Permission To Fly (2024)

"Some things are inevitable, especially in the world of progressive rock. Jordan Rudess has returned with his twentieth solo album. It was through unusual circumstances that Jordan would recruit the band for this album. He met [Devin Townsend's] drummer Darby Todd. Meanwhile, vocalist That Joe Payne (formerly with The Enid) was introduced to Jordan through Roie Avin, editor of The Prog Report, who suggested the two should find a way to work together. The trio’s chemistry is palpable. Payne has a beautiful but distinct voice and a noticeable flair for the dramatic. Sometimes, his vocal exploits sound downright operatic. "Permission To Fly" is a diverse album of songs dealing with issues as deep as human existentialism and as quirky as the supernatural, and it ranges in musical style from uber-prog epics all the way through to wonderous ballads. Expect something experimental, quite dramatic, and in parts quite theatrical. Is it inevitable that you will enjoy this album? Absolutely." (Progreport)