MIKE PORTNOY Featured On NEAL MORSE's 'Testimony 2'; Details Revealed

Some stories are left unfinished. Sometimes the best part is what happens after the tale's end. Nearly a decade ago, Neal Morse released his landmark autobiographical progressive rock epic, "Testimony". Now, he returns with an extraordinary cast of musicians to tell the rest of the story in "Testimony 2" (due on May 23 via Radiant Records). And he's saved the best for last.

Picking up where he left off on "Testimony", the sequel begins with Neal in the mid-'90s when his band, SPOCK'S BEARD, begins to experience unexpected success. Neal sings about their glory days in "Time Changer" and the original band members join in. It's a vocal extravaganza in their classic style and an extraordinary moment.

The album goes on to tell of Morse's daughter, Jayda, being born with a heart defect. Her miraculous healing has an unexpected impact on Neal, with repercussions that reverberate throughout the album.

Morse goes on into later years, quitting his regular gig in the Eric Burdon band, and continuing with SPOCK'S BEARD. Along the way, he discovers something beyond his imagination. The album concludes with "Crossing Over", which describes his ultimate departure from SPOCK'S BEARD in 2002.

Neal Morse launched his solo career, the next year, with "Testimony". With the sequel, "Testimony 2", he dives deeper into unchartered musical and lyrical territory. Incorporating legendary drummer Mike Portnoy and brilliant bassist Randy George, this breathtaking album is a prog epic with breadth that dazzles and melodies that reach into the soul.

The story ends here (for now),but the music goes on. On the second CD, the songs include a 25-minute progressive rock epic featuring Steve Morse. In addition, the "Testimony 2" Special Edition includes a behind-the-scenes DVD documentary about the making of the album.

Neal's largest tour, ever, will bring "Testimony 2" to audiences throughout Europe and the United States. Coinciding with the album and tour will be the release of his autobiography, appropriately entitled "Testimony". Together, all three occasions make for a unique artistic achievement, and Neal's greatest undertaking, to date.

Personnel

* Neal Morse: Lead vocals, keyboards, guitars
* Mike Portnoy: Drums, vocals
* Randy George: Bass

* Matthew Ward: Vocals
* Paul Bielatowicz: Guitar
* Steve Morse: Guitar
* Nick D'Virgilio, Alan Morse, Dave Meros: Spock's Beard vocals
* Eric Brenton: Violin
* Mark Leniger: Saxophone

Produced by Neal Morse