SMPT:e explained

SMPT:e
Type:	studio
Artist:	Transatlantic
Cover:	Transatlantic_SMPTe.jpg
Released:	March 21, 2000
Recorded:	June–July 1999
Studio:	Millbrook Studios, New York
Genre:	Progressive rock
Length:	77:11
Label:	Metal Blade, Radiant
Producer:	Transatlantic
Next Title:	Bridge Across Forever
Next Year:	2001

SMPT:e (from StoltMorsePortnoyTrewavas) is the first album of the progressive rock supergroup Transatlantic. The title is a play on words: it's both a combination of the band members' initials and a reference about SMPTE, a type of time code used in recording technology.

The song "In Held ('Twas) in I" was originally recorded by progressive rock band Procol Harum in 1967 (released on the album Shine on Brightly, in 1968) and was widely regarded as the first progressive rock epic.

Track listing

All songs by Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Pete Trewavas, and Roine Stolt, except where noted.

Limited edition bonus disc

Personnel

Transatlantic

• Roine Stolt — electric and 12-string acoustic guitars, lead vocals (4), Mellotrons, percussion
• Neal Morse — keyboards, lead (all but 4) and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars
• Mike Portnoy — drums, backing vocals
• Pete Trewavas — bass, lead (all but 4) and backing vocals, Moog Taurus pedals

Production

• Arranged & Produced by Transatlantic
• Engineered by Chris Cubeta
• Additional Engineering by Stewart Every (for Pete's recordings at the Racket Club, UK)
• Mixed by Rich Mouser at The Mouse House, Los Angeles, CA November 1999
• Mastered by Vlado Meller at Sony Music Studios NYC January 2000
• Cover art and additional booklet art by Per Nordin (nota bene: 2 different covers. This article displays the European cover. The US / International cover is different, also by Per Nordin). The reason for 2 different covers was that the European company InsideOut was tired of so many blue covers. The artist therefore made this cover for the European edition (now rarely seen in print).