Classical Composer Reacts to Rhapsody in Blue (Liquid Tension Experiment) | The Daily Doug (Ep. 121)

[@ViperRob]

Just lettin ya know Mike Portnoy watched this video! :D He Tweeted about it a while ago, awesome.

[@talaniel]

Oh, you're right! Quoting Mike: 1. The intro is Tony on the Chapman Stick (not JP on guitar) 2. We created this arrangement of RiB for LTE’s 2008 shows BEFORE BC&SL, so THIS middle section is what inspired TCOT (not visa versa)

[@johnrader5725]

I jammed with Mike Portnoy once...one of my top 3 moments in my musicial life...

[@petruccifanboi]

@@johnrader5725 you lie

[@johnrader5725]

@@petruccifanboi no, I was at a guitar center in Smyrna Georgia, I was trying out basses There was a drummer setting up a drum set... I'd play my weird off time stuff and he would play along with me... I would stop to try a different bass Or he'd stop to make adjustments... Turned out it was Mike Portnoy there to put on a drum clinic...

[@petruccifanboi]

@@johnrader5725 Awesome man , bet it was a memorable time for you! I am just jealous :D

[@dampersand]

18:44 Love that little bit of Elephant Talk Tony snuck in there.

[@collinbeal]

Holy shit

[@collinbeal]

Bicker bicker bicker BRUHAHA

[@090nj2]

*I knew that was the reference!* *prog as it's finest*

[@wooliegeek]

Tony Levin on Chapman Stick is the instrument at the beginning (I believe).

[@manuelbarros4898]

I thought it was Petrucci tapping, but you’re right.

[@leddygee1896]

You are correct, Sir!!

[@donepearce]

He is indeed a master of the Stick. He plays bass for Peter Gabriel on his Secret World tour, which is up there with the very best live music performances.

[@wooliegeek]

@@donepearce and don’t forget King Crimson.

[@donepearce]

@Jim Bianco did I say he was the best?

[@davidcoulter1058]

I love how there's no pretentiousness about this. I'm sure there's some classical guys who would turn their nose up at some prog guys playing a classic rhapsody, but you loved it and weren't embarrassed about that at all. I'm the opposite - a rock, prog and metal focused drummer who has basically zero classical background. I don't know why KZbin recommended this video to me, but I'm glad it did.

[@onearthonelegion]

Classical + blues = metal

[@valebliz]

@@onearthonelegion meh, depends on the metal.

[@NoBody-tf7ib]

E

[@83169]

That's okay, Gershwin originally intended this to be a jazz piece. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnrWgmVverFpqqM

[@rk41gator]

@@onearthonelegion Classical + blues = Prog Rock

[@leddygee1896]

My mom used to play this a lot!! I'm 60 years old now and remember It so vividly... LTE kills it on this. Also, I'm total Dream Theater fan since their first album from 1989. Thanks for this Doug!! Subbed.

[@malawigw]

Best name

[@malawigw]

@M. Alwi Mujahid are you?

[@mvunit3]

58 here, been a fan since buying "When Dream and Day Unite" on LP when it debuted (still have it). A Progger since 1977, and Metalhead since 1981. And I guess a Prog Metaller since 1985-86 (Thanks Queensryche & Fates Warning).

[@dereksmith4509]

The first Liquid Tension Experiment album was supposedly recorded in less than a week. Unfreakinbelievable the talent that was assembled and the fruit that it bore. Both albums are just so disgustingly incredible. Acid Rain is without a doubt, in my mind, one of the absolutely best songs that showcase every single instrument equally in a single song.

[@HerbalistGuybrush]

18:44 is a King Crimson quote of ELEPHANT TALK. Tony Levin was in the 80s Crimson and still is in the band

[@Dan-C-71]

He's done some awesome work with Peter Gabriel as well, the entirety of Gabriel's solo career in fact.

[@HerbalistGuybrush]

@@Dan-C-71 Yeah, Fripp and Gabriel also were close and worked together. All those dudes are connected. Hackett was inspired in his gtr playing by Fripp for example.

