With an illustrious career spanning decades and bands like Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment under his belt, Jordan Rudess returns with his latest solo effort, Permission to Fly. After a five-year hiatus since Wired for Madness, Rudess dives into a more profound exploration of the human experience, informed by the tumultuous events of 2023-2024. The album, boasting nine tracks, features collaborations with luminaries like That Joe Payne, Darby Todd, Steve Dadaian, and guest guitarist Bastian Martinez. From the outset, it’s evident that Rudess is not only pushing his technical boundaries but also delving deep into emotional and cerebral themes.
Opening with “The Final Threshold,” Rudess immediately sets the tone for the album with complex, progressive motifs and Joe Payne‘s ethereal vocals. Payne’s range and expression perfectly complement the intricate piano sections, creating a poignant reflection on inner conflict and existential despair. The line “Now, I’m reaching out my hand / Winter’s grip takes hold of me / I’m frozen where I stand” encapsulates the emotional depth Rudess aims to convey.
“Into the Lair,” a sprawling nine-minute opus, showcases the extraordinary synergy between Darby Todd‘s intricate percussion, Steve Dadaian‘s masterful guitar work, and Bastian Martinez‘s soaring solos. This track is a journey through varied sonic landscapes—from ghostly atmospheres to vigorous progressive sections—requiring multiple listens to fully digest its complexity.
Nestled between two longer tracks, “Haunted Reverie” delves into audio experimentation unparalleled in Rudess’s previous works. Payne’s voice, imbued with grandeur, enhances the narrative of fear, despair, and eventual liberation. “My fears pushed aside / A rebirth so profound,” sings Payne, amplifying the triumph over personal demons, thus adding another layer to the album’s thematic richness.
With “The Alchemist,” Rudess presents the most colorful and exuberant piece on the album. Regularly shifting time signatures and instrumental leads ensure that each band member shines, particularly during sections of robust guitar and mesmerizing piano interplay. The track is a labyrinthine progression through Rudess’s imagination, complete with twists and turns that keep listeners engaged from start to finish.
Switching gears entirely, “Embers” reveals Rudess’s capacity for simplicity and emotive resonance. This four-minute ballad, led by tender piano and profound lyrics, grows in splendor, reflecting themes of resilience and the transformative power of love. The song also features an exciting collaboration with Moises.ai, allowing fans to reimagine the track by isolating its components and playing along, thus engaging with Rudess’s innovation firsthand.
“Shadow of the Moon” continues the celestial journey with a delicate balance of theatrics and pathos. Payne’s vocal prowess shines through the song’s lyrical exploration of confronting fears and embracing the future. The interplay between Rudess’s keyboards and Todd’s precise drumming constructs a gorgeous backdrop for the vocal narrative.
With “Eternal,” Rudess returns to his progressive roots, blending heavy riffs with sophisticated keyboard and guitar solos. Despite occasionally feeling dense, the track gracefully unfolds, culminating in a climactic ninety-second finale that epitomizes the album’s progressive essence.
The penultimate track, “Footstep in the Snow,” parallels “Shadow of the Moon” in its melodic and structural beauty. Payne’s voice truly excels in these reflective moments, enhancing the song’s introspective lyricism and the overall melancholic, yet hopeful atmosphere.
Closing the album, “Dreamer” provides a near-classical resolution that evokes a sense of cinematic finality. Blending acoustic guitar with rich synth layers, this instrumental track would seamlessly fit into a dramatic movie score, signaling a powerful end to a compelling musical journey.
Permission to Fly is undeniably a triumph for Jordan Rudess. His ability to balance technical prowess with emotional depth is matched by the exceptional skills of his collaborators. The album’s expansive scope—from elaborate progressive pieces to touching ballads—makes it a compelling addition to the modern progressive oeuvre.
My favorite tracks include “The Final Threshold,” “Into the Lair,” “Haunted Reverie,” and “Embers.” These songs not only highlight Rudess’s versatility but also the seamless integration of his supporting musicians, making Permission to Fly an extraordinary listening experience.
If you crave a well-rounded album that challenges the mind and touches the heart, this is a must-listen.
I had the chance to sit with Jordan some weeks ago, if you haven’t watched our interview go watch it here:
Get the album here: https://jordanrudess.lnk.to/PermissionToFly
1. The Final Threshold 04:08
2. Into The Lair 09:31
3. Haunted Reverie 05:14
4. The Alchemist 08:36
5. Embers 04:03
6. Shadow of the Moon 05:29
7. Eternal 08:53
8. Footstep in the Snow 04:02
9. Dreamer 05:03
10. Incarnation 03:31 (Bonus Track)
11. Chopin Fm 05:33 (Bonus Track)
JORDAN RUDESS online:
https://www.jordanrudess.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jordanrudessofficial
https://twitter.com/Jcrudess
https://www.instagram.com/jcrudess/
