Transatlantic is a pet
side-project from guitarist
Roine Stolt
(Flower Kings), drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater),
keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse (Spock's Beard) and bassist Pete Trevawas (Marillion).
Portnoy wanted Neal Morse and Jim Matheos (of Fates Warning),
to work on a project aside from their respected bands. Though Matheos could not, Neal Morse immediately agreed, and Morse
called Stolt to handle guitar responsibilities and Portnoy ( a big fan of Marillion). The musicians brought ideas and tapes into the
studio. Neal Morse brought in bits and pieces of
some songs and entire concepts for others, all of which were adapted. He also
wrote most of the lyrics."
Their first album was recorded at Millbrook Studios
in upstate
`SMPTe.' Transatlantic's
debut album was released in the year 2000 (the name not only contains the
musicians initials, it
is also a communicative code used in studio recording). The group went on a limited tour in
After rejoining their bands, the
four musicians went back to the studio to record- `Bridge Across
Forever,' which included three lengthy tracks and a short title-track Morse
piece. Two tracks are over 35 minutes long and includes additional musicians:Chris
Carmichael - violin, viola & cello, Keith Mears - saxophone and the "Elite" Choir providing background vocals.
The album sports stronger musical themes
and the playing is tighter with an
added heaviness. The band will support their new release with
a tour.
With the 2002 waiting,
Transatlantic is gone for good.
Neil Morse,
quits Spock's Beard as well as Transatlantic to pursue a spirital
quest. A lot of people were hoping to
see Transatlantic mature into the ultimate prog
band. Sadly, we''ll
never get to realize their potential.
Neal Morse Statement:
"Dear fans and friends of Spock's Beard,
I'm sorry to say that the rumors are true, I am
leaving Spock's Beard for parts unknown.
I feel that God wants me to do something else, and I'm not sure why exactly,
but it's a feeling I've had for a while. I've been hoping it would change, but
it hasn't, and so I'm quitting.
This is the short version so I'm trying not to say very much, but I don't want
to give the impression that this isn't a huge deal. It is (to me anyway), and I
want you all to know that I've given it careful consideration, thought and
prayer, and it's with great sadness that I make this announcement.
The band is going on and I fully love and support them and I hope you will too.
Thanks to you all for making our dreams come true. My family and I wish you all
the best."
Mike Portnoy comments on
Neal Morse's departure:
"As a friend - I am trying
to be as understanding and supportive as I can be...
As a (part time) band member - I am just honored and
privileged to have had the opportunity to work with him as I consider him a
musical genius....
and as a fan - I am sad and disappointed at the loss of one of my favorite songwriters....
It surely is shocking and it also spells the end of TransAtlantic
as I wouldn't possibly consider continuing it without him....
Transatlatic-Live in Europe Dvd
(Special Edition)
Neal Morse - The Transatlantic Demos (2003)
Transatlantic - Bridge Across
Forever (2001)
Transatlantic
Live In America (live 2CD, 2001)