Let’s do a lightning round. What have you taken away from working these people and how has it informed your playing… Rod Morgenstein
He’s as steady as a rock on the drums. An incredible musician. Whenever I play leads, I think about Rod because he always demands the most melodic special lead and special bend for a situation. He’s very tuned in.
…Liquid Tension Experiment…
That’s been an interesting project. It was very free, with Mike and John really wanting to have someone else come in and just completely add their elements to the mix. A little bit of that energy was like Dream Theater is now, but different and open in environment because Dream Theater was established.
…David Bowie…
That was an interesting gig for me, different from just about anything else. I anticipated my role [for Heathen] to serve as a producer and artist in any way they needed… and I came in thinking I would get to do some Jordanesque stuff with the sounds and stuff, which was exciting. I came out of it with a different lesson, and I suppose a lesson on life in general. I went in and set up stack of Kurzweils and machines to use, and made suggestions that we should use these vintage sounds [to emulate] a Fender Rhodes or Hammond [organ]. And I was pointed in the direction of a real Fender Rhodes and Hammond, and asked to play those. Things happened differently from how I envisioned and I figured out pretty quickly that my role there was to make their vision turn into reality… which is ultimately the role of any studio musician (laughs).
…Steve Morse…
When I think about working with Steve Morse, I think about all the fun we used to have trading leads. He’s one of my all time favorite guitarists. Steve taught me that when someone else is laying a down a lead, you need to chill out a bit and play a supportive role. Maybe even turn it down a little bit. Steve is a good band leader, very musically sensible. No bullshit. I remember our first couple rehearsals together and his point was to do your best to support the lead and the melody. He was totally cool. It was a lesson learned – something I hadn’t heard before – because in those days, I wanted to blow my best riffs all the time. Steve brought me back to cool sort of musical reality. He’s in my head when I’m playing with Dream Theater and in any other situation. I keep that experience in mind and always try to be really supportive. Hold things down.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
This is really, really long Peter. But it is also very, very good stuff. I really enjoyed reading all about the different people Rudess has played with (especially Steven Wilson as I'm a huge P. Tree fan), and about his influences (loved learning about his favorite Genesis songs by Tony Banks).
You might wanna consider breaking this into two, or three parts next time as not everybody is the progressive music fan I am, and might not have the where-with-all to stick it with it.
But personally I loved this as I expect most other Dream Theater/progressive rock fans will as well. Great stuff.
-Glen
2 - Peter
Thanks for the compliment, Glen. Rudess is a great interview... and I had thought about breaking the piece in half, but couldn't seem to find a place I felt comfortable doing so. In the end, a monthly magazine-length feature piece comes along once in a great while for me. I had to leave it intact. Anyway, thanks for checking it out; I appreciate the feedback.
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Yeah!! Excellent Interview!!
It's about time the man (Mr. Rudess) gets some credit here on BC. He definitely adds dimension to D.T. unfortunately their new album was disappointing(to me).
As for the Progressive Nation Tour, if it was to get huge, I would rather see some more underground prog bands instead of including SOAD or Coheed... They have such a great line-up right now and I wouldn't want to cheapen it any just to make it huge. Maybe add a couple more bands like Aghora,Cynic & Spock's Beard. Adding SP to have another giant that can sell tickets & because they are wicked good.