STEVE MORSE BAND
Split Decision (Magna Charta)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Steve Morse has managed to keep one incarnation or another of his eponymous trio together for nearly twenty years, a fairly remarkable achievement since during that time he's also played with various incarnations and reincarnations of the Dixie Dregs, Kansas and, now, Deep Purple. A guitar slinger extraordinaire, the Steve Morse Band has always been his outlet for experimentation and self expression, while the other gigs are somewhat hemmed in by the history and expectations attached to their legendary band names.

On Split Decision Morse shows two facets of his guitar virtuosity, with a set of tough electric tunes which finds him in classic shredder mode, and a set of softer, acoustic flavored pieces. No matter which style he chooses to emphasize, though, every track is distinctively Steve Morse. He is one of the rare breed of artists who can fit into nearly any context and yet retain an identifiably personal style.

He's ably assisted by Dave LaRue on bass and Van Romaine on drums, but this is first and foremost an album of guitar music for people who love guitar music.

Track List:

Heightened Awareness * Busybodies * Marching Orders * Mechanical Frenzy * Great Mountain Spirits * Majorly Up * Gentle Flower, Hidden Beast * Moment's Comfort * Clear Memories * Midnight Daydream * Back Porch * Natural Flow

© 2002 - Shaun Dale