Jordan Rudess chat

JordanR: HEY!!!!

salty: OK guys here he is, ask away!

Kurzfellow: Let’s establish some ground rules first.

NoXoN: please, ONLY ask questions, don’t do anything else

agamemnon: Hi Jordan, any chances of getting Vai on something in the future,
maybe call it shred fest 2002:)?

JordanR: I would love to work with Steve one day. Almost went down to Mexico with him to play keys with G3 but we know what happened to that. Got cancelled..

roketman: Do you have any hobbies/interests other than Music?

JordanR: Yeah- The internet and all my communications. Also I love working with graphics. Bert and I are looking at some very cool new software to use in the NEW Dream Theater production.

DTMUSICMAN: So Jordan, would you say that out of every band you have played with... that you have the best karma with DT???

JordanR: You know- The Dregs are a great band. That was a quick experience though. DT is a deep karmic experience for me. It really seems like everything in my life so naturally led up to this. I love the guys and the music we make!

spinny: Hi Jordan. I was wondering; since you seem to include both classical and Latin in your music
I was wondering, have you also included some jazzy elements in your new CD?

JordanR: Oh Yes. There are some cool jazz sections. Basically when I write I just like to keep myself open to lots of different elements and styles. It sometimes all floods out pretty fast and almost without thinking about it!

NPwannabe: Do you have anything on keyboard in the new album that you’d call very original? What kind of stuff is it?

JordanR: Well I believe that my style is quite original. I’m able to push the boundaries a bit more in my solo work where there are no stylistic pre concepts. Of DT on the new album is charting some pretty interesting musical terrain!

JordanB: Jordan: Do you ever hit your patch change footswitch too many times, and do you have a button on the keyboard ready to go back 1 patch?

JordanR: Well yes I have done that. It’s the worst but it does happen! I just quickly hit the one button that takes me back to the right sound.

paiev_saric: Jordan, tell us about the music you contributed to the new Bowie album....

JordanR: OK- It is NOT progressive. Nothing fast... Some interesting things though. David had many songs ready to go when I got there. He does not like a lot of options. I did some very cool stuff at an old upright piano in which I would play the Steinway grand.

Togakure99: Jordan: would you ever consider using something from your fans in an album or release, like lyrics, sound patches, or musical ideas from a contest or something? That’d be awesome.

JordanR: Interesting idea. Sure if somebody wanted to send me a killer patch or something. If I like it I will USE IT!!. And credit the person! Start programming people! Actually send it to BERT! he will do some weeding for me

RyanG: Hi Jordan, a big hello from Scotland! How was it working with David Bowie? He is one of the most influential artists of all time, how did you get on with him? Will you be touring with him?

JordanR: I met him thru my association with producer Tony Visconti. I did some other cool projects with Tony. I probably will not tour with him- but who knows! Things like working with Annie Haslam and Prefab Sprout recently on Gunman and other Stories.

nimbis: are you excited to tour with pain of salvation next year?

JordanR: I never heard them but I hear they are wonderful. Looking forward to checking it out. I love gentle soothing music!

AndreaP: When you work with long distance musicians like Bozzio in Texas how do u send your pieces? What do u record first? How does it work?

JordanR: Well when I worked with Terry I sent him all my tracks along with some midi drum parts that I laid down for everything. This way he could here all my ideas. Also I would send him lots of written music so he could see it as well! He had drum notation-bass parts- piano scores. everything AND anything to help. After all he had 5 days to record all of the music!!

salty: Here’s one from me, are you or DT planning on touring Australia anytime soon?

JordanR: We really are looking to come to Australia. It seems like it very well might happen on this upcoming tour. The agents and management are working hard to bring that into reality. I want to be able to shake your hand after all Salty!!

Portnoy_Jr: If you were to play in a “superband”, including you (hehehe), what would it be? Sth like Dave Weclk, Sheenan and Steve Vai? Or what\

JordanR: SALTY!!

salty: that would be awesome Jordan! Hope to see you soon down here!

KingBert: good question...

