The newest solo effort form Jordan Rudess (keyboardist for Dream Theater) is an accomplished record with collaborations from many great musician's, including Terry Bozzio (drums/percussion) and bass extraordinaire Billy Sheehan. Jordan compiled some of the best musicians around to complete his artistic vision called Feeding The Wheel. While Rudess produced the album himself, you can feel each artist's different style on the record. The result is a mind-blowing connection between the progressive aspects of the songs to the more jazz lined tunes. With songs such as "Shifting Sands" and "Crack The Meter", you can tell the true diversity of the CD.

It was great to hear an album which is mostly keyboard based, because it's not really that often an album like this comes along, Feeding The Wheel has all the elements of a normal prog. rock album, but stems off to capture the amazing virtuoso side of the keyboardist. I only wish I’d had the opportunity to see Jordan's solo benefit concert for the victims of the Sept.11th tragedy. That really would have been something.

So let me say, If your looking for a nice slow album to fall asleep to...This is not it. With catchy tunes and rockin' solos, Feeding The Wheel has definitely found its place in the progressive music scene. But also has enough power to go beyond the confines of a particular classification. Jordan did well with this release, and I look forward to hearing future projects.

Johnny B.