By: M.J. Brady
he Introduction would mark the coming out of Steve Morse as a solo artist, though this isn't his first solo CD recorded, it is his first solo CD released. Steve Morse fronted the highly touted fusion band Dixie Dregs and established himself as a musician in a very select group. He has become well known as a guitarist extraordinaire, but what many Dregs fans know is that he also is a visionary composer. On The Introduction, Morse moves outside (but too far) from the Dregs musical repertoire. He is joined by longtime friend and drummer and Dreg, Rod Morganstein. Rod has a perfect feel for the many musical demands that Morse delivers. Also in the band is a discovery of sorts in bassist Jerry Peek, who's playing is quite complimentary of Steves skills and technicality. The music on this CD is so much like the Dregs, it's hard to say it isn't them. The most obvious difference is the predominance of guitars as the solo instrument, the absece of violin and the fact that the music has a consistantly heavier feel than many of the Dregs varietal tunes. The Introduction shows exactly why Morse has gotten the press he deserves, careful listens will reveal much more than a guitarist solo vehicle, it's rich in variety, textures, and superlative musicianship.
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