JordanR: Oh man a super Band!! I already play in a SUPER BAND!!! And I’ve already worked with every drummer that is on the top of my list. Wow how lucky that makes me feel...

Guest22071: Jordan, your influences on the next DT album appear to be heavier bands. How do you approach writing heavier parts on keyboards? There aren’t any standards to go by, seems in today’s hard rock, keyboard players are few and far in between.

JordanR: Ya know what- sometimes I will get a very heavy riff idea and with pleasure I will sing it or play it for John Petrucci and lay out if I have to. I love hearing the heavy riffs I’ve composed when the albums are said and done even if I don’t play a note of it!

Atlanticguitar: Does the name Feeding the Wheel have anything in common with your current philosophy of life, are you interested in metaphysics like me?

JordanR: Totally. I’m not really a scientific person although Feeding The Wheel is a philosophy and way of thinking about the life we lead and the world around us.

NPwannabe: when U write an odd timed song... do you sit down and say, “lets write a song in 15/16”, or does it come natural?

JordanR: You know what. Used to be I would NEVER think specifically of writing something in odd time. These days sometimes I will construct stuff a bit like that. I learned to be more academic about my meters from magic Mike!! He taught me that in my first Dream Theater lesson. He was like - OK that’s in 15/8, now the next measure should be in 14 and then back to 15!!

the_silent_nicholas: What kind of music did you play at that concert for the American Red Cross?

JordanR: I played mostly improvised soothing/healing type stuff. Used my Karma keyboard as well to lay down some interesting grooves to jam on top of. Had a cool 9 foot Steinway so that was inspiring. I’m looking at releasing that on CD. Working out the specific

BogieLITS: “An Evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess” seemed pretty successful. Have you and JP thought about doing more shows of the loosely improvised nature?

JordanR: Well the JR and JP show was a cool vibe. I think we would do that again when the time is right. After all we are so closely bonded musically!

kris: Did you work with some new keyboards or software, sampler ... for the new Dt ?

JordanR: Yeah I used the Korg Karma keyboard. That machine has some really very inspiring sounds. Matter of fact it had the sounds on it that inspired the whole 40 minute tune that we are all talking about so much!!

Vonserah: Jordan: hello I’m Pedro , I’m Brazilian 16 year old, I started playing keys 1 year ago and I have a young prog metal band, I’ll be glad to know if u have some advises for the young keyboardist that are beginning now so as in the future they can play so good as you. thank you =)

JordanR: Stay very focused. Listen to all types of music. Practice on the things that are your weakest link. Don’t stop your focus!

Ytsejamer: In January where you play in London, are you going to play songs from the new album
even though the new album might not be out?

JordanR: I hope it is out by then! I’m sure we will do songs from it. There will certainly be a good selection from the past as well for ya. Mikey makes the set lists!

Tenner: About your lead sound, did you make that (or could you) just using your Kurzweil? Or would it require outside modules/sources?

JordanR: My lead sound was made through a lot of trial and error which you can hear if you listen through all my CD’s. It is all done with the Kurzweils Vast architecture. It has many layers like oboes, guitar, square wave sawtooth English horn etc. etc. etc..

Tenner: Have you ever worked/discussed your lead sound with Derek Sherinian? Or anything else, for that matter?

JordanR: Well when Derek was with DT and I was with Rod touring Europe as an opener sometimes I would go on stage and talk keyboards with Derek. He was always very cool and interested in any technical things that I had to share. He’s a very good player.

Enigmahack: If Kurzweil suddenly went out of business, and you were forced to make a quick decision on another keyboard, do you have anything in mind that would be good enough?

JordanR: Wow if I could not use Kurz keyboard for some reason it would be bad! I would want however to take everything and put it into computer sampler technology. I want the software to translate the Kurz samples to other formats to hurry up and get working well

nimbis: What do you think is the most significant thing you’ve learned so far from working with Dream Theater?

JordanR: How to shave my beard. kidding of course! I’ve learned a lot from the guys over the years about touring, life in general and all the different ways that people go about composing music.

Tenner: Will you be performing any solo on your European tour with Dream Theater? (I sure hope so :)

JordanR: Thanks- I think so. We will see when the set list comes down from Portnoy land and discuss it then.

