Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess returns with his latest solo endeavor, Wired For Madness. Bursting with all of the drama, technique, and melodicism that have become his musical hallmarks, the album is a vibrant and pulsating tour de force that blends old-school prog and piano with a ferocious and ambitious oeuvre that’s as tasteful and classic as it is outrageously expansive.

“There’s even some blues on the record,” says Rudess. “The Dream Theater guys call me Blues Man because in many ways I am a reincarnation of an old blues man soul. I called in Joe Bonamassa and a full brass section to enrich the title track, “Wired For Madness”.” Additional renowned guests include drummer and composer Marco Minnemann, Dream Theater frontman James LaBrie, and guitarists Vinnie Moore, Guthrie Govan, and John Petrucci, each lending their expertise to enhance Rudess’ dynamic flavor.

Speaking on the inception of the new record, Rudess dispels any notion that it’s a concept album. “It is not a concept album, but the title track does have a story to it,” affirms Rudess. “The idea was about a guy who wanted to go through a transformational process, and through that course he becomes more and more separated from the outside “normal” world, thus allowing his mind to freely travel between madness and spiritual enlightenment.”