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LINKS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYIN Review: An Evening With the Yes, cheesy smoke machines still elicit applause and an excited shout from the audience. Even when a great number of them are middle aged... or more. This show was at The Abby in Orlando. We arrived at about 6:30 not being sure what to expect by way of early crowds gathering for the 7:00 door opening. There was probably about 100 people in line at that point. I thought this was probably not bad by way of obtaining decent seats for a general admission event. Once inside, I was surprised to see that this was a pretty small venue and there was few really bad seats. The entire audience was probably under 300. The doors opened late and the start of the show was delayed. We got to spend over a half hour watching the crew try to set up a projector that they appeared to be using for the first time as they were referring continually to the manual. There was a small smatter of applause when they finally got the image to spread across the screen, “The Neal Morse Band The Great Adventure.” But the crew had an additional challenge. This was a small stage and there was no place on the stage to set up the projector and get a large enough image and no elevated place to put it. The solution, put the projector on a stand on the floor in front o the stage shining through the center stage keyboard and several mics. The video show probably would have been a nice touch and what parts we could see in the show looked pretty good but it was severely thwarted by the unfortunate positioning. But hey, we weren't here for the video. We were here to see the Neal Morse band. Despite the delays, the crowd was congenial and expectant. The gentleman seated behind me was asking questions about Neil Morse. He said, “I'm not very familiar with Neal Morse but I came because I'm a big fan of Mike Portnoy.” Portnoy has drummed with a number of world famous bands and works with Neal Morse a lot in many projects. The gentleman disappeared for a bit during the delay and returned from the merch table with a pile of LP's. Apparently, he decided that if Neal was good enough for Mike Portnoy, he was good enough for me. As he perused the cover of “Testimony” he looked a little perplexed and pondered, “From some of these titles this kinda sounds like a Christian album.” I told him it was but reassured him that, if he was a fan of prog, he wouldn't be disappointed at all with the music for it's own sake. “And it's a pretty good message, too,” I added. “So is Neal Morse a Christian,” he asked. From there I explained how “Testimony” was Neal's first blatant Christian album after leaving Spock's Beard, the progressive rock band he formerly played with. I told him how Neal's daughter had been born with a life threatening heart defect which had been miraculously healed through prayer and when it was time for the surgery, it just wasn't there anymore. Sewing seeds? I wondered how much of the audience understood the message behind the lyrical tapestry of Morse's concept albums. In my estimation, the audience was predominately secular. Which if you think of it, is not necessarily a bad thing. Whether directly or indirectly they're being exposed to the Gospel. Finally the lights dim. A video of surreal images begins to play (through the shadow of mics and keyboards) accompanied by the mysterious melodic hum of synths with a low underlying rumble. 5 shadows wander onto the stage and take their respective positions. The lights come up and with the blast of the overture, The Great Adventure begins. The Great Adventure is the Neal Morse Band's brand new concept album which they would be performing live tonight. What we had here might be described as Neal Morse light. The size of the stage and the venue wouldn't accommodate any more than the 5 core members of the band even if they brought supplemental musicians and singers. So we wouldn't be treated to the accompaniment of live horns, cellos or other strings and background singers. What we had was maybe not as indulgent as we might like but it was still mighty tasty. After all, we were as close to some of the world's most amazing musicians as we might have been to a country preacher in an old church. Neal Morse was center stage behind a single Alesis keyboard with quick access to a six string electric and a double neck accoustic. He moved energetically about the stage non-stop including a few costume changes the last of which was like unto a colorful jester. Neal switched from instrument to instrument and carried most the lead vocals. Mike Portnoy's kit was off to left and was a massive stage hog. Had it been centered in a more expected position, the screen on which the video ran would have been completely blocked. Portnoy's incredibly powerful rhythms seemed to acoustically out blast what ever part of them were miked though the PA. To the front of Portnoy was Randy George on bass who effortlessly navigated the endless complexities of the intense arrangements and sometimes, when called upon, matching note for note the lightning speed of Eric Gillette on guitar. Randy's body language was very relaxed and not very theatrical but his facial expressions were an occasional study. Eric was not only outstanding in every respect on guitar but also carried a large share of the lead vocals. His speed and melodic intuition and expression on the seven string were staggering. He sang at least as good as Neal and maybe even a little better. There was a significant similarity between the two voices. At times it would switch from one to the other barely noticeably. Rounding it all out was Bill Hubauer on keyboards. Hubauer also carried some of the high range leads and harmonies. He masterfully executed the intricate riffs and scales of the prog arrangements. His vocals, at times sounded a little strained. There was no apparent instrument amplification on stage. There wasn't really room for a lot of gear. I've heard of amps being placed off stage and miked but I suspect the instruments where run direct to the PA. There was a perceivable loss in the richness of some of synth parts and especially when Morse played the 12 string neck of the acoustic. I didn't feel like the PA in this particular venue was entirely up to the job of reproducing this kind of music. Might also have been the acoustic failings of the room itself. Something about the less than perfect environment and the small venue made these icons of prog seem a lot less iconic and more like a bunch or regular guys who just happened to be incredibly talented. All that being said, the performance was jaw dropping with Neal dominating and owning the stage. Occasionally Portnoy would hover out over the drums and ham it up a little. The band genuinely seemed to enjoy performing together and you soon forgot the short comings of the sound re-enforcement and became immersed in the music and Morse's friendly theatrics. Had you given him a staff, he might have tried to part the red sea. Maybe for the next tour! After covering the entire new double album titled the Great Adventure, the band left the stage and returned for an encore. The encore was quite generous time wise and no less enthralling than the rest of the performance. We were treated to a taste of several songs from previous albums. Many of which were quite literal in their Christian message. I was a little disappointed that Neal didn't share his testimony at all verbally but, if you didn't get it in the songs of the encore, you weren't paying attention. The night ended with the band lining up on stage in the manner of a curtain call after a play. The members were introduced and took a group bow and it was over. If your into progressive rock, I would highly recommend catching the Neal Morse Band whether in a large venue or small. If you don't know what progressive rock is, check it out. You just might like it.
