Prog multi-instrumentalist Tim Morse will be releasing a remastered and expanded 20th anniversary edition of his debut album “Transformation” on July 5, 2025! Transformation is a concept album about how a person can undergo a series of events in their lifetime that will ultimately leave him/her transformed as a result of the experience. However, unlike many concept albums, the songs on Transformation can be listened to and enjoyed separately outside of the whole album/concept.
Says Tim, “At the end of last year (producer) Mark Dean and I were observing that 2025 would be the 20th anniversary of my debut album Transformation. We decided that we would celebrate that occasion by releasing a completely new remastered version of the album with bonus tracks. Mark took on the remaster of the original recording and left me to organize the bonus tracks. I decided to put them into three groups, 1. Associated Recordings (music recorded in that era, but not intended for the album), 2. Live Recordings (live songs from Transformation, along with a cover version of the Genesis song 'Dance on a Volcano'), 3. Alternate Mixes and Demos. As it turns out, we found that there was over 60 minutes of bonus tracks, making it an essential album for fans of this music.”
“One of the associated recordings became the song 'Sacred Skies.' It was originally written and recorded with only drums, bass and a keyboard pad for one of Mark's guitar students to practice playing different modes. Says Tim, “As a joke my working title for it was 'Mr. Mister' because it had a bit of that band's sound. When the song was rediscovered this year, Mark and I completed it with additional guitar and keyboard parts. I'm very pleased with the hypnotic and spacey atmosphere it conjures.”
Tim Morse “Sacred Skies”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRObCAthRnU
The recording of the original album was a labor of love - it was a mission in life for Tim Morse and Mark Dean. They wrote, arranged, recorded and mixed for over a year until it was finished. Says Tim, “I'd often work my day job and drive an hour to his recording studio, where we'd start around 6 p.m. and finish at about two in the morning. I'd drive home in the early hours and then start the process all over again. While that might sound exhausting, I actually found the experience exhilarating. I was finally working with a producer who also happened to be a writer/multi-instrumentalist that could help me realize my musical dreams. For example when I told Mark that I wanted to add a Gregorian Chant to one of the songs, he didn't bat an eye. It was the first time I was recording music without looking at the clock in the studio, thinking about the recording budget or worrying about any 'rules' (musical or otherwise). For months it was just Mark and myself piloting the ship with occasional cameo appearances from other musicians.”
“The first thing we worked on became the song 'Present Moment.' I had written the music for it in college and performed it as an instrumental with a fusion band I was in at the time. When Mark and I met, we agreed to finish it as a song with lyrics and a vocal melody. The recording of 'Present Moment' became its own progressive rock adventure with layers of keyboard parts, haunting guitar melodies, a 28 voice choir and the incredible lead vocals of Rich Zeller. The live version of this song is the first single from the 20th Anniversary Edition of Transformation.”
Tim Morse “Present Moment”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDG9oyGZvDA
Track list:
1. Present Moment (remastered 2025)
2. To Set Sail (remastered 2025)
3. Prelude (remastered 2025)
4. Goodbye (remastered 2025)
5. Shatter (remastered 2025)
6. Temptation (remastered 2025)
7. Adrift (remastered 2025)
8. Apocalyptic Visions (remastered 2025)
9. Ascension (remastered 2025)
10. Sacred Skies (bonus track)
11. Present Moment Live (bonus track)
12. Adrift Live (bonus track)
13. Apocalyptic Visions Live (bonus track)
14. Dance on a Volcano Live (bonus track)
15. Goodbye Single Edit (bonus track)
16. Shatter Early Mix (bonus track)
17. Temptation Redux '25 (bonus track)
18. Apocalyptic Visions Redux '25 (bonus track)
19. The Chase Scene Demo (bonus track)
20. Vicious Cycle Demo (bonus track)
21. Prelude Demo (bonus track)
22. Haulin' Oats Demo (bonus track)
23. Cloudburst Demo (bonus track)
24. The Last Wave (bonus track)
Tim Morse began his instrument instruction at a young age and started composing immediately upon picking up the guitar. He later moved onto the piano and studied as a music composition major, writing extended pieces such as a string quartet and two piano sonatas. During this time Tim performed with various rock and fusion bands and played on many recording sessions. Tim’s first album of original music was entitled “Transformation” and was released in 2005. The album was well received by the Progressive Rock community and was recognized as keeping in the tradition of seventies prog-rock yet recorded and performed with a modern edge.
His second album “Faithscience” was released in 2012 and musically it picked up where “Transformation” left off, continuing to explore the best of Progressive Rock. In addition to this release Tim became a member of the Jerry Jennings band and formed The Mangoes with Bret Bingham. The Mangoes released their debut album in 2014 and it was appreciated for its pop sensibility and quirky humor. His more recent solo releases “III”, “The Archaeology Project” and "Soundtracks" were also warmly embraced by critics and fans alike.
