Jordan Rudess Hears Alicia Keys for the FIRST TIME! 🔥

[@PianoteOfficial]

Are you ready to learn from the BEST keyboardist? 🔥Sign up for Jordan Rudess' course at Pianote here: www.pianote.com/shop/30-days-to-better-technique

[@MondOficial]

Invite jacob Collier!

[@mickehaglund4119]

And Cory Henry!

[@wichrun]

I suggest sticking that comment so it's always on top ;)

[@forthrightnight]

As a 50 year drummer I watch the Drumeo series with the same format. This blew me away. Wayyy harder than adlibbing a beat. The man is a master of his craft.

[@kernalbert4939]

Maybe, but he doesn't get Hip Hop...the backing track is in service to the emcee...this stuff is way too out front.

[@Vrailly]

​@@kernalbert4939of course, but this entire channel is piano first. It's not that he "didn't get it", how boring would it be if he just played a plain backing medley.

[@MichaelAE]

@@kernalbert4939 And you don't get this man's talent. He's insanely fast not only while playing, but also in his brain. I hear dozens of different awesome melodic ideas in there that are beautiful. He's not there to play a boring pop song, of which he can compose about 50 a day, he's there to show us how crazy talented he is. His teacher went to his parents when he was very young to tell them how nice it was that he was taking piano lessons. His parents replied that he didn't take any lessons and that they didn't have a piano at home. He just sat behind a piano at school and was able to play immediately. He doesn't need to get hip hop.

[@Account-gk3rl]

as a 97 years old burger king worker i agree

[@daltonsband]

came here for the same reasons and my hair is blown back

[@allenhotchkiss]

It’s a magical thing to see someone with full musical fluency.

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

terrible. he's a street magician of music - albeit with no soul.

[@joshtipping942]

@@Station2Station-du2ghand you’re a fuckwit. See how easy it is to insult people?

[@zoltomar4759]

I love when Jordan hears the full track, he’s like “oh ok”, plays the exact notes, and then proceeds to jam over the whole thing. What amazing talent!

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Focused dedicated effort. "Talent" is something only talked about by people who can't comprehend that skills can be developed.

[@zoltomar4759]

@@whatilearnttoday5295 “Focused dedicated effort” is only talked about by people who dream that they can achieve that level of talent.

[@julien2231]

​@@whatilearnttoday5295still a talent😂

[@gregoryschleitwiler9601]

Takes very little talent to play over these simple pop songs, but Jordan just takes it out of the park

[@wavy5760]

Beautiful

[@somnambulist83]

the absolute bewilderment at the absence of pitch in the beginning is great

[@eddominates]

"I have perfect pitch and I didn't know what the hell was going on" 😆

[@AJ-iu6nw]

I prefer rap music videos where they feature other things

[@overcassgaming]

He was just getting a vibe for it is what it looked like

[@philipbrowne63]

Never did I think I'd listen to the pianist for Dream Theater playing honky-tonk over Empire State of Mind, but here we are. And it makes my soul happy.

[@BoTosaka-xb1pt]

😮

[@Renaissance_Engineer]

Imagine if he had patches prepared

[@christopheroquist5738]

That's interesting. I feel like if you listen to Dream Theater you are basically constantly expecting either a honky tonk or ragtime second on every song, for literally no musical reason.

[@Renaissance_Engineer]

@@christopheroquist5738 "Musical reason" implies there is a set path for music to follow...more of a you problem rather than the composer's problem.

[@reginaldbowls7180]

Honky Tonk? You mean ragtime?

[@BrickWilliamsGuitar]

Make this a series with this man. I'd watch every episode. This was incredible!

[@JaredGH26]

Dream Theater baby!

[@PianoteOfficial]

Stay tuned ;)

[@rickyjackson3707]

Make it A series with different musicians!!!! Like hearing Jacob Collier, Pat Metheney, Herbie Hancock or Aaron Goldberg would be cool- if you can pull it off lol @@PianoteOfficial

[@perks8334]

There’s another channel that does this with popular drummers. Piano seems much more difficult to just play a song off the cuff though. Super interesting content!

[@jamonlol]

​@@perks8334can you share the name that youtube channel, please?

[@krbmsw]

I’m not a Dream Theater guy but each member of this band is so talented it’s sick.

[@laaaliiiluuu]

Except James LaBrie lol

[@TheGino1579]

@@laaaliiiluuu lol!!! we all love James LaBrie we have to accept it ....

[@Gonzka_]

​@@laaaliiiluuuhe used to be incredible but sadly got food poisoning so yeah now not that great

[@Podus81]

@@Gonzka_ Really? I haven't followed them for years but used to be a big fan. What happened after the food poisioning.