9/5/18 I don't know if this happens to other musicians but sometimes I think I hear something in a song or part and I listen later and it was apparently never there 8/8/18 What inspires you to make music? Jesus Christ and the need to express. Music is always scratching at the door on the inside trying to find its way out. I try to capture as much as I can but most of it just gets away. (excerpt from Drooble interview) 8/12/18 Metamorphosis of a song in my world: It usually starts with a lick, chord progression or sometimes just a lyrical phrase. It can appear seemingly out of nowhere when I'm working on something else Or just suddenly pop up in that so called empty box. On a few occasions I've even woke up with new music playing in my head. I'll be excited by it and anxious to start expanding on it. This feeling carries me for a while in developing and recording but then I always reach a point w here I'm completely discouraged by it and ready to trash the whole thing. I don't even want to throw 2 notes in the air to see where they land. But I've learned to keep working through this point and let the music find it's way. Finally everything just seems to fall in place and I'm all like (not to quote Urckel or anything) "Did I do that?!" In the end, hopefully, by God's grace, I'm a song writer 7/23/18 Really enjoyed sharing "I Will" at CRCOG last night and greatly appreciate all the kind comments 7/18/18 I'm really not good at categorizing music by genre. I have to go with Billy Joel. "It's still rock and roll to me." Currently working on some progressive rock. Progressive Rock? What is that anyhow? 6/28/18 Rock This House, my new album, is now available for download from cdbaby and will be available from other online retailers and streaming services soon. Rock This House is a 15 song collection of eclectic rock music for Jesus. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jaredwalnum ... 6/27/18 Just signed off on the final check for Rock This House, my new album, to go out into digital distribution. For better or worse, it's out there. 6/25/18 Well, there it is then. The new album is finally uploaded and in the final stages for digital distribution. Barring any other delays it should be available through iTunes, Amazon and many other online retailers and streaming services shortly 6/10/18 It has been a challenge putting together a new album. The songs span 6 years and have been recorded with different equipment, software and knowledge levels. As such, there's been a bunch of editing, remixing and even some tracks re-recorded. Trying to make them all sound like they belong on the same album's been a real chore. But it's getting there. 7/18/18 I'm really not good at categorizing music by genre. I have to go with Billy Joel. "It's still rock and roll to me." Currently working on some progressive rock. Progressive Rock? What is that anyhow? 6/28/18 Rock This House, my new album, is now available for download from cdbaby and will be available from other online retailers and streaming services soon. Rock This House is a 15 song collection of eclectic rock music for Jesus. Click here for CDBaby. 7/27/16 Yeah, it's been a while since I update 'SUP. Brighthouse changed out my modem and now my domain server won't connect. I have to go to the libranry to upload updates and that kind of took the wind out of my sails. One new thing is that after months and months there has been a change in my 10 most played songs . "Hallelujah" passed by "Look UP" for the number 1 slot and "In the Sanctuary" climbed up to join the list. Check it out. Also have cranked out lots of great new music. It's all in the player at the left of this page under the logo. JesuS-O-S is a bit different. In fact my wife says it's peculiar. But then the Bible refers to Christians as a "peculiat people" in 1st Peter 2:9 so that's not all bad. Check it out if you can handle it. Gonna start working on a video for it. Had the oportunity to perform one of my songs in a recent event at CRCOG. You can see a video of that on YouTube: "I Will" Live.
9/27/15 Passed 10000 plays on ReverbNation today! More than 75% in that last couple of years. Now, I know if I was Israel Houghton, that wouldn't mean much. But I'm just this invisible guy with no record company, budget or staff, Just me and God. I don't tour or participate in any paid promotion. While I get to play other people's music several times a week in a good sized church, it's rare that I get to share my own music anywhere locally. More than 99% of my plays are from people all over the world (about 65% in the USA) as opposed to just friends and family. So I feel pretty good and thankful. Why does 10000 plays matter? That's 10000 times I've been allowed to share what God has given me.Not just my talent but in my life and faith through sharing the lyric. That's 10000 times I've shared some aspect of the gospel and that many chances to minister to someone. That's 10000 times I've witnessed some of which have made it's way to those have not yet received the gospel. That's 10000 times God has said, " I have given you something to share," despite the lack of encouragement and sometimes just plain discouragement of some. So thanks, God, It may be a small thing to some but it means a lot to me. And thanks to those who have listened and lended prayer and support. I appreciate you greatly.
