Dream Theater’s esteemed keyboardist Jordan Rudess has unveiled details of his upcoming solo album, *Permission To Fly*, slated for release on September 6th, 2024 via Inside Out Music. To offer a glimpse into what’s to come, fans can now watch the official music video for the new single “The Alchemist,” directed by Wayne Joyner.
Renowned for his penchant for pushing musical boundaries, Rudess has crafted *Permission To Fly* as a profound exploration of the human experience within our intricate world. Reflecting on the album’s thematic core, he shares, “The essence of the album draws heavily from the tumultuous events of 2023-2024, threading themes of peace and anti-violence throughout many of the tracks.”
In a departure from his usual approach, Rudess embraced collaboration, assembling a talented ensemble to realize his artistic vision. The album features the distinctive vocals of That Joe Payne, the dynamic drumming of Darby Todd from Devin Townsend’s band, and the skilled guitar work of Steve Dadaian. Adding a unique touch, guest guitarist Bastian Martinez contributes his signature flair to select tracks.
Rudess placed a special emphasis on lyrical depth for *Permission To Fly*, entrusting his daughter Ariana with the task of crafting all the album’s lyrics. Reflecting on this decision, he explains, “While I typically focus on the sonic quality of lyrics, I wanted to delve deeper this time. Ari did an exceptional job of infusing profound and cerebral themes into the album.”
As anticipation builds for *Permission To Fly*, Jordan Rudess invites listeners to embark on a musical journey that promises both sonic innovation and thematic resonance.