[@Gonzka_]

@@Podus81 I believe he raptured his vocal cords after vomiting a lot. They also went on a tour shortly after so he didn't have enough time to heal. So that made it even worse.

[@vikkipakki]

At this point, he and his keyboard are one and the same. Absolute unity.

[@ADG843VA]

Facts!! He used every key lol

[@tgonnabfamous13]

Ive neever heard a keyboard guitar solo sound this amazing before.

[@marker113]

Check out Ronald Jenkees

[@lowly.8776]

And the fact he improvised it sheesh

[@aesop2733]

​@@marker113I was just about to say that. Wild that he is still known after all these years. It had to be a decade ago or more I first watched his videos

[@acidfruitloops]

​@@aesop2733All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day & put the pieces back together my way

[@andrewbayley9096]

Bro what was that?!

[@paulplain]

When you have completed the game 100% and now you're just doing all the side quests from the beginning...

[@thomasgoode7322]

lol yup - new game + mode with allllllll the powers

[@MrChacha355]

Hahahahah that was brilliant!

[@ustinho]

Or the other way around. Completed all the side quests then take on the first boss.

[@rockyrodmusic]

thank you for unlocking my words that I can't explain😅😊

[@andreb9529]

best comment

[@nonamech14]

this man can process music faster then any cpu in this world

[@PianoteOfficial]

Hahaha completely agree!

[@PraiseYeezus]

no, literally, he can. i've done some work on trying to build some AI tools to help musicians play music by ear more easily, and i don't know any tool that can hear the first note of a song and immediately tell you what it is.

[@nonamech14]

The universe has a beginning and an end. This man is the beginning of music@@PraiseYeezus

[@iamLionman]

​@@PraiseYeezusI can do this

[@istophillips]

No, he missing the move to Bb

[@dg111fu]

Every dream theater musician is unbelievably amazing at what they do.

[@rodrigosalinas4178]

Except the singer hahaha

[@Dacatman25]

@@rodrigosalinas4178 Before his injury LaBrie, I would argue, was an example of a peak vocalist and, even afterwards, is still above average.

[@Jayyy_Wav]

@@rodrigosalinas4178he did say musician and not band member 😂

[@CompleteProducer84]

@@Dacatman25 Yes for sure. There is a DT show from Germany in 1993 floating around, and James absolutely nails every single note from Images and Words. And pretty effortlessly at that. I'd say he was great all the way into around 2003, then he was good/solid for another 8 years or so. Nowadays, unforuinately he is just terrible live, but I do not intend to be mean. James IS the voice of DT and I wouldn't want any other singer

[@Kumquat_Lord]

Imagine one of these with John Myung. He'd just sit there and play his part without saying an entire word, then remark "yeah, that was pretty good" at the end

[@DavidBennettPiano]

It’s interesting how, because the piano is removed, until we get to the chorus there is no indication of what key we are in! So Jordan was taking it in a completely different direction tonally! Then when the vocal arrived at the chorus he very quickly clocked the correct chords and by 3:20 was SHREDDING!! 😂🤩

[@PianoteOfficial]

Pretty crazy right?!!!!!!!!!

[@eyesoulyou2086]

Do you bass , and note melody indication ( rap)

[@wendellhanes1]

No because he can hear the elementary school bass toggle back and forth between keys and then go to b flat ultimately which leads into the chorus Easy song to figure out

[@AtomizedSound]

@@wendellhanes1no don’t discount or undermine his abilities

[@karlallen9608]

The amazing thing here is, it should be dissonant to the original but what he did just fits perfectly if you play it with the original.

[@zeroChannelJJ]

8:48 when he changed "Empire state of mind" to "Saloon State of mind"... this man is brilliant... how do i play like him, to know things off of a whim...

[@DjNiqueed]

Best comment

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

...sometimes it's about the notes you don't play. Less is more.

[@edmiddlebrooks1696]

An absolute MASTER at his craft. Those of us Dream Theater fans would absolutely love a version of this video that is just the booth to see their reactions as these people learn what we've known for decades. I love sharing him and this band with everyone.

[@Necrosophy17]

The booth reactions were fantastic.

[@Koncs86]

Non-sequitur: It’s neat that your picture is the Reason logo… 😂

[@edmiddlebrooks1696]

@@Koncs86 yep! Loves me some Reason!

[@eddyvideostar]

Hello ed-brooks 1696, *JORDON -- you're better than that* -- You don't need this. This is why you are a super genius with the keys. Let the pop people fiddle with Alicia's "keys!"

[@Raider1805]

that moment when he hears the piano track for the first time, goes "ah" and then instantly plays it perfectly on the piano BLEW me away. Then goes crazy. Just wow.