[@rk41gator]

@@HerbalistGuybrush Really good musicians listen to other really good musicians. And why not?

[@HerbalistGuybrush]

@@rk41gator I have no agenda dude

[@rkress9349]

@@HerbalistGuybrush ?

[@humenoid2566]

Doug: “This video could be 2 or 3 hours long” Me: let’s go 👍

[@Lithuania8634]

I got see Octavarium. I'll keep recommending until the day I die

[@davidkit9987]

I agree! From 16’ octavarium mood is so alive!

[@victororozco192]

Best song Dream Theater have ever made!!!!

[@Juzernejmnakurov2]

Octavarium? So gay

[@michaelclements5793]

@@Juzernejmnakurov2 🤣🤣🤣

[@harveyb1963]

Why is your head the lex bus mate?

[@aarnimiettinen5962]

Tony Levin, the bassist of LTE was interviewed by Thomann and he said that the intro's clarinet was replaced by him on the chapman's stick. Edit: also if I remember correctly, when LTE reunited for touring in 2007 they played rhapsody in blue and the count of tuscany's mellow part was inspired by it.

[@aaronhenning5184]

Actually that mellow section in the middle is an excerpt of a live recording of that tour in 07'. John Petrucci talked about how hard it would be to recreate it in the studio so they just inserted it from the live recording

[@troysmithfr]

Yes, it was a chapman stick.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

@@aaronhenning5184 Oh shit really? You'd never know!

[@MnyFrNthng]

​@@aaronhenning5184 Which section is that? Petrucci's three minutes solo between sections after 10th minute???

[@aaronhenning5184]

@@MnyFrNthng yes

[@twocatsyelling723]

Can't tell you how amazing it is to hear these folks playing together again.

[@Ytsejalvl]

I've been waiting 22 years for this new album... What a piece ! What a reference to music (any genre) ! 4 virtuosos ! Thx for this reaction !

[@egoequus6263]

Prog Rock is just the natural evolution of classical music concepts. Most of the original Prog Rock bands were heavily classically trained, so you really can't separate the two musical universes without calling it something else.

[@incunemusic]

I can see Doug's enthusiasm just with the long explanation at the beggining! A classic and modern prog collision

[@andrewsitek190]

Mike Portnoy said that they had written this arrangement before they started recording the album that the Count of TUscany was on and he definitely used this section in that song. I'm sure these guys were big into Gershwin and this song especially because John and Mike Portnoy are both from New York, went to Berklee, and Jordan went to Juilliard so they know their classical pieces

[@TheMothmonsterman]

You can always tell when someone is really passionate about teaching. Thanks for all the great context!

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

My dad was an audiophile when I was growing up ( 50's and 60's) and this piece was one of the standout things he used to play on his a lot. I was going to say it sounds like an updated version of the original, until I realized it is really makes it contemporary New York, exactly like the the original was a contemporary New York. Very true the the FEEL of the time of original. A sort of now is now ( if you get what I mean).

[@jaredgollnitz5258]

LTE stayed true to the spirit of the original while also taking some creative and improvisational liberties. Nothing short of a masterpiece rendition of a classic.

[@sianpodmore4988]

Well, that brought a smile to my face. Whoever recommended this...you guys have TASTE! Thanks Doug (your face is an absolute picture while you're listening to this BTW).

[@gabrielnascimento161]

That was great! Besides the reaction to the song itself, we got a whole lot of a background on the brilliant Gershwin's piece and that's the kind of stuff that separates this from other reaction channels. We really learn more about the music after watching these videos.

[@aaroneliprice]

I don’t have to be a trained musician or composer to love Mike. John, Jordan and Tony. Loved their music as a plebeian for many years.

[@LeonThomasian]

I was waiting to see your reaction at 22:00 perfect 😆 I LOOOOVED that part when I first heard it. Great video!!

[@javifa69]

Please, I want Rush's hemispheres reaction, is the best!

[@jedinxf7]

John Myung and James Labrie should record an album as a duet named Solid Relaxation Experiment

[@AslansAngel1]

Fan of Gershwin and Dream Theater.What magic is this?!?!?

