Dream Theater’s Jordan Rudess Posts Gorgeous Piano Cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”

Jordan Rudess is easily the most entertaining member of Dream Theater to watch live (with Portnoy no longer in the band, anyway). With his rotating keyboard stand, silly facial expressions and wizard-like presence, the dude just BRINGS IT — words rarely uttered about a keyboard player in a metal band. He’s also one of the most talented. It’s not as if the other guys in the band are slouches, but something about Rudess’s playing just oozes confidence and sleekness.

None of this has much to do with Rudess’s cover of “Space Oddity” — in honor of the recently deceased David Bowie — except to say that it’s both fun to watch and listen to; like all good covers, it takes a song we all know so, so well and puts a spin on it distinct to the performer. Says Rudess:

Here is my musical tribute to the iconic David Bowie, who, thanks to my friend Tony Visconti, I had the great experience to work with back in 2002 on the Heathen album. Here is his classic song, “Space Oddity,” played in my home just this morning (January 11th) after hearing the very sad news.

Watch Rudess’s tribute below. Dream Theater, of course, will release their new double-album concept record The Astonishing on January 29th; watch a trailer and check the first single “The Gift of Music.” Tour dates: Europe and North America.

[via Blabbermouth]