Steve Morse is a versatile and talented multi – instrumental artist who has played music in many different genres, including rock, country, funk, jazz, classical and fusion. Morse, a five – time Grammy nominee, is also a founding member of the Dixie Dregs, as well as a member of both Kansas and Deep Purple. Steve worked with Jimmy Barnes on his Living Loud and its accompanying DVD, Live in Sydney.
This is Morse' first true solo album (outside of The Steve Morse Band) and a wonderful collection of instrumental works, full of dynamic range. "Tumeni Notes", "Ghostwind" "Modoc" and "Highland Wedding" are my favorites. The blending of Steve's keyboard/synth talents, with the many guitars he uses on this album will keep you interested and entertained throughout. Metal Mind Productions has reissued the original 1989 album in a charming digipack that stays true to the original CD release.
Soft acoustic 12 string guitar and keys open "Ghostwind". A breezy melody that sounds like a sun drenched cloudless day, with that cool violin reaching through the soundscape. The guitar solos are wonderful on this soft instrumental track.
"The Road Home" opens like a Steve Howe masterpiece, with influences from Scotland. The synths almost sound pipes. The drums figure prominently as an almost march begins with the synth and drums. However Steve steps in and launches an awesome electric guitar solo to add to the anthem.
"Country Colors" starts out with a more country twist in the melody and chords. The piano brings a new dimension along with the acoustic six string and bass. The drums are full of power and highlight moments perfectly.
Classical guitars open the familiar Scottish melody on "Highland Wedding". The synths bring that flute and pipe sound so well, taking you away to some windy mountainside on the green island. The guitars also have that pipe – like sound to them, really setting the mood perfectly.
"Third Power" opens with more force and power than the first three songs. The guitar, synths, and faster drum rhythms make this one of the first real rockers on the album. The guitar wandering and blending of classical, stereo and electric really must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
A harpsichord sound from the synths opens "Looking Back". A guitar solo that follows almost mimics the opening. The stereo classical guitar solo in the middle is wonderful; bringing more unique sounds to the dynamic soundscape Morse has created so far.
You can tell Morse had allot of fun with "Leprechaun Promenade". The keyboard lead melody is full of highlights in this over 6 minute, and longest piece on the album. The guitar solos and drums mix well with the 'leprechauns on parade' keyboard joy.
"Tumeni Notes" is a blistering guitar and drum romp supported with violin and bass. There are some spectacular 'Eddie Van Halen' guitar solo moments here that are some of the best on the album.
"Endless Waves" sounds like cascading waves of synths, keyboards and drums. The six string guitar moments will bring back memories of some of Al Stewart's work, while still sounding very original.
A stereo electric classical guitar solo makes "Modoc", another highlight and perfect closer for the album. The timeless sound and quiet tranquility are a perfect match.
Track Listing
1. Ghostwind (3:12)
2. The Road Home (4:48)
3. Country Colors (3:46)
4. Highland Wedding (3:21)
5. Third Power (4:15)
6. Looking Back (3:59)
7. Leprechaun Promenade (6:24)
8. Tumeni Notes (4:10)
9. Endless Waves (3:46)
10. Modoc (2:19)
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