April 1, 2015 Okay, this is not an April Fool. I just cracked the top 10 in Christian Rock on ReverbNation. I'm #10 in the US and the World. Must say I feel pretty good about that. So I guess the goal now becomes making #1. On another front, my wife has become an independent wellness advocate for Doterra Essential Oils. A lot of people are finding essential oils a beneficial tool for wellness in many areas. If you're interested click the link in the right hand column. All of my songs are personal and reflect some aspect of my Christian walk, but every once in a while God gives me a song that strikes my very core. "Such as I Have" is of the latter type. The first few weeks after I wrote it I would break down crying and worshipping everytime I tried to work on it. The good news is that the recording is well under way now. I only hope that once it's done I will have done it the same justice that it has done my spirit. Feb 19, 2015 Check it out: I peaked at #13 nationally and #17 globally on ReverbNations Christian Rock charts on Feb. 17th. Gotta say I'm pretty pleased with that although when I got that close I was really hoping to crack the top 10. Hey that could come yet. I appreciate everyone who listens. I work hard to share my music with as many as will listen and be blessed by it. This is what God has given me to voice my faith. So far in 2015 I've added one new song, "I'm Calling" and reworked "Walk Along" Both can be heard in the player at left on this page. Also finishing up a rework of "Gonna Be a Wonder." After that it must be time for something new. I've have a few things waiting for further attention. The Depression Tool Kit has received a lot of good feed back, some public & some private. I'm thankful for any help it gives anyone. So far I've had a new post daily on Facebook since I began writing it. I also eventually get them moved over to the link above. I'm sure sooner or later the well will begin to run dry but it you haven't already checked it out there are plenty of posts to catch up on. When the new thoughts slow down I will probably repost from the beginning at a slower pace and add new as they come up. This Sunday night I'm excited to see Carmen at my home church. He was a big as it gets in Christian music a few decades ago and is now back on tour after a bout with cancer. If you're in the Crystal River Fl area you can join us. For details click here. I understand that tickets are beginning to get low so act now if you want to attend. In the meantime I hope God is blessing you and life is good. Jared Jan 6, 2015 Holidays are over and things revert to the normal. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. I've added something new. It's called the Depression Tool Kit. This is a collection of brief commentary on depression related issues. This is an area I've had some personal experience with. This is not professional advise. This is me sharing my thoughts on things I've learned in dealing with the challenging disorder. Hope that what I have to share is beneficial to others. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, hang in there. Better days are coming. Hope this small contribution is of some help. My prayer for you're increasing well being accompany these posts. Latest songs are In The Sanctuary and Gonna Be a Wonder. Both are in the player on the left of the page. There's a short blog relating to In the Sanctuary here. Sept 20, 2014 I want to thank everyone for the tremendous response I've gotten for my new song, Love, Love. It's drawn a bundle of compliments and lots of plays. If you haven't heard it yet, it's in the player on the left of the page. This is new... I've just added my testimony to this site. It's something I'd wanted to do from the start but for many reasons had not done. Well, now it's done. It's pretty frank and somewhat in depth. I've broken it down into parts for convenience sake. You can read it, listen to it or both as you prefer at this link: www.jwalnum.com/testimony.htm So far I've tracked drum sequences, bass, acoustic guitars and synth orchestrations on my cover of Neil Morse's “We all Need Some Light.” It's such a tremendous song going in. I hope I do it some justice. Sept. 2, 2014 So that previously unnamed song I mentioned in my July 23rd update wound up being my newest song, “Love, Love,” That's currently in the player at left to be played for free. It has a hint of a prog influence. I think you'll enjoy it.
Meanwhile I'm working on a cover of a song called “We All Need Some Light Now.” This is originally by one of my favorite musicians and I wanted to cover it for a long time. In it's original state it's not a flat out Christian song. It actually predates the composer, Neal Morse's, public confession of Jesus. Never-the-less the context is pertinent and I have kept all the verses and chorus as written. I have added a third verse and a 2nd chorus of my own. This is still in the early tracking stages.
August 6, 2014 Today I reached: on Reverbnation. You can listen there with out joining. But if you sign up for a free account you can support me by becoming a fan. Also find thousands of other independent artists. July 31, 2014 So you know you're dying to know: What are Jared's most played songs? ;-) Go to http://www.jwalnum.com/mostPlayed.htm and find out. And now you know! In Christ,
July 23, 2014 So what do think of the new site? It's taken a while to get it done with so many irons in the fire but now at last here it is. Hope you enjoy it and find it easy to navigate. Also in the player is "Alone & Pray" a brand new recording of a song writen sometime ago. Otherwise, I'm working on a new song as yet untitled. Just started arranging the music and the lyric is still pending. Appreciate all you who are following and listening. Hope the Lord is blessing you greatly. If my music blesses you please be sure to share it with others. In Christ, |
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