s Tarkus. There was a local record store in California that my brothers and I would go to. We bought a lot of records, so we’d go in on them together. Then we’d listen to them on our huge, bassy stereo at home. Sounded great to me.

Favourite piece of technology?

I changed cell phones recently and had to do without one for an entire day. I have to admit, I felt weird and pretty lost without it.

What’s the guiltiest pleasure in your record collection?

The more I listen to John Mayer, the more I think he’s one of the best artists of the last 15 years. I really like his songwriting, and his production is so tasteful and minimal.

What would your Mastermind subject be?

I could be pretty authoritative about The Bible. If you quoted some scripture and asked me where it’s written in there, I would probably know.

What has been your biggest prog extravagance?

My wife bought me a signed copy of Peter Gabriel’s So a few Christmases ago. It was quite pricey, but lovely. I’ve also just bought myself

a vintage Marantz stereo receiver, which was pretty extravagant.

Your favourite venue?

I’ve really enjoyed playing Cruise To The Edge the times I’ve done it. I generally don’t like outdoors stuff much, but we played The Similitude Of A Dream on the Cruise under a clear blue sky, and it was a beautiful experience.

Outside of prog, what are you into?

I spend time with my family, just hanging out, talking to my kids. I do a lot of church stuff too, meetings and songwriter nights. I used to enjoy skiing and tennis, but my legs aren’t what they were.

Who is your prog hero?

I have two –Peter Gabriel and Jon Anderson.

What do you collect?

Chess sets. They’re such beautiful things and there are so many variations. And I buy a lot of LPs on vinyl at the moment.

What was the last prog album you bought?

I’ve been restocking on things I didn’t have any more, so Genesis’ A Trick Of The Tail, PFM’s Photos Of Ghosts, and lately I found Todd Rundgren’s Utopia’s Ra in a bargain bin. I love that album.

And the last prog gig you attended?

The Cruise, back in February

2017, when I saw Yes. But I did see Deep Purple back in September, in St Louis. I’d never seen [Flying Colors bandmate] Steve Morse play with them before.

Have you ever been on a progrelated date?

No. My wife’s a pop fan. I have taken her to the symphony but she’s not really into classical music, so she usually falls asleep! She’s been with me to see Mike [Portnoy] and Pete [Trewavas] play, but not a date scenario, no.

Who in the prog fraternity do you call for a good night out?

Pete Trewavas. He’s a very fun chap.

What do you think is the ultimate prog song?

There are so many. Heart Of The Sunrise, Firth Of Fifth, ELP’s The Endless Enigma…

Who’s the prog muso you’d most like to work with?

Steve Hackett and I have worked together but it’s all been through file-sharing. I like the idea of us properly collaborating on an album.

What prog album would you play to get yourself in a good mood?

Thick As A Brick has got such a jaunty feel, it’s so tonguein-cheek.

Who’s the best prog artist you’ve ever seen live?

Transatlantic took a night off in 2002 and we saw Yes at the Opera House in Frankfurt with an orchestra. It was so impressive. And we got to go backstage and meet them.

Can you recommend us a good read?

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It’s a wonderfully written novel.

What’s your favourite prog album cover?

Gentle Giant’s In A Glass House. It has that 3D thing, that’s a really cool one.

And what are you up to at the moment, Neal?

I’ve got the new album Life & Times, and I’ll be playing Cruise To The Edge as a solo artist for the first time then Todd Rundgren’s Utopia’s Ra too – just me, my guitar and keyboard.

I’m also arranging some

European dates, which should be happening in June.

Life & Times is out now via Radiant Records. See www.nealmorse.com for more.

I collect chess sets: they’re such beautiful things.