STEVE MORSE BAND

Oooooh, an instrumental album. I'm not a fan, which I believe I've mentioned before. So, without furthering that little back-story, how does Deep Purple's guitarist fare in this most heinous of categories? Quite well surprisingly. I say surprisingly, because I'm not a fan of Deep Purple either. Anyway, and whilst eventually it does suffer from guitar-wankery, this is quite a pleasing melodic shredding album. My personal highlight was the bug-nuts 'John Deere Letter'. Very back-porch hillbilly farmer's market. Other than that, Mr Morse shows off his incredible skills as a guitarist with aplomb. In fact, he's almost overshadowed by Dave LaRue on bass who switches with ease between gliding smooth notes and wild galloping arpeggios. Vocals aren't missed, because the arrangements are kept lively enough to never become repetitive or stagnant. Sadly, it inevitably does start to become a guitar lesson on CD, and it's not the fault of Steve Morse; it's the fact that there probably isn't a compromise between maintaining interest in such a niche genre, and remaining accessible for casual listeners. However, for those of a certain musical bent (i.e. those who can read music and enjoyed maths as a kid) this will no doubt be olive oil for your ears.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

earMUSIC

Album

OUT STANDING IN THEIR FIELD

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

45:22

RELEASE DATE:

12th Oct 2009

TRACK LISTING

1) Name Dropping
2) Brink of the Edge
3) Here and Now and Then
4) Relentless Encroachment
5) John Deere Letter
6) More to the Point
7) Time Junction
8) Unnamed Sources
9) Flight of the Osprey
10) Baroque'n Dreams

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

USA

"Vocals aren't missed, because the arrangements are kept lively enough to never become repetitive or stagnant."