[@DaMastaMynd]

I feel like there's actually a decent amount of crossover between prog metal fans and classical fans. I know Gershwin and DT are definitely among my favorite artists, anyway.

[@sophiaperennis2360]

@@DaMastaMynd There is between fans, but there really isn't between the music itself.

[@DanielVerberne]

@@DaMastaMynd I absolutely agree! I most definitely feel there's a prodigious and proggy attitude to this particular Gershwin composition anyway and of course, DT is a very capable band and I'm nothing but stoked that they would seek to cover something as exciting and interesting as 'Rhapsody'

[@arpeggioblues5924]

Return to Forever : "Romantic Warrior" feat. Al DiMeola, Lenny White, Stanley Clarke Chick Corea (rip) - phenomenal fusion) Spock's Beard : "Snow" (full concept album... amazing, and a sleeper classic) Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young : "Suite__Judy Blue Eyes"

[@oogalieboogalieboo]

Snow is a big shout, love that. Such a phenomenal, victorious finale.

[@purpledynasty]

I've watched several Doug videos, and Romantic Warrior by Return To Forever is EXACTLY what I was thinking as well. I still haven't decided which album by Frank Zappa... Perhaps The Grand Wazoo - Cletus Awreetus Awrightus deserves listening. Also - after his reaction to Suppers Ready, he's ready to be introduced to The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway - all four sides over the course of 4 consecutive days...although one session really is the best way to appreciate it.

[@jah9253]

This is pretty sweet! I grew up playing Gershwin's preludes on the piano. Melding of classical jazz, progressive, and classical music. Nice!

[@AdamHDrums]

I can't stop listening to the recording of this song and the album for that matter. I love all of the information you covered about the original, all the musical theory and your reaction in this video. Big thumbs up from me!

[@carlosrobertoramirezfuente2524]

What a great commendation of a rock cover of a "classical" composer: "I think it was done in REVERENCE". I believe every prog rock group which have got into the task of recreating a classical piece have done it in true reverence of the original composer, because it is not an easy task to do. I loved your reaction. Thanks a lot.

[@rockonileva]

Have you waited long enough! You were digging the history lesson so much that I didn't see the time pass!

[@lucasgandelini9834]

Im so glad you got to Liquid Tension

[@aprofessionalcitizen9030]

Love the history lesson! Amazed you kept the video to

[@flapjackson6077]

I went back and listened to the original before I listened to LTE’s take on it. It was worth the time. Doug, I enjoy your analysis as much as I enjoy the songs you analyze. I’m not theory savvy, but the way you describe theory and chord progressions are fascinating. You’re knowledge of music history, and context are free education! Huge respect for you! Thanks for another great video!

[@pulpfan1933]

I’m a DT fan but also a big fan of Gershwin stuff. I’ve heard a lot of versions from different eras of this piece. I never thought I’d like a rock version of RIB, but this is fantastic. Gotta check out the new LTE album.

[@urmomsaivilo4783]

I just noticed, at 18:44 Levin plays a dew notes of the beginning of Elephant Talk bt King Crimson. Never noticed that until now

[@chrisgennett7219]

What an incredible recording. I will definitely purchase this album

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

I missed this video when first posted. Caught up when browsing. this was great! I have LTE 1 and 2 on CD already, so LTE 3 just got added to my wish-list...

[@devilopment3291]

22:43 is the best part. Petrucci solo coupled with Tony deep melodic bass. truly eargasm inducing.

[@melodic777]

That intro wasn’t a guitar. That’s the Chapman Stick on the melody side. The guitar joins a few bars in with the wah pedal 😊

[@DanielVerberne]

Doug, you are just terrific company on this reaction, just an absolute joy to rock out and share the music in your presence!

[@samsmithbr]

Beautiful! Gershwin, would be pleased!!

[@abandinship]

I'm so glad you said that about Count of Tuscany. Was the first thing I thought of when this part came around. it's almost the same guitar melody at the beginning of the phrase.

