Steve Morse Prime Cuts Volume 2

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by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Prime Cuts Volume 2 is a continuation of exploring music recorded by Steve Morse on the Magna Carta label. The CD features 10 songs culled from his solo works, the Steve Morse Band and tribute cover songs. Joining Steve Morse are some of rock’s finest musicians; James LaBrie, Dave LaRue, T Lavitz, Rod Morgenstein and Jordan Rudess.

Cutting his teeth with the legendary band the Dixie Dreggs in the early ’80s, in no time Morse was known throughout the country by his peers. Continually nominated throughout the ’80s in Guitar for the Practicing Musician magazine as guitarist of the year, Morse has reached a level of excellence many strive for and never achieve.

Steve Morse’s Prime Cuts Volume 2 demonstrates his ability to not only perform different genres of music but to perform at a level beyond the scope of his peers. Face it — Steve Morris is pretty good at what he does. His youthful visage hides his age, and his playing ability is built around musical knowledge many never achieve in a lifetime.

The music of Steve Morse is pretty indescribable. The amount of musical influences that he brings to the table is amazing. From southern influences, blues, country, classical, jazz and rock, Morse combines these into compositions that never clash with diverseness of his talents. The songs presented on Prime Cuts Volume 2 display the creative and diversified Morse at his best. Fans and new listeners can sink their teeth into his interpretations of Rush and Yes with his cover versions of “Red Barchetta” and “Mood For A Day.” Further explorations of his creative genius can be found on his original songs such as “Bar Hopping with Mr. Pinky,” “Great Mountain Spirits,” “Midnight Daydream” and “TruthOla.”

More than just a journeyman guitarist, aspiring musicians can learn a lot from Steve Morse. Currently the axe man for Deep Purple, Morse has kept himself busy over the years. There are many releases that fans should check out and delve deeper into this talented guitarist.

Web: http://www.magnacarta.net/Steve_Morse/stevemorse.html

Lineup:
Steve Morse (g)

Guests include:
James LaBrie (v)
Dave LaRue (b)
T Lavitz (piano)
Rod Morgenstein (d)
Jordan Rudess. (k)

Track Listing:
1. Zig Zags (Steve Morse )
2. On Fire (feat. Steve Morse, School of the Arts )
3. Bar Hopping With Mr. Pinky (feat. Jordan Rudess, Steve Morse)
4. Ghost of the Bayou (Steve Morse Band )
5. Mood For A Day (Steve Morse )
6. TruthOla (Steve Morse)
7. Portrait (feat. Steve Morse, School of the Arts)
8. Great Mountain Spirits (Steve Morse)
9. Midnight Daydream (Steve Morse)
10. Red Barchetta (feat. James LaBrie, James Murphey, Sean Malone, Sean Reinert & David Townson)

Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10