Prog Rock, Yacht Rock, and Beatles influences combine to create Cosmic Cathedral in music industry.
When a musical collaboration comes to a halt, what’s the next move for a supergroup like Neal Morse’s? This was the situation the multi-talented artist found himself in after his other bands, Transatlantic and Flying Colors, faced inactivity due to the busy schedules of their members. With drummer Mike Portnoy returning to Dream Theater in 2024, Morse was left seeking a new musical outlet.
The answer came in the form of a new supergroup, Cosmic Cathedral, which saw Morse teaming up with legendary former Genesis touring drummer Chester Thompson, versatile guitarist/vocalist Phil Keaggy, and acclaimed bassist Byron House. Though on paper it may seem like a label-driven collaboration due to the high-caliber backgrounds of its members, Morse and Thompson reveal in the following interview that the band’s formation was a natural, informal process born out of shared musical interests and organic jam sessions. This led to the creation of their debut album, “Deep Water.”
Talking to Thompson before Morse joined the conversation, we learn about his diverse musical journey post-Genesis. From jazz roots to playing with iconic acts like Weather Report and Frank Zappa, Thompson’s experience is a testament to his versatility and love for various styles. Reflecting on his time with Zappa, Thompson recalls a positive period of collaboration and joy within the band.
The story of Cosmic Cathedral begins with Morse and Thompson meeting at a Steve Hackett concert, and a series of jam sessions that sparked creative chemistry. With the addition of Keaggy and House, the band quickly found their groove through spontaneous, inventive jamming sessions that eventually transformed into full-fledged songs. Morse’s skill in arranging and crafting cohesive compositions from their jam sessions was instrumental in shaping the direction of the album. Despite Phil Keaggy’s absence during the initial studio sessions due to health reasons, his guitar and vocal parts were seamlessly integrated later on.
Morse’s ability to blend everyone’s ideas and contributions into a cohesive whole was evident throughout the recording process. With the help of engineer Jerry Guidroz, they navigated the intricate process of turning jams into structured songs. The collaborative, free-flowing nature of their sessions allowed for creative exploration and a genuine exchange of musical ideas.
With Cosmic Cathedral, Morse and Thompson embarked on a musical journey that was as spontaneous as it was rewarding. Their debut album, shaped by the collective creativity of its members, stands as a testament to the power of organic collaboration and creative synergy. As Morse joined the conversation, his passion for the project was palpable, underscoring the deep connection and shared vision that defined the Cosmic Cathedral experience.