I have to listen to The Romantic Warrior about once a week. I went to college for music and understand how special these musicians are. I still listen to a lot of old Fusion but have come to love some of the prog rock bands like Symphony X and Dream Theater.
I don’t know that I’ve heard a more talented group of musicians than the ones in Dream Theater. Those guys are ridiculous.
‘Romantic Warrior’ is one of my all time favorite recordings, and dare I say, one of the finest records ever made.
But then, beauty IS in the eye of the beholder. I think even Chick would agree with that.
I once asked him, “How do all of you manage to play all those complex changes so flawlessly, and in unison?”
He said to me, “Oh, that’s simple. I write all the parts out, then we play the piece VERY slowly - increasing the tempo each time through.”
I felt a bit stupid, realizing the basic simplicity of that approach.