[@nbassasin8092]

not that its not special, but for someone with perfect pitch its like when you see a picture and say something is green on it, youd feel wierd if we applauded you for that, same goes here, for him its like reading letters, seeing colours, smelling scents

[@Jimgress]

The moment @10:50 hits something truly special happens. It’s like the original song never truly had a dramatic climax and out of some other dimension he pulls what is perhaps one of the most beautiful 20 seconds I have ever heard. I have no idea what happened, how it happened, and I don’t think I’ll ever find another moment that transcendent.

[@clintbeamquillope3123]

That is the word! Transcendent!!

[@graham1403]

You were taken to the Jordanverse. I've visited on occasion, when he does something that gives me chills.

[@skyd171]

He's playing augmented fifths for a triumphant sound, similar to the Rocky theme

[@yanicklefebvre827]

​@@skyd171 Ah ty!

[@na-tv6rn]

​@@graham1403for me, it's the song Blind Faith from SDOIT. Chills.

[@thechangingtimes]

Jordan is simply incredible. He is operating at a genius concert pianist level… his “guitar” playing is better than 99% of players out there… just astonishing…

[@jayethompson3414]

Except guitar is a lot harder than piano, people don’t realize how difficult they are to play the only instruments that are harder are violin/cello etc, and trombone.

[@wesleytrott6397]

I love how everyone in the control room looks as astonished and amazed as I feel while watching this. Jordan is one of a kind for sure. I think Jordan is just as important as John Petrucci when it comes to the sound and feel of Dream Theater's music. Jordan and John together = magic.

[@Technocosm]

I thought they were more laughing at the ridiculous over the top of it. Doesn’t fit the vibe.

[@MyRealName]

@@Technocosm Exactly, it's all about fun. Obviously he's not the guy you would call in for an actual studio recording for Alicia Keys. You can get anyone for that, won't matter.

[@AnotherDay-ce6th]

@@Technocosm still he did an amazing job. He's the wizard.

[@AnotherDay-ce6th]

Actually, it was Portnoy and Petrucci the double magic.

[@cgbyrobert]

He is the real star. Dt fans just don't see it because guitars are cool.

[@RambunctiousVA]

I'll never get over how he hears the first few words of the chorus for the first time and goes "oh" and locks in instantly

[@Schoritzobandit]

Some of the extra colors when he first started playing straight piano along with the beat were actually phenomenal

[@willfeen]

agreed. mad funky. He was following the expressions of Jay

[@mathieug.4064]

I remember Petrucci saying that when Jordan join the band, he did throw his most complex licks at him just to see Jordan processing and replicating them instantly. It was a long time ago so I can remember the exact quote, but still... this man is amazing.

[@neilmyers520]

Dream Theater is just amazing

[@sixmillionaccountssilenced6721]

Portnoy said the same about Bumblefoot haha.

[@hjeb1986]

I think Petrucci said that he writes and Jordan perfects it

[@allenalla7498]

​@@sixmillionaccountssilenced6721really?... Petrucci is on another level than bumblefoot..😅😅🤭 his musical technicality is just insane..

[@dennoow]

​@@allenalla7498bumblefoot is a freak of nature

[@MrMarcoUnico]

In a world filled with talented people, Jordan Rudess is truly in the upper echelons. Had the pleasure of meeting him 23 years ago when he first joined Dream Theater, and have been a fan ever since. This was a joy to the ears.

[@emilegeorge9802]

Wow.....ur so lucky😊😊

[@TheMercuryMeter]

Sometimes the internet give you a life changing moment! I am blown away. Thank you to all who put his production together. 👏👏👏

[@GeeSides]

Jordan is a freak of nature man. The guy is so knowledgeable about music in general, but his ability with the keys is from another dimension. It is a joy to see him playing

[@wongsakornwattanavekin7328]

"A freak of nature", Mike Mangini just released that song too lol

[@crashcoursezed7947]

A literal wizard!

[@ikarusxv]

This is like when, in the movie Amadeus, Mozart hears a Salieri's piece once and immediately learns it, improves it and then starts shredding over it

[@PianoteOfficial]

YES! 😂😂😂

[@tylerleon8888]

And Jay-Z watching this like Emperor Joseph: “too many notes”

[@RobsonNogueira29]

​@@tylerleon8888Jay-Z would turn on the "Count Orsini-Rosenberg mode".

[@muzikimtaani]

I just love the way not many people can relate to this statement😂😂

[@tylerleon8888]

@@muzikimtaani precious few

[@JacquesLeCoq26]

This video should have billions of views. Jordan is a national treasure 🫡

[@tommykruesofficial]

Honestly an Alicia Keys and Jordan Rudess Piano composition would probably one of the coolest and interesting crossover's for years to come if done right. Because they are just to vastly talented musician's with insanely different styles. I think it would be interesting to see overall

[@williamlino961]

please!