MiKacHu: Hello Jordan. Greetings from Finland. Are u into vintage keyboards like Hammond B3 and analogic Minimoog? or do you prefer more new digital keyboards?

JordanR: I love my Mini Moog! I sample it all the time and use the sounds on all my recordings. I can’t wait to get the VOYAGER new Moog instrument!

Metropolis: When can we hear the first piece/sample/teaser/ANYTHING from Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence?!

JordanR: Good question. If I play it VERY LOUD in my room right now do you all think you could hear it????!! I don’t know the answer to that one yet really.

willyz: On the Metropolis DVD, the guys are all ways talking about the “Jordan Rudess action figure!” How did that originate? We all want one!

JordanR: That’s funny. I think that was a Petruc thang. He just came up with that there and then. Don’t know where it came from it was off the top of his head. I want one too. Wind me up and watch me play 100 notes a second I guess?

salty: I’m sure McFarlain Toys has one on the drawing board Jordan

Jonny1988: I’m 13 and I just started playing the piano, what kind of exercises and methods do you use to practice?

JordanR: See my Online Conservatory (Thru my site) That covers my whole world of technical ideas for learning keyboards and music. Also you can check out my video if you are inspired.... A little self marketing!!

Ali_K: JordanR: What do you consider as your best concert/gig or the one you will remember longest?

JordanR: A lot of the huge ones stick in my mind. Especially the exciting DT gigs like in France when people are singing along with the keyboard riffs. Stuff like that!

Genghis: Jordan, when I met John Petrucci, he seemed standoffish (understandable after a LONG show and meeting strangers outside afterwards late at night). But he actually seems like a pretty funny guy. Is he? And does John Myung ever really talk much when there’s not a camera in his face? :)

JordanR: John P is a really nice guy. He is warm and kind to me always. He is also the type of person that works hard for what he wants in life. John Myung DOES TALK people.. Usually about serious stuff. Once you get him started he really lets a lot of words come. And he can be very funny as well. One day he will do a huge interview and surprise everyone!

Brooks: Jordan, have you ever heard anything by Symphony X? And if yes, what are your thoughts?

JordanR: I heard some S X. It sounded cool. I like the orchestration. It sounded really convincing to me.

NoXoN: Lots of people are asking question about Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence, so if you just could give us your thoughts about it, anything really.. maybe a little scoop?

JordanR: This is a very interesting new album from our group. I think DT fans (All of you) are going to love this album. We really are pushing into a lot of new areas and experimenting with some cool stuff. Of course it is a double CD. The first sessions were filled with a lot of very heavy cool dark stuff. Sometimes I would hang out and just watch as they got darker and darker and just kinda wait my turn. Of course my turn came around big time . Especially when we got to disc 2 which has a lot of keys on it. Lots of “prog” stuff. All kinds of interesting harmonies and timbres on the synth. These DT albums are really an all out experience for us musically all in all.
Nothing gets left behind musically and we all express ourselves so fully. I feel very satisfied with this double CD.

LouisG: I’ve heard that you are an accomplished guitar player, do you play guitar on any CDs (sorry for not knowing). If not, would you?

JordanR: I played some guitar on my new album which COMES OUT TODAY. On the song Shifting Sands I play some very trippy backwards style guitar stuff.

krazyForKS423: Jordan, ever think about doing another video, maybe focusing on DT, perhaps having JM and MP play on it?

JordanR: Have not thought about having a video with DT members. Interesting thought though. I don’t play much guitar since I met John Petrucci. I sample the guitar REALLY well though

nimbis: What’s the latest news on the new Rudess Morgenstein Project?

JordanR: YES- THE Rudess Morgenstein project. We have some killer stuff composed for this. We just need to finish up. A lot of that is up to me actually at this point. I have to orchestrate4 some of the stuff we started. I want to complete this BEFORE I hit the r

Tarkus{{ELP}}: Jordan.. you have played with Petrucci/Morse etc... do you find them PUSHING you to higher limits? or do you Push THEM to higher limits in the technique n speed of the riffs

JordanR: I think with players like that we are constantly challenging and supporting each other. There are things that guitars naturally do that the keyboard does not and vice a versa. This always keeps things interesting. I learn a lot from Petrucci and Morse.

kris: You know for many people you are the best keyboard player what is your feeling about that?

