Steve Morse Band
"Split Decision"
(Magna Carta) 

For the past two decades, Steve Morse has built quite a reputation for himself as world-renowned guitarist, playing as a solo artist, with his own band the Dixie Dregs, and even replacing Richie Blackmore in Deep Purple. Steve has also won many awards and been Grammy-nominated as well. This is Steve's latest release, and it is a typical Steve Morse album. It is entirely instrumental, and Steve's playing is, of course, excellent, his guitar talents shining brightly throughout the album. His playing style is influenced by a variety of guitar greats, such as Jeff Beck, Alex Lifeston, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and George Benson. Steve is certainly no copycat, though. He has a style that is his very own. On "Split Decision", he is backed up by bassist David La Rue (who seems to be very influenced by Rush's Geddy Lee), and drummer Van Romaine, both of whom do very well at their respective jobs. The band explores a variety of different styles on this album, from driving, up tempo rockers like "Heightened Awareness", "Mechanical Frenzy", "Great Mountain Spirits" (which uses some Native American style instruments at the beginning and is vaguely reminiscent of Rush's "Subdivisions"), and "Gentle Flower, Hidden Beast", which starts off mellow but kicks into gear as the song goes along; to more laid back jazz/rock tunes like "Busybodies", "Marching Orders", and "Majorly Up"; to very mellow folksy/new age-y songs like "Moment's Comfort", "Clear Memories", "Midnight Daydream", and "Natural Flow", the album's closer. One more song remains, the bluesy, bouncy "Back Porch", played entirely on acoustic guitar. Lots of fun, this one! Steve has made a very enjoyable and well crafted album here. His talents as a guitarist are undeniable, and he will no doubt always be appreciated by fans who enjoy good music and great guitar playing. "Crank It Up!"

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