[@metamizol1606]

No

[@j.r.1030]

Been a fan of his since he joined Dream Theater in ‘99, and the guy can still make absolute magic, and make it look so effortless and playful.

[@MyTotes]

Same bro! I was in 11th grade when I first heard DT's SFAM, and WOW! I've been a fan ever since....I'm 38 now.

[@ababafgatg]

Oh he’s from Dream Theater? Hmm would’ve been nice if the video actually stated that at all.

[@martins2043]

​@indilandojones Almost the same experience. When I was in high school my drum instructor introduced me to Dream Theater. I just happened to buy Scenes From a Memory as my first album of theirs and to this day still consider it the best. That album did not leave my car's cd player for over 1 year straight my senior year. I listened to it over and over without end. The best was when I would pull out of the parking lot on a Friday and it just so happened the last track had just kicked in "Feelin good this Friday afternoon..." I'm 40 now.

[@DoobieFerguson]

@@ababafgatg It...it did though. It's also in the description

[@ThyLLiS-]

This is mind blowing. My favorite part : 8:37 when he starts playing ragtime style. I don't know why, but I had tears rolling down my face. The word was said at the beginning of the video : he is a wizard.

[@ScottieKen]

thanks for pointing that out. I wasn't thinking of it that way but you're right! that was badass!

[@SouPNaZi316]

YES! so good!

[@ricardsolamestres3668]

Best part of the video indeed!

[@yak6896]

Totally made me laugh, what a musician.

[@laurentiglesias4090]

I had tears rolling down my face too.

[@TomasiAkimeta]

I love it whenever Drumeo does this w/ their guest musicians, and I'm so happy that another YT channel is adopting it for a different instrument. Bravo! Bring on more musicians covering different genres!

[@RogierRJDonker]

They are part of the same company, so it makes sense👍🏻

[@djbministry]

This happens a every church every Sunday ..

[@wavy5760]

Crossover is always beautiful

[@kajetanmalinowski892]

Spot on, I thought the exactly same thing

[@karu6111]

I just wanna see jazz pianists reharmonize pop songs on the fly

[@stevehayes4722]

I have been a hobbyist musician for 35 years and watching someone this talented perform like this is awe inspiring. Literally made my eyes water a bit.

[@Eschelonistic]

Glad I was not the only one!

[@johanvanhuyssteen9217]

This is one of the most impressive videos I've seen in the past 10 years on KZbin.... this guy is so talented I almost shed a tear...

[@ActuallyEric]

There's "talented" and then there's "gifted." This dude got into Juliard at the ripe old age of 9.

[@CasualElk]

i did shed tears

[@KalosPVP]

What's crazy to me (as a guitar player) is he recently started playing guitar and he's absolutely amazing.

[@arinazarian2781]

⁠@@ActuallyEric He went to Juilliard Pre-College at age 9. The program is for kids aged 8-18.

[@nathandelamora7107]

I said the same thing

[@szabolcsbotos5941]

This is the first time that I’m watching a Pianote video and I am completely flaggerblasted. The way this man knows the keyboard, the velocity his fingers move and the way he just creates as he’s listening along is fascinating. Truly a genius. Also, the first time he heard the track with the original piano, he instantly played the correct notes and then proceeded to have fun the rest of the time. That’s awesome.

[@merec3627]

He plays keys in Dream Theater. Everyone in the band is this skilled. One can be just as surprised watching videos featuring the guitarist, the bassist, and the drummer. Dream Theater's music doesn't appeal to everyone, but anyone can appreciate and enjoy the skills of every member when displayed like in this video. They are all iconic among players of their respective instruments.

[@shade3385]

@@merec3627 Love Dream Theater.

[@kreush7329]

@@merec3627well put. Truly iconic. And very much not kept peoples cup of tea at the same time. Fascinatingly talented. I wouldn’t put Labrie in there but maybe I’m wrong on that

[@borisnot]

@@merec3627LOL love that you mentioned guitar, bass, drums... but not vocals xD poor Labrie, among such giants...

[@timpricedrums]

The ignorance in the control booth is strong

[@justanothernoobe]

What I love about this isn't just Jordan's skill and instinct but Lisa's genuine joy and amazement. I love watching her voice-appraisals and lessons because of her enthusiasm for music and people's individual tonality: she genuinely builds people. And that's what we're all here for. Seeing people having fun, playing with things and loving the process is just so infectious.

[@NytronX]

There's literally no disconnect between him and the instrument. Complete mastery. The keyboard to him is like another limb of his body. Very rare.

[@cketchum]

The existence of this video significantly improves KZbin. Astonishing in every regard. I also love enjoying the responses of the production team! True audiophiles.

