Jordan Rudess [Interview]
As the keyboard wizard whose constantly evolving taste for texture has added infinite depth to Dream Theater’s back catalogue from Scenes From A Memory to this year’s ever-expanding epic, The Astonishing, Jordan Rudess has brought his A-game to the biggest of big leagues for coming up on two decades. As a solo artist, Rudess has pushed his own boundaries relentlessly, exploring everything from mind-warping electronica to solo Steinway piano pieces and even full-on orchestral explorations. Then, there’s his collaborative project with King Crimson’s Tony Levin and The Aristocrats’ Marco Minnemann.
LMR – Levin Minnemann Rudess – take progressive music to a whole new level of virtuosity. The trio’s latest long-player, From The Law Offices Of Levin Minnemann Rudess, pulls no punches and never compromises. It’s the sound of three master musicians doing exactly what they want, the way they want to do it.
As I mentioned in my full-length review of From The Law Offices Of Levin Minnemann Rudess, if that album sounds like too much when it drops on July 15, it’s probably a sign that you need to hear faster. Trust me – your efforts will be rewarded. Perhaps you could even try putting LMR’s latest through The Amazing Slow Downer and gradually bringing it up to speed; if your focus drops and you miss a note, just start over from the top and keep on practising your hearing until it all clicks.
Alternatively, why not double the tempo and post a YouTube video of yourself reacting to it? The possibilities are endless. In the meantime, here’s Jordan Rudess discussing Levin Minnemann Rudess, his craziest gig experience, the wizard’s advice for up and coming musicians, and more…
There’s a new Levin Minnemann Rudess album on the horizon right now. What’s that trio’s X-Men-style origin story?
Three crazy prog dudes uniting to make the world a better place!
Originally, Tony and Marco started working on a project and were looking for a third member. I think they kind of wanted a guitarist, but then realized that having a keyboardist was much cooler. So they called me!
When you’re working with Tony and Marco, what’s your creative process? How do such complex and intense pieces progress from idea to reality?
Good question! Total madness. The ideas really start out with each of us, and then we share with the other guys to see what they can come up with.
For me, creating for Levin Minnemann Rudess is total creative freedom, and I can pull out all the stops and be as sonic and wacky as I like. If I’m the one writing the initial tune, I’ll just call upon my various influences knowing that whatever I do, these other guys can be right there with me and also add their own flavours!
Will you be touring the new Levin Minnemann Rudess album?
There is no plan at the moment, but hey – who knows what the future holds?
Over the decades of touring with Dream Theater and the laundry list of other projects you’ve been involved in, what’s the funniest thing you’ve witnessed at one of your live shows?
How about the craziest thing?
Mike Portnoy and I were taking our bows on stage left, and all of a sudden a guy comes dropping from the balcony! I walked out alive – so there was a happy ending.
How have you evolved, as a musician and as a person, over the last five years? You’ve gotten a lot done, to say the least…
I think so! One of the privileges of my life is working with amazing artists. There is always so much to learn from other people in all different situations.
Everybody has their own way to practice and think about music – and by sharing these thoughts and ideas, one can learn a lot!
Is there a spiritual element to what you do?
Absolutely. The world is made of sound and vibration, and as a musician it is my goal in life to be in tune with myself and the world around me.
Music is spirit, and that’s what I do!
How would you like to see the world change?
As Ringo always says: Peace and love…peace and love…
What are the top three pieces of advice you’d offer to up-and-coming musicians?
Get out of it while you can!
No, but really – if you love something you have to give it your all. Know that music is a tough business, and that to play an instrument involves a lot of practice and focus.
It’s not all just “magic”. Do what you love.
Outside of music-making, you’re also heavily involved with the technology world. What’s the latest big thing tech-wise for you?
I have my company, Wizdom Music, and I’m very proud of what we are doing with physical modelling and our new iPad instrument, GeoShred. It’s actually all over the new Levin Minnemann Rudess album!
What do you have on your plate for the future?
More touring of The Astonishing with Dream Theater, and a summer event called KeyFest in July 2016, which will be “The Ultimate Hang for Keyboardists!”
Thanks for taking the time to do this – really appreciate it.
You are very welcome!