JordanR: I’m flattered really! You know I’ve been playing keys all my life and it’s just the last 5 or so years that I have started to become really noticed on a global level. It’s very gratifying.

santa99: Jordan, when you write progressive music, what do you usually try and go for, rhythmic ideas, chord progressions, or melodies? I was always wondering if there was a good pattern to follow when trying to write great prog music....

JordanR: I am very rhythmically aware always. so now matter what I play there is that sense
and coordination. I believe everything stems from rhythm .

ElwoodBlues: JordanR: What was it like to join DT and play the stuff that other keyboarders wrote? didn’t you had the feeling and the desire to add personal influences to those?

JordanR: Things are always started though in a number of ways. Try getting tunes started in ALL those ways and see what happens! I enjoy going back and learning the other DT songs from there years with Derek and Kevin. I like to quote them accurately when appropriate and add my own stuff when there is the reason and space to do so!

nimbis: Is there a song on Six Degrees that you guys are going to try to get on the US radio ?

JordanR: Well we did a number of radio edits. As far as which one we will actively try to get on the radio I’m not sure. I personally think this song entitled “Misunderstood” is very hip and cool for rock radio.

Tenner: Have you tried out other Korg gear other than the Karma, such as the Korg Triton?
If so, what is your impression of it? Cons & pros, and compared to your Kurzweil, if comparing even is possible?

JordanR: Ask Bert. He has a Triton! I’ve played his and it is similar to the Karma actually.

KingBert: I love my Triton!!

JordanR: There ya go a true endorsement!

GeraldLee: What’s your favorite track from Feeding the Wheel?

JordanR: I like many of the tunes in different ways. Perhaps I would say Quantum Soup is my favorite at this moment.

Ali_K: Jordan, which songs, which were written before you joined DT, you consider as DTs best?

JordanR: I like so many. It’s really hard to say.

BogieLITS: Now that you and the band have become more familiar with each other in the live environment, how much of DT’s older catalog of songs can we expect to see on the upcoming tour in addition to the new material? I’d be interested seeing your interpretation on tunes like Lines In The Sand, Scarred, and The Killing Hand.

JordanR: Wow- Basically it just means I have to sit and learn stuff. I know we will dust off some tunes for this upcoming tour. I’ve got some serious programming to do kids.

Atlanticguitar2: In a song on LTE II you can hear Tony play a part that sounds like the word “Miserable” . Is this just a coincidence, do you know about this?

JordanR: I never heard that before!! I think it was an accident or should I say Biaxident!!

salty: OK last question guys

JordanR: Yes?

salty: have you enjoyed yourself and would you be keen on coming back another time and maybe answering more questions and chatting with your fans?

JordanR: I will say a few words at the end of the questions as well if I may..

salty: Feel free Jordan...you’re the man of the hour

NoXoN: it’s a channel dedicated to you, I don’t think you have to ask for permissions for anything around here ;)

JordanR: This is a very cool way to communicate with everyone. I hope you all have enjoyed it as much as I have. Now that we have a system that seems to REALLY work I would love to do it again.

salty: Excellent Jordan, thanks for coming along today and taking some time out to talk to the fans. Sorry for anyone who didn’t get their questions answered, I’m sure we will get them next time we see Jordan here

NoXoN: great turnout, and WAY too many interesting questions to ask them all.. that’d take a lifetime just to answers todays! ;)

JordanR: OK-- This has been great! Let me thank my staff. Bert who is my assistant in all
matters Rudess related- The amazing Gabriella who designed this very cool web site for all of us to enjoy. Brandon who is a total blessing in my life, Salty who has come thru

salty: glad I could come through Jordan

KingBert: thanks man!

JordanR: And all the technical moderators and folks who keep DT alive and well on the net! THANKS!!!!! Bye folks.. Thanks for hangin out!