[@seitanarchist]

Astonishing, you say? 😏

[@DuhBla]

The way Jordan mouthed "oh my god" and that face of happy realization when the piano track surpassed his expectation made me smile. Alicia Keys definitely hit you in the right spot which made this song so iconic. Witnessing Jordan's moment of joy and jamming to the song totally made my day. Thank you!

[@mantelmann13]

Please tell me that you are just kidding.

[@jeanpigeon3784]

​@@mantelmann13more often than not, less IS more

[@adry1127]

And the way he thought It was "clever".. I was like oh at least he thinks the Queen is clever 😂....the last versión yes...needs to go back to the studio with her!

[@michaelpark5681]

What are you talking about? This video only solidified my long held opinion that hip hop isn't real music.

[@DuhBla]

@@michaelpark5681 You're allowed to have an opinion, but calling hip hop not real music is a bit much. Music is just a string of sounds strung together and its meant to move you the way the artist intends to. Hip hop is trying to move you with words. If its not your thing, fine, but straight up calling it not-real is just being ignorant.

[@ysfaziz909]

make it as a seriessss!!!! this is what we need!!!! jordan is so freaking perfect, just a peek of the song he manage to play it like original! so happy by watching this

[@andrewyee5490]

Yes, I second this. I love the format of this. Space for self-discovery and then remixing the original. Please consider making this a series with Jordan at the helm, and your wonderful reactions.

[@rodrigoe.3506]

His playing kinda made me wanna cry. Awesomely beautiful ❤️

[@forrestperkins6237]

Had the opportunity to see Jordan perform countless times, met him twice, such an incredibly talented guy.

[@brandontadday6288]

Such a nice guy in person. Petrucci was super chill as well! Met them both at a meet and greet before they performed on the self-titled tour cycle!

[@spatz813]

This guy is my hero and I just heard him for the first time. It's literally how you envision wanting to know music when you first start playing. Protect that man at all costs. Mind blown.

[@IndubitablyMad]

Dream Theater :) You won't regret listening to them.

[@Sacred_Silence]

Dream Theater my friend. You're welcome.

[@shanesjourney]

Go and listen to Dream Theater man. 😊

[@perks8334]

It’s the thoughts in your head when you’re listening but if you could actually play it in the moment, absolutely amazing

[@thelastjuiceblender5915]

​@@perks8334Everyone can play given the time but what makes someone unique is the ability to put melody into it

[@mystscot9814]

As a piano player for many years, all I can say with confidence is I will never get to Jordan's level of playing, skills and technique. He really is a one of a kind, but I love the guy is so humble, grounded and down to earth with no inflated ego, just pure musicianship couple with passion in all of the videos that I have seen of him. :)

[@asdasasdas-f2o]

Bring This Man Back for another Show This Guy is real Amazing

[@sidartha96]

Jordan is a genius. His knowledge of music is phenomenal. And his ability to adapt to and create music is truly incredible.

[@peevonb7070]

Worked with him a few times. Such a great musician and super kind and sincere. That will not fade in a memory.

[@driftless7134]

It's always struck me over the years how genuinely nice Rudess and Petrucci are.

[@mosman93]

I love when Jordan closes his eyes and starts to 'lock in' on what he is hearing. Simply phenomenal. Lisa, I also LOVE your reactions as well. Proud to be part of the Painote journey.

[@paladinovita]

Jordan demonstrates an impressive ability to think quickly while maintaining synchronized notes. It's outstanding.

[@EbokTnayrb]

this shows how good the band dream theater is. Imagine all of them have this kind of skills with their respective instruments. Its unbelievable😮

[@TomSmith-jp1es]

They are all technically great, the problem is that the music they make isn't great

[@tmondecar]

Too bad all that talent gets stained once James LaBrie starts to sing

[@curiousmind1991]

@@tmondecar sad but true :P

[@plamenpenkov2865]

Yesss, LaBrie is so not on the level of these guys. But who would be the best singer for them?..... Myles Kennedy?

[@Rio_1111]

​@@TomSmith-jp1es An opinion thing if you like it or not, but undeniably very thought through, smartly composed and played with insane skill.

[@gsustime]

It's amazing to see the level of connection he has with his piano. His hands are flying all over the keys while his eyes are closed. His take is so complex, so much more than the original. Delightful

[@Viralbutnotyet]

Its honestly mind boggling that so many artists exist in this world who would never even hear a song and have the chance to add something to it, and seeing what he did in such a short time was inspiring and at the same time heart breaking.

[@sometimesitbelikedat2529]

That last part, when he just plays along, man, you can feel it in your soul, every chord, every note he hits, everything was golden. What a gift. And what a privilege it is to listen to this. Dayum.

