Jordan Rudess’ Permission to Fly Review
In his latest solo album, Permission to Fly, Dream Theater’s keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess delivers an ambitious and emotive musical journey. With the feel of a true band effort, this release weaves together progressive metal, jazz rock, funk, and even classical influences, with nods to bands like Gentle Giant and composers like Chopin.
The album is a rich tapestry of sound, featuring powerful contributions from Devin Townsend drummer ‘Darby Todd’, guitarist ‘Steve Dadaian’, vocalist ‘That Joe Payne’, alongside Jordan’s daughter Ariana, who penned the lyrics. From the Hammond-driven “The Final Threshold” to the funk-infused “Eternal” and the haunting ballad “Footsteps in the Snow,” Rudess explores new creative heights.
For progressive fans, tracks like “Into the Lair” (9 minutes of sonic brilliance) and “The Alchemist” stand out with complex compositions and shifting time signatures. While there’s a healthy dose of Dream Theater-esque energy, Rudess also showcases his personal touch with moments of cinematic beauty, especially on “Dreamer,” which closes the album before two bonus tracks on the vinyl edition.
With Permission to Fly, Jordan Rudess proves once again that his creativity knows no bounds, blending metal, jazz, and classical influences into a cohesive, thrilling listen. It’s an album that pushes the boundaries of what progressive music can be, and one that’s destined to resonate with fans of intricate, emotive compositions.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