[@BusyRaf]

Love the background about the piece Doug! I played this in high school once on trumpet 3, and another time on percussion 👍👍

[@DeckardRJ]

Another great video, Doug!! So much info of the background of this piece!! Great!! LTE is amazing and they do a great job not only in this cover but in their own material too. Thank you so much again for the very "educational time" with great music!!! Well done!! All the best!!

[@craigterranova3083]

he should not be surprised at the level of detail on these pieces. Jordan was in Juilliard School of Music when he was 9. He is a master

[@bwaredapenguin]

Dude! Jjust last week I was recommending a particular performance of Rhapsody in Blue to a friend who was gushing over The Four Seasons by Vivaldi! I actually had to go check because I made a request on your last Devin Townsend video and it was a toss up between that or Snarky Puppy - Lingus, apparently I flipped a coin and settled on Lingus! But anyway, I'm super excited to check this out. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@HerbalistGuybrush]

Lingus is perfect for reacting. Cory's solo is the defining keyboard solo of the last 10yrs imo

[@Bobbias]

I'd love to see him react to Lingus. Even ignoring that solo, there's a lot of great stuff going on. But that solo definitely elevates it to something way more.

[@Danceforthedevil]

So happy to see LTE on this channel, hope to see more!

[@stevepreskitt283]

15:39: "I'm trying not to stop the piece and let the whole thing just sort of flow..." [ad pops up] :-D

[@leeDs718]

Hey Doug, I think it's time you listened to "When The Water Breaks" (studio, if possible). This is the grand daddy of anything LTE has ever recorded (in my opinion, and most). This is their magnum opus. We do hope you take a listen real soon!

[@OthmaneMsa]

Exactly .. the best song LTE ever wrote

[@rog2224]

This REALLY reminds me of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer...

[@jcolpean]

Wow.....metalhead here that discovered this song in 1989 by chance...version was Los Angeles SO wtith conductor Leonard Bernstein...it changed me....and for the better. So wonderful to hear modern interpretation

[@Darkest_of_Winter]

YUSSS!!!!!! Great choice man! Again, suggesting Rope Ends by Pain of Salvation (if you can get the lyric version so you can follow along)... what an emotional piece of music!

[@veselinmarkov9933]

My God that was unbelievably good.

[@CorSmit]

Rhapsody in Blue also inspired Woody Allen to write and direct his award winning film Manhattan, which celebrated its 42nd anniversary this week

[@mlwsf]

The face you made at Tony Levin's first obvious Stick lick.

[@christianrojas3357]

Great background information. When the Water Breaks and Biaxident are two songs that I'd really like that you look into.

[@mikeynma]

Well, it's 11.20pm here in the UK, I was about to go to bed...a 29 minute Daily Doug? Why the hell not! Edit: Man, I wish I had this level of internet when I did my History of Music degree back in '95

[@Doug.Helvering]

The quick availability of music recordings these days is a true game changer. Thanks for making my vid your nightcap!

[@Zenweaponry]

How did I never know about Liquid Tension Experiment's Rhapsody in Blue? Back when I played a ton of clarinet that was always my favorite iconic solo to play, it was one of my favorite concert experiences when I got to play lead clarinet with the solos and one of my friends played the intensely difficult piano part, and I never knew that one of my favorite prog groups covered it. Why can't that appear in my recommendations? I'm really glad that I discovered this piece through your video Doug because I don't think KZbin would have put it in front of me otherwise.

[@arennabong2740]

FINALLY!! I was waiting for this reaction for ages....THANKS

[@sokar9537]

Hi doug, I must say I'm impressed how smart and clever you are. At 16:15, you"re refering to the count of tuscany. Actually, they created their arrangement of Rapsody for a live in 2008 as you mentioned. The story is while they were writting the Black Clouds album which came up in 2009, they wanted a section in Count of Tuscany that sounded as that Rapsody section !

[@Verdant_Eternity]

Great insight and background info!