[@johnbsouth1]

If you are not familiar with Dream Theater then you have missed out on the band that turned most musicians on to this incredible player.

[@AlanJohnPeach]

You misspelled it *Liquid Tension Experiment

[@cryptoboner2181]

@@AlanJohnPeachuniversal mind!

[@zennyfrommoga]

​@@AlanJohnPeachnah. Way more people know Ruddess through DT than Liquid Tension

[@alucard0712]

Whole Dream Theater :-)

[@AlanJohnPeach]

@@zennyfrommogaFair I suppose, from my experience was the opposite. I and nearly any metalhead friend I had found Dream Theatre's vocals kinda naff, and didn't bother, but heard "acid rain" and put it on repeat over and over

[@benjaminjohnson8431]

Jordan Rudess is an all time great. Seeing him in concert with Dream Theater is always worth it!

[@BAE51C]

i see... this is what talent + perfect pitch + passion + perseverance can achieve... wow...

[@Battlehammer333]

you don't need perfect pitch for any of this as you have a reference note at all times. and good relative hearing is something every musician is usually well trained in.

[@matheuskerr9222]

@@Battlehammer333 whatever lets you sleep at night, bubba....

[@BAE51C]

@@Battlehammer333 he literally says he has perfect pitch, any note he hears, he knows what note that is... makes it easier to do what he does, i said easier not easy.

[@Battlehammer333]

@@BAE51C i'm not questioning that. it's just that, again, it doesn't give you an advantage in this case. I'm a classically trained pianist and many if not most of my colleagues don't have perfect pitch. they don't do any better or worse because any one of them can tell you any note they hear as long as they have a reference. and you always have a reference. developing good relative hearing and recognizing intervals is something that every musician goes through.

[@BAE51C]

@@Battlehammer333 as someone who is a 7th grade piano, 4th grade violin and 5th grade musicianship person, i guarantee you it gives you an advantage.

[@TrashWerewolf]

I absolutely love watching people who are considered the best at what they do, SHOW you why people feel that way about them! Amazing!

[@BeanyBop]

No shame here in admitting I felt emotional watching this. For no other reason than appreciation of seeing a genius and master of his craft do what he loves the most. It is absolutely a pleasure to watch.

[@14percentviking]

I didn't think I could love his performance more, and he kept stepping up levels. Ridiculously good! I hope Jay Z sees this and gives Jordan a call. We need a reboot!!

[@setonhillstudios]

Let'ssssss Gooooo! Would love to hear that version happen! 🤘🏻

[@KSS184]

Yeah they totally need this arrogant keyboard nerd trying to steal spotlight and not listen to anyone.

[@albiewitz2686]

Except that this was horrible and nothing he played at any moment complemented the track. Period.

[@matthewpaulh]

What lol ​@@albiewitz2686

[@fuhjrvr7474]

4:17 if you think this is good you need help with those ears

[@ModestNeophyte]

I AM TOTALLY HERE FOR THIS FORMAT!!! I'm familiar with Drumeo doing this, but we definitely need a piano version of that! Please keep these coming!

[@rmoultonrmoulton145]

Agreed...obviously drawing information from the superb Drumeo videos like this. What I believe would make these special in their own way is how much more freedom a pianist has and how much more they can do with a song. This could be very cool when they get the right people.

[@chrisleskiw9091]

Everyone is on the same page that he is a phenom. But he is ALWAYS smiling. Is great how much he enjoys what he does

[@devilsephiroth9000]

Brought me to tears. A world class new York pianist vibing out to this track on piano for the first time

[@repscluesrep5400]

The last two versions he added to the play along part gave me chills and added an incredible level of emotion to that song (which i already loved and listened to 1000 times). Wow. Just wow.

[@scorpiusbalthazar4327]

When he said orchestral, it reminded me of Christmas music.

[@raoulthomas4770]

I can't stop coming back to this...the way he figures out the song and brings it to life just elevates the music in the most majestic way possible.

[@mikkok7578]

20 years listening to DT and just now I realized how amazing this guy actually is :D

[@Beastintheomlet]

That chromatic run down into the chorus is so incredible.

[@andrewtregoning]

if alicia hears this she will 100% play that the next time she does this live 😆

[@NoFunkGiven]

@@andrewtregoning 100% and she should :D

[@Ger360Master]

Could you tag the time stamp, please? 🥺

[@NoFunkGiven]

@@Ger360Master 7:46

[@Goodmorningmg]

That whole chorus hits like crack, so good sheesh

[@FanPhys]

Utterly mind-blowing musicality. Yes, he's shredding, but it's never mindless or uncalled for. I love every minute of it and could watch it for hours.

