Discover Jordan Rudess !

In this post, you will discover an american keyboardist known for being a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, Jordan Rudess. I will present you this famous musician recognize for his creativity and his technicity, through his life, his style or his influence. It would be a pleasure to share and discuss about this great artist on the forum if you want !

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His life :

Jordan Rudess started playing the piano at an early age, playing in his classroom when he had none at home. His parents noticed his attraction and talent for music early and bought him a piano.

Fun fact: he played the piano in an advert for plasters ! Click here to see the youtube video of the advert.

He went to a music school where he practiced mostly classical music, which is one of his influences. He has always been very talented in improvisation and has been interested in many artists, especially in the field of progressive rock: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, ...

He was approached by Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci, members of Dream Theater, for an instrumental album project called Liquid Tension Experiment. The three musicians got along very well and Jordan agreed to play with Dream Theater.

His style :

One of the main differences between a synthesizer and a classical piano is the wide range of possible sounds. Jordan is very attracted by technology and he has always tried to make evolve his sounds. That's why he is nicknamed "the wizard". He uses a wide variety of instruments:

• The Keytar : A mix between the keyboard and the guitar.

• A continuum, allowing all the notes to be "linked". (see an example in video here )

• Mobile applications : he works with many publishers to design these and sometimes uses them on stage.