Project Description
JORDAN RUDESS
“From Bach to Rock”
@ The Studio, Sydney Opera House, NSW
27/11/2018
(Live Review)
Reviewer: Ro Llauro
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I met Jordan Rudess in the confines of my music studio. Yeah, that’s right. The little dark corner of my studio apartment I devote to drifting into infinity by making enough noise to put my lease at risk.
He taught me everything I know about scales and modes, a bit about synths, and everything about shredding on a screen.
We had some laughs. I loved his wizard hat. Such a friendly fellow!
True this all might have been through the ingenious and user-friendly apps from Wizdom Music, his music app company. But, I still feel we connected. He might be the best teacher I ever had. Well, him and John Petrucci. Two legends who have taught me and many others what prowess really means.
I suppose this is just a taste of what Dream Theatre fans must feel. These must be the most loyal, earnest, and mature fans I have ever met. They analyze every aspect of the music. They live every rhythmic change. They melt and burn through every riff.
This was a show for them. A show where fans got the opportunity to meet the real Jordan Rudess. A classically trained musician who loves sound and all its expressive capabilities. In any shape or form.
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Sitting behind a beautiful grand piano, he carried us through his musicianship. He told us about his first teachers. His struggles, musical history, accomplishments, and creative process.
I can’t say I have followed his extensive career closely, and I wouldn’t to engage in a musical trivia face-off with a Dream Theater fan but the man has helped define an entire genre of music. The man makes music for musicians.
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He delighted us with Bach pieces, personal avant-garde piano compositions, and even a rendition of “Space oddity” by David Bowie. He even took a minute to shred an improvised solo by systematically pressing his nose against the screen of an iPad. Now that’s how you sell your latest music app.
“The Studio” at the Sydney Opera House was the perfect venue. The room was well-lit, comfortable, and perfect for a relaxed night with a friend. A unique opportunity to see the master without all the bells and whistles of his usual performances.
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It was a select audience. Those who were there, were there for the music. They were there for the insights. And, that is what they got. A night filled with Jordan’s charisma, experience, teachings, and a little bit of humor.
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Check out Paul Tadday’s gallery of this show HERE
Check out Paul Tadday’s recent interview with Jordan HERE
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Check out his latest apps at Wizdom Music and new works at Jordan Rudess.
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