[@donaldpruitt6787]

Jordan , Mike , Tony all monsters and in charge of their instruments .... a master class in music

[@GuitarooMan93]

that "Cool" at the end XDD 25:06 very funny and yet really interesting reactions, really love this :D Gonna definetely watch the other vids

[@tmayne220]

I had no idea of the origin of this one. thanks for the background

[@ArtGuitarLTX]

@20:09 god damn... JP's licks always blow me away! STILL killing it!!!!

Fiirst! Loved LTE3, waited soooo long for it 😊

[@5050spec]

You mention the pandemic and using that as an opportunity to do some work in the studio. This prompted me to want to pass on this information along to you: John Petrucci, solo album Terminal Velocity Recorded March-May 2020 Released August 28, 2020 Liquid Tension Experiment 3, Released April 16, 2021. I read somewhere that Dream Theater has completed the recording of a new album and now just waiting for the release. That would be 3 albums for John Petrucci in about 9 months.

[@inkubuzz]

Actually LTE3 was composed and recored in two weeks. Las week of July and first of August 2020. Two weeks to compose, arrange and record all that!!! Damn...

[@Egoblivion]

I can't wrap my head around that even being possible. Given his already extensive catalogue, one might think it would tale longer to...you know come up with new shit! 😂

[@21centuryhippie61]

View from the top of the world :]

[@victormats949]

And the quality shows. His solo album is amazing, LTE is good but nowhere near the quality of the first 2 albums and the DT album is uninspired and on the edge of being irrelevant

[@angelomoshopoulos4369]

Beautiful version. It brings back memories of me turning the pages of Rhapsody in blue for son when he young. Thanks for introducing me to LTE.

[@gscott32]

Absolutely wonderful. Glad LTE is back!

[@DMEB]

I am so glad I got to hear my first tune off this album with you. Love your enthusiasm and your introduction really made this worth while. Been too long since liquid tension experiment got an airing. I miss hearing portnoy and petrucci together. Wonderful video. Thank you for brightening up my evening here in Dublin. Ps. LOVE THE MAIDEN VIDEOS. UP THE IRONS!

[@notsoamateur2439]

I love so much how you enjoyed the piece, how you're into it, man!

[@sethkaicer319]

Rubina's Blue Sky happiness would be Satriani circles as well would be great

[@Dave_Shredder]

I couldn't agree more!! ...And "Time" ...And "Crying"

[@claudioas]

love that song

[@Gaviaion]

Echo

[@eddiebranden1]

When I wrote my final paper in college that compared/contrasted Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody and Rhapsody in Blue, I NEVER thought I'd hear this piece like this.

[@fernandofresnobustos8810]

Something from genesis would be incredible, of course Supper's Ready would be the bomb!

[@smgoethe]

Yeah, man, I totally subscribe to this. Or Watcher of the Skies with the intro, the fountain of salmacis, the epic parts in The lamb, a big etcetera :-). I just joined the channel and was about to make this suggestion, glad I went through the comments first!

[@Kylora2112]

I second Supper's Ready.

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Live from 1975 i think. Best version i ever saw on youtube may be bataclan

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Agreed. I cant stop listening to lamb lies down. Past 2 weeks. I carry my speaker and blast in public too. Lmao

[@pitimutisgmail]

Absolutely agreed. Doug, Genesis time!

[@AjustedeGuitarrasGBRCenter]

Yeah! Finally LTE! I Knew you’d like them! Great reaction video 🤘

[@ivyevans7714]

21:40 That drums though！

[@LeicaFleury]

Dude if you like this you NEED to react to Octavarium. You NEED to. You NEED to!

[@jcmatias]

he did

[@maloneyboloney9377]

This reaction put me in tears. I love these guys, and George Gershwin was one of the first composers I ever was exposed to.

[@LiquidEyeGuy]

That little nod to Elephant Talk from Levin made me smile.

[@dandukarski4406]

Key to the imagination is a great one off of this album but if you're looking for something older, try "When the Water Breaks" off of LTE2

[@SimoneSaviolo]

I'd love a comment on "Biaxident" too. But one of their most beautiful pieces, IMO, is "State of Grace".

[@dandukarski4406]

@@SimoneSaviolo Biaxident has probably become my favorite LTE song.