Tim’s cover version of the classic Yes song “Awaken” has received the ultimate compliments from members of Yes – Rick Wakeman enthused, “Best YES cover I’ve heard …well done to everybody” and Jon Anderson said, “Great job with ‘Awaken’…the fact you sat around and decided to perform it is a treat…. not an easy work!” Composer/musician Adam Holzman was so impressed by this performance of it that he offered to do his own remix of the song (both versions can be found on Tim’s YouTube channel).
Tim Morse/Parallels 'Awaken' cover version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay1N95FqXWM
Here’s what the press has said about Tim Morse’s previous albums:
(Soundtracks)
“A kaleidoscopic recording that seamlessly shifts from anthemic rock to buoyant Beatles-esque pop to sweeping and swirling kinetic instrumentals to ethereal soundscapes. Soundtracks features literate, observational songwriting that explores the complexity of modern society and relationships, and offers a hopeful view that the positive elements of this species will eventually triumph.” – Anil Prasad, Innerviews
“I find I want to listen more and more. Soundtracks is a very engaging album and Tim Morse is a writer and player with lots to say. Buy this right now!” – John Wilcox, Progsheet
“A pleasant album that offers a lot for fans of progressive rock that’s on the mellow and melodic side.” – Jon Davis, Expose
“Taken as a whole, Soundtracks is a pure joy. I can't wait to play it again.” – Michale Popke, Sea of Tranquility
“This album could appeal to fans of Barclay James Harvest, Strawbs, Anthony Phillips, Ken Baird or even Tim Bowness (sans the breathy vocals). I also hear vague but reminiscent snippets here and there from The Beatles which is fine by me.” – Greg Cummins, DPRP
“When the piano-encrusted “Deidra” and “Lullaby” arrive at the scene with a six-string lace in tow to wind things down in the most tender manner, the glacially romantic, yet robustly dynamic, “Vortex” is left hanging in the ether to finally suck the spectator in Tim Morse’s universe. It’s the place to be.” – Dmitry M. Epstein, DME
“It’s high quality and works well. It would probably be a highlight of many artists’ catalog.” – Gary Hill, Music Street Journal
Prog Magazine chose the first single from Soundtracks, "Blueberry Way" as one of its tracks of the week.
(The Archaeology Project)
“A well rounded retrospective and a fitting showcase for his musical inspirations and talents.” – Geoff Feakes, DPRP
“A great way to discover Tim Morse!” – Music in Belgium
“This release is an ideal place to start your exploration of his material.” – Anil Prasad, Innerviews
“A magnificent fourteen song retrospective of Morse’s music from 2005-2020.” – Exclusive Magazine
“Classy...that speaks to both the quality and the consistency of Morse’s music. I can’t think of a better introduction to his music than this CD.” – Gary Hill, Music Street Journal
(Tim Morse III)
“There’s no doubt fans of symphonic prog will find much to enjoy. Recommended.” – Jerry Lucky, The Progressive Rock Files
“Musically, ‘III’ is enjoyable – occupying the lighter end of the Yes style spectrum.” – PROG Magazine
“Recommended for fans of melodic rock with some progressive touches.” – Jon Davis, Expose
(Faithscience)
“Tim Morse deserves to make it into the mainstream, as he surely one of the greats of the genre.” – John Bollenberg, iO Pages
“A smartly arranged, melodic-symphonic opus.” – John Collinge, Progression Magazine
“Probably the biggest surprise of the year…and highly recommended to fans of classic prog.” – Kinesis
(Transformation, original 2005 release)
“Sounds great...unbelievably proficient." Bill Bruford
"Deftly bridges classic and modern prog." Sea of Tranquility
"Transformation is a work truly realized, an impressive work of creativity that grows on one even more after repeated listening.” – Andres Valle (Mellotron)
“An interesting and expansive collection of symphonic prog songs…it not only rewards repeated listening, it demands it.” – DPRP
Tim is also a published author and his book “Yesstories” has sold over 20,000 copies worldwide. His book “Classic Rock Stories” was published by the St. Martin’s Press and was featured on the Howard Stern show and VH1. He has also written for music magazines over the years including Mix, Guitar World, Keyboard and Bass Player.
Tim will be doing videos and PR to support the release of “Transformation (20th Anniversary Edition).” He’s also working on an electronic music project that should be released in 2026. As for live performance, that is completely up to what happens with interest/demand for shows.
In closing Tim has this to impart, “I hope my fans will check out this new remastered version of Transformation as it has never sounded better. Also, I’m always grateful when anyone takes the time to listen to my music. In this modern age of endless distractions, it is a lovely thing when someone will truly listen to music.”
Release date: July 5, 2025
Transformation (20th Anniversary Edition) is available for preorder at Bandcamp.com: https://timmorse.bandcamp.com/album/transformation-20th-anniversary-edition
For more information:
Tim Morse website: https://timmorse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timmorsemusic
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TimMorseProgRock
Press inquiries: Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com
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