The Neal Morse Band to Launch U.S. Tour This August

THE NEAL MORSE BAND-singer/guitarist/keyboardist Neal Morse, drummer Mike Portnoy, bassist Randy George, keyboardist Bill Hubauer and guitarist Eric Gillette-released their highly anticipated and critically acclaimed double-disc concept album, THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM, November 11, 2015 on Radiant Records distributed by Metal Blade Records/SONY. It's the eighth studio album with Morse, Portnoy and George, and the second as a true collaboration with this current lineup.

Clocking in at over 100 minutes, THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM is available in various formats: a two CD package, a Special Edition with the two CDs and "The Making Of A Dream" DVD, or as three vinyl records along with two CDs.

Later this month, THE NEAL MORSE BAND's once-in-a-lifetime concert event, Morsefest 2015, will be released March 24 on Radiant Records distributed by Metal Blade Records/SONY as either 2 Blu-ray discs, or 2 DVDs with 4 CDs. Digital downloads of the music portion will be available from Radiant Records in uncompressed audio, and on iTunes.. Sonically, outstanding audio is delivered by veteran mix engineer Rich Mouser, who has mixed every frontline Neal Morse, Spock's Beard, and Transatlantic album.

In addition to both concerts, a one-hour documentary puts audiences behind the scenes for this epic event. Featuring candid moments from the band, other musicians, and crew-it's an engaging glimpse into the whirlwind staging of this event. Neal Morse's classic TESTIMONY album will also be available for first time on vinyl.

Free from the constraints of studio recording deadlines, Morse expanded his musical vision on Morsefest 2015 and augmented the already amazing Neal Morse Band with live strings, five-piece horn section, orchestral percussion, female background singers and a full choir.

Over two nights (one on each video disc) in 2015, they perform new arrangements of material from Neal Morse's career. The two concerts span over five hours, venturing beyond the studio versions they're based on. In addition to complete performances of the SOLA SCRIPTURA and QUESTION albums, there are songs from Spock's Beard (featuring guest Nick D'Virgilio), Transatlantic, and surprises-including performances with guitar legend Phil Keaggy. Accompanied by extravagant visuals, including three video screens and live dancers, Morsefest 2015 is the most massive live release of Morse's career.

Now it's time for THE NEAL MORSE BAND to hit the road again in support of both packages. Their latest round of U.S. tour dates will launch August 17 in St. Paul, MN at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall, preceded by shows in Europe and other international shows to be announced soon. Fans should check NealMorseBand.com for all the latest info.

Together, Morse and Portnoy have launched four bands, but the one that has endured the longest and has released the most musical output has been THE NEAL MORSE BAND. Over the years, Morse, along with Portnoy and George, always assembled musicians as needed to support Neal's solo music. In 2012, they held auditions to find the musicians needed to fill out the band as a permanent lineup that would write music collectively. Hubauer and Gillette joined the band after three days of auditions. The fivesome went on to release THE GRAND EXPERIMENT in 2014 followed by the ALIVE AGAIN live DVD/2 CD package in 2015.

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