[@FarhanAnNahar]

Yes!

[@roytorset8916]

Do the illumination theory with DT live from boston operahouse🤟

[@LeonardoVaz76]

^^^ THIS!

[@Acre00]

YES!!!!!

[@WalkATruth]

This makes sense as the next one ..yess

[@odusantana]

Great suggestion

[@GeraltOfLibya]

Totally agreed, though octavarium should go first

[@timenkraak01]

Thanks for doing this! Been listening to this a lot lately, so it's great to have your context to go with it.

[@hm_nn_5633]

Bless you my friend. You are one of those who really understand what its all about. Kudos to you my friend.

[@edwardthorne9875]

I never knew I needed this. Thank you so much!

[@adriangarside3879]

It's just a joy to watch your reactions and to listen to your comments keep up the good work

[@HBSanta]

I haven't watched the video yet but I listened to this song a few days ago and it blew me away. Very excited to watch you go through it and break it down.

[@DeadLichertool]

Really enjoying all these videos. Hearing the impressions of a professional in fields so distant from his own is quite intriguing. You could also check Stickmen, Tony Levin's band, a three man piece with Pat Mastelotto on drums, Markus Reuter on guitar and Tony Levin on the bass. They made a pretty creative cover of Firebird Suite on their Soup album.

[@boggo3848]

18:44 is like 1 second of I think Elephant Talk by King Crimson lmao

[@rachelandryan]

Informative introduction about Rhapsody in Blue. Great reaction Doug, thank you.

[@aleksgodson5125]

circa 18:47 Levin plays the same lick from that he played with King Crimson on Elephant talk...

[@lowdz68]

Yes. I requested this recently and so happy you’ve done it.

[@digibirder]

Great reaction Doug! Very informative as usual. Really does make you want to play both versions.

[@Tintop]

wow great. I also requested it in the comments and am glad that you listened to your friend :)

[@JT40_]

Makes me so happy to hear Tony Levin, can’t believe he is 74!

[@celtasnake]

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Levin, he was a guest at my hotel, such a lovely and humble person.

[@robbiburrell1168]

I met Tony once (circa 2000/2001) when he was touring with the California Guitar Trio... nice guy! I've since seen him perform with King Crimson & Peter Gabriel... awesome bassist!!

[@ironpony42]

Can you imagine if Gershwin sat in a venue and witnessed this being performed before him. What would his reaction be? What would he think about the instruments, the sounds, the technology, and the fact they're playing something he wrote 100 years before. The electric guitar patent to the Electro String Corporation was issued in 1937, for a guitar known as the Rickenbacker Frying Pan, the year Gershwin passed. Had he heard an electric guitar before his passing? I'd guess probably not. This was a lot of fun, and I never would have found it without you Doug. Thanks!!!

[@EmreCanKorkmaz]

Upon my initial hearing of the original RiB, I had given it a personal nickname: *'Prokofiev tripping on acid in a back alley of a NYC jazz club'* I still use it.

[@barrygorsky3901]

I recently had surgery and was surfing youtube and happened upon your channel! I am a big prog fan and this track is my favorite on the new LTE LP. I have also enjoyed your videos on YES and RUSH! Thank you! ✌

[@rk41gator]

Great review. This must be one of your best, illustrating the history and recognizing accomplished rock musicians. Fabulous and lovely reinterpretation. Classics should be played and enjoyed by every generation. If one covers a great piece of music it is nice to respect it, ala Disturb's treatment of 'Sound of Silence'. But this goes to another level!

[@geronimo6377]

Interesting version of the famous Rhapsody in Blue. Fun fact is that George Gershwin played the piano part of the Rhapsody in 1925 for piano roll and in 1976 the conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and the Columbia Jazz Band made a recording combined with Gershwins piano roll recording. The recording appears on CBS/Sony and i'm sure that this recording is available on different streaming-sites. This version has a duration of 13:41 minutes.

[@falloutfan2502]

Do "When the Water Breaks"!!!! :) (LTE 2)

[@jima6545]

Especially the live in LA video. Unreal live performance