[@TheChillMelodist]

lol, 90% of it was mindless shredding. The vast majority of it does not fit with the song whatsoever and is just a shredding showcase completely overshadowing what any part of the original song is doing

[@Deadman6699]

@@TheChillMelodist What Jordan did was make the original at least someone bearable to listen to.

[@ymmv99]

@TheChillMelodist Yep, that's Jordan Rudess allright. He's a very accomplished keyboard player, but he just LOVES overplaying. "Too many notes" is his method operandus unfortunately. He doesn't pay heed to what the song needs, he wants to show off and plays the most tacky, tasteless improvisations. I actually like show off musicianship, but Jordan Rudess is too much for me. (Rick Wakeman falls into the same category).

[@TheChillMelodist]

@@Deadman6699 ahh yes another prog music elitist who MUST hate any form of mainstream music.

[@TheChillMelodist]

@@ymmv99 he lacks any subtlety in his music. it's always over the top shred fest. He's obviously very talented. I am for the most part a fan of his within Dream Theater under the Portnoy era where he could be controlled in a way. Left to his own devices, he's very tacky like you said

[@leoroy7118]

Truly a wizard of the KEYS. Thanks for bringing him on the show.❤

[@siggi8893]

The instant creativity and ability to swap between completely different ideas are inspirational. I do not know one thing about music, but I play around with improv acting as a hobby and really do admire the speed and range of his creativity showcased here. There's a lot of multitasking going on in flowing smoothly from one idea to the next. Neither getting stuck with in train of thought, nor getting jumbled with too many ideas at once. To keep that headspace whilst performing requires 100% pressence and a deep rooted technical ability. I take my hat off, sir!

[@SwedeSpeeder]

I've been a fan of Dream Theater for 30 years now, and while Jordan hasn't been with them that long, he has been with them for somewhere around 20 of those years and I have never been more impressed than I am right now. That was awesome. Thank you for getting him in the studio to do this. :)

[@PrzemeQ_XY]

Dream Theater - such a legendary band. Ahhhh... Been relistening their first albums lately. Masterpieces of such an uncanny caliber When you meet someone who's familiar with them - you simply know you're dealing with a fellow men of culture 🙏

[@123oner2]

I'd say 20yrs is quiteeeee long

[@SixStryng]

It’s been almost 25 years dude.

[@SwedeSpeeder]

@@SixStryng Yeah, that's "around 20" years.

[@BamaMatters11]

@@SwedeSpeeder No, no it's not. It's closer to around 25 years smdh.

[@tyclavin6356]

I've spent WAY too many hours in my life on KZbin. But this moved the hell out of me; more than most anything i've seen. IDK what it was, but it was bliss. Just pure joy and magic to watch this unfold.

[@surrealisticfantasy]

The orchestral additions this guy just made.. relaunch the single with it

[@KevinVenturePhilippines]

Bro, that brought me to tears! Your mastery is unreal.

[@kymcharles1179]

I love how he just gets lost in what he is doing and kind of forgets where he is and then he looks over at the control room and sees the people enjoying what he's doing and he smiles. He just plays for himself and then when he gets a positive reaction, it makes him happy.

[@Xhydeentertainment]

That's musician idealism... Rock is his soul's... 😂

[@danyaelcadaoas2688]

that bridge to chorus transition at 10:52 sounds awesome and magical!!! Jordan is a world treasure

[@dowal199]

He does the same stuff like everytime before that. Incline scale or figure on the build up chord. Really nothing special 😅

[@danyaelcadaoas2688]

@@dowal199 yea I just mean its sounds awesome and his musical choices and decisions for the parts are great. Just because u know the theory doesnt make it less awesome.

[@albaal7035]

Glad you commented this! That part onwards was my favorite of the whole video.

[@Rondo2ooo]

​@dowal199 If the result moves, it's special. Technical aspects don't matter if it serves the music.

[@augustgames6502]

Jordan's playing is so playful and inspiring. I feel like he's kept his inner child alive and immersed it talent and skill.

[@jacobsanderson5308]

The 2 "pinch harmonic" sounding screeches at 3:52 were absolutely filthy. Guy is an absolute master at the instrument and his instincts are unparalleled.

[@mikej6565]

Jordan's capabilities are beyond comprehension. The dude's as good as any human will ever get at the keys. He shreds the keys like Petrucci shreds guitar, and then some!

[@AlexRamosDrTaz]

Jordan practiced quite a bit of guitar during Covid. He's become a decent shredder there too. Not quite like JP but still...

[@youtubestyle293]

Yo, please search Lingus by Snarky Puppy and watch Cory Henry. I'll be waiting :)

[@erikllanosv8408]

this video makes me cry, This man has a way of transmitting the music that runs through his veins. its just amazing, thanks for this masterpiece.

