Transatlantic is a pet side-project from guitarist  Roine Stolt (Flower Kings),  drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse (Spock's Beard) and bassist Pete Trevawas (Marillion).

Portnoy wanted Neal Morse and  Jim Matheos (of Fates Warning),  to work on a project aside from their respected bands. Though Matheos could not, Neal Morse immediately agreed, and Morse called Stolt to handle guitar responsibilities and Portnoy ( a big fan of Marillion). The musicians brought ideas and tapes into the studio.  Neal Morse brought in  bits and pieces of some songs and entire concepts for others, all of which were adapted. He also wrote most of the lyrics."

Their first album was recorded at  Millbrook Studios in upstate New York (where Portnoy had recorded with Liquid Tension Experiment). The thirty minute plus epic "All Of The Above,"  was the first song. Describing their musical style, Stolt stated: "well it's obvious with people from Marillion, Spock's Beard, Flower Kings and Dream Theater in the band that this is going to be one hell of a progressive outfit, so we'll have to write some heavy prog stuff."

`SMPTe.' Transatlantic's debut album was released in the year 2000 (the name not only contains the musicians initials,  it is also a communicative code used in studio recording).  The group went on a limited tour in America and expanded gigs in Europe to support the album. Coming out of the tour is the live album- `TransAtlantic Live In America,' a double CD live album that included Beatle and Genesis covers. A video of the show was release but was hampered by production problems.

After rejoining their bands, the four musicians went back to the studio to record- `Bridge Across Forever,' which included three lengthy tracks and a short title-track Morse piece. Two tracks are over 35 minutes long and includes  additional musicians:Chris Carmichael - violin, viola & cello, Keith Mears - saxophone and the  "Elite"  Choir providing  background vocals.

        The album sports stronger musical  themes and  the playing is tighter with an added  heaviness.  The band will support their new release with a tour.

With the 2002 waining, Transatlantic, with the help of  Neal  Morse, is now history.  Morse, not only quit Spock's Beard, but  Transatlantic as well, to pursue a spirital quest and a Christian prog career..   A lot of people were hoping to see Transatlantic mature into the ultimate prog band.

Transatlantic ,  have reunited after a 7 year hiatus to begin work on a brand new studio album.

The band began work on the album in early April in Nashville and are expected to have it released THE WHIRLWIND as a 77-minute piece of music.

Transatlantic Discography

TransAtlantic - SMPTe (2000)

Tracks:

1. All Of The Above (30:59)

  i. Full Moon Rising (7:11)

  ii. October Winds (5:54)

  iii. Camoflagued in Blue (5:22)

  iv. Half Alive (2:02)

  v. Undying Love (3:57)

  vi. Full Moon Rising (Reprise) (6:33)

2. We All Need Some Light (5:45)

3. Mystery Train (6:52)

4. My New World (16:16)

5. In Held (Twas) In I (17:21)

The limited edition contains a second disc with the following tracks:

1. My New World (Neal on leadvocals, different lyrics, alternative mix)

2. We All Need Some Light (Roine on leadvocals, alternative mix)

3. Honky Tonk Woman (Studio Jam)

4. Oh Darling (Studio Jam)

5. My Cruel World (Original demo)

6. "Interactive section"

TransAtlantic - SMPTe Limited Edition (2000)

TransAtlantic Live In America 2CD (2001)

DISC ONE

All Of The Above (30:47)

Mystery Train

Magical Mystery Tour

Strawberry Fields Forever (15:32)

We All Need Some Light (6:51)

DISC TWO

Watcher Of The Skies

Firth Of Fifth (10:47)

My New World (16:51)

Medley: (19:10)

There Is More To This World

Go The Way You Go

The Great Escape

Finally Free

She's So Heavy

TransAtlantic Live In America Video (2001)

Bridge Across Forever Limited Edition (2001)

Bridge Across Forever (2001)

Tracks:

1. Duel With The Devil (26:43)

  i. motherless children

  ii. walk away

  iii. silence of the night

  iv. you're not alone

  v. almost home

2. Suite Charlotte Pike (14:30)

  i. if she runs

  ii. mr. wonderful

  iii. lost and found pt. 1

  iv. temple of the gods

  v. motherless children / if she runs (reprise)

3. Bridge Across Forever (5:33)

4. Stranger In Your Soul (26:05)

  i. sleeping wide awake

  ii. hanging in the balance

  iii. lost and found pt. 2

  iv. awakening the stranger

  v. slide

  vi. stranger in your soul

The limited edition contains a second disc with the following tracks:

1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond

2. Studio Chat

3. And I Love Her

4. Smoke On The Water

5. Dance With The Devil

6. Roine's Demo Bits

7. Interactive Section