[@dajolaw]

First saw this with drummers on Vimeo. Now with a keyboardist. I'm loving it. Watching great artists create their own spin on great art...just the sheer joy of musical expression and experimentation. Keep going!

[@wadetoenjes7690]

This is my 5th time coming back to watch this since it was released. Never gets old with Rudess!

[@v4vendetta156]

J. Rudess is for sure one of the most influential and inspiring musicians of our time, it just feels like he's so much ahead of time in everything. Real genius.

[@drums4lyfe0987]

Even as a drummer it is mesmerizing to watch him play so effortlessly

[@nxdRulezZz]

The Ragtime bit was just absolute mind-blow that came out of nowhere. What an absolute Legend.

[@annmarie3573]

It made me laugh out loud with total and utter joy! Amazing!

[@LilShrooms]

this man is INCREDIBLE… first time in a while i’ve been in absolute awe at a performance wow

[@addicuscohen]

There's artists, then there's composers, then there's Jordan Rudess! Simply amazing!

[@monkeyventures6871]

Jordan is so amazing; a big part of why I love Dream Theater... and I love the way the interviewing woman responds to his playing, basically mirrors exactly how I felt watching this. Amazement and entertainment, total awe for the harmonies and ideas that he came up with. Absolute gem of a video all around.

[@leoperalta4941]

Didn't know he's in Dream Theater...the heck he's the God of keyboard then...👍

[@Swollen_Goat]

yeah his writing ability in DT is one of the main reasons they are what they are. His skill in music is close to unmatched. @@leoperalta4941

[@muhammadadlan4350]

The man just invented progressive pop 😅

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

Actually, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys did it with Pet Sounds, then The Beatles copied him and from then on, many psychedelic rock and prog rock bands were influenced. Without The Beach Boys, there would be no prog rock.

[@davidr2421]

Listen to some Frost*. Jem Godfrey takes the "prog pop" idea to an insane level, and he's nearly the same calibre of keybordist as Jordan.

[@dalibor.veselinovic]

😂 😉 👏

[@NikolaEON]

Ever heard of "It Bites" just to name one of the great pop prog rock band

[@eduardomorenorojas5756]

Listen to Thomas Lang is an amazing drummer, he has an album called progpop, is mindblowing 👌🏻

[@IvanKuznetsovz]

The different versions you played of this song were insane. Legendary!

[@MyExRebirth]

My dude just upgraded those hit tracks by 5000% in an improvised session! That's why I love Progressive Music!

[@penguindrum264]

The synth solo was the best part for me, though I wish you did a final take like they do on Drumeo. Please continue this series.

[@allendean9807]

The thing about Rudess, he’s such a cool dude. Very humble, quiet, but you can tell his mind is like a steel trap and he’s always thinking and seeing in notes… The few occasions I’ve run into him have been a blast.

[@amyclark873]

I don’t know how I stumbled upon this, but I’m so grateful it happened! What a genius - an absolute master at his craft. I’m blown away.

[@ronnrodulfa]

A celebration of so much harmony. He played it in so many levels even the heavens went celebrating!

[@keith3bros]

I loved this concept on Drumeo! Fun to hear the keys version. As a beginner drummer I find those videos great. So much inspo. And as a relatively developed keyboardist and intermediate pianist- this was EPIC. So much to grasp!!! He absolutely SHREDDED

[@carlosjs812]

Uma inteligência artificial nunca vai me surpreender ao nível de improviso desse cara! Incrível!!

[@MartinMaroni]

At the end I just couldn't hold back some tears , his talent is overwhelming

[@MFASonic]

7:54 He nailed it. He takes "New York" to another dimension. This is simply awesome. Questioning myself if the song would have been that successful if the massive additions would have been in the release? I would say yes. Questioning myself if this has similarities to watching Horowitz performing when he was at a similar age like Rudess? Yes. Horowitz, Rudess, two gods of keys.

[@pnut3844able]

It's actually called Empire State of Mind

[@MFASonic]

@@pnut3844able My bad, of course!

[@brandonerwin7031]

I love Jordan, but sometimes keeping it simple is the best way to go. I have no doubt that he could sit down and make changes that wouldn't sound as complex, and make something just as good or better though.

[@Aquatarkus96]

@@brandonerwin7031 Simple is SOOOOOOOO boring for me. Why *not* go all out?

[@dhochee]

No, as a pop song it's more accessible if it's simpler, but I agree his accompaniment in that section was phenomenal and more enjoyable than the later orchestral stuff he was doing. I could definitely see a short section of the song having that in there would be cool, though.

[@arlos21]

1:57 That's when the magic starts he just get focus while closing his eyes and all his knowledge starts to flow❤

[@bryantherocker]

We appreciate his natural talent and years spent practicing and doing what he loves.