Magna Carta [Import]

Magna Carta [Import]

Track Listings

1. Times of Change

2. Daughter Daughter

3. Old John Parker

4. I Am No More

5. Ballad of Francis Alabadalejo

6. Spinning Wheels of Time

7. Romeo Jack

8. Mid Winter

9. Shades of Grey

10. Emily Thru' the Window Pane

11. Sea and Sand (The Isle of Pabay)

12. Seven O'Clock Hymn

13. Seven O'Clock Hymn/Mid Winter

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Digitally remastered reissue of debut album by the Britis h folk/ prog outfit, complete with the bonus track 'Seven O'Clock Hymn/ Mid Winter' (Live). 13 tracks total. Also features the cover art from when the album was originally released in 1969. 1999 release.

Tracks:

Paradigm Shift
Osmosis
Kindred Spirits
The Stretch
Freedom Of Speech
Chris And Kevin's Excellent Adventure
State Of Grace
Universal Mind
Three Minute Warning
Three Minute Warning
Three Minute Warning
Three Minute Warning
Three Minute Warning

Amazon.com

Over-wrought, self-indulgent, bombastic--hurl every clichéd prog-rock epithet you can think of--this group will suck 'em in and spit 'em right back in a deafening flurry of notes plucked, struck, hammered, and slapped. Without question, these guys ( Dream Theater's drummer and guitarist Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci respectively, keyboardist Jordan Rudess, and bassist Tony Levin) are masters. And they make no apologies for having recorded an album of intensely virtuosic instrumental hard rock. Armed with chops, taste, and panache, LTE groove seamlessly from the lightning-fingered metalfest "Paradigm Shift" to the comical drum & bass duet "Chris and Kevin's Excellent Adventure"; from the full-throttle jamming on "Universal Mind" to the house-crushing mayhem of "Three Minute Warning." Throughout, the staggering speed and technique of both Portnoy and Petrucci consistently grab center stage. It's a riveting work from start to finish and a scorching testament to the power of musical inspiration and collaboration. --Michael Mikesell

Customer Reviews:

No way 4 musicians could do this!!!.......2007-06-03

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. This jam session absolutely shreds! I bet someone in the studio just hit the red light and said 'play'. This is madness, absolute madness! A prog-metalhead's dream come true.

A great buy for any lover of this band.......2007-03-28

A great buy for any lover of this band

Phenomenal Instrumental Prog.....Dream Theater Side Project!.......2006-10-13

For those of you not in the know, Liquid Tension Experiment was a side-project of Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci, Dream Theater keyboardist (as of 1999) Jordan Rudess, and bass player supreme Tony Levin. This album, the first of two they did, is all instrumental prog and is simply jaw-dropping.

Dream Theater, as I'm sure any of you know, is a legendary prog band comprising of 5 virtusos, each one a master of their instrument (or voice, in James Labrie's case). The LTE side-project is also made up of virtuosity. Simply stunning.

The songs range from short and sweet like Osmosis, Chirs and Kevin's Excellent Adventure, and State of Grace to prog EPICS like Paradigm Shift, Universal Mind, and the 30 minute ALL IMPROVISED Three Minute Warning. These guys just go from strength to strength, and if an album made up of all instrumental prog sounds like it's going to be boring or lame, you couldn't be more wrong. This is an album that stands up to repeated listens no problem.

From Mike Portnoy's thunderous and acrobatic drumming to John Petrucci's masterful guitar player, Tony Levin's nimble bass to Jordan Rudess' keyboard wizardry, this is an exceptional album any fan of DT or great prog will love. Get this and their second album and just marvel.....

a reply to "geddysciple".......2006-09-09

I agree with "geddysciple" that LTE (and, consequently, Dream Theater) produce incredible music that sound superhuman. However, the seventh track, "State of Grace," is perhaps the most significant piece that the group has put out. It is satisfying in almost every way. Given that the group's standard is powerful, exuberant progressive rock, it is all the more satisfying to hear that LTE can produce a heartfelt, emotional ballad in the form of "State of Grace." John Petrucci's song-length solo is played with such feeling that I cannot for the life of me understand why someone would opt to name this track as "a bit cold and boring."

This is where it went.......2006-08-19

If you've been wondering where Progressive Rock went, give this album a listen.

As the disc was spinning up, a "warning" caught my eye:

"Caution: Three Minute Warning is not for the musically faint-hearted, impatient, or critics of extreme self-indulgence. If you fall into any of the above categories, please hit the stop button on your CD player after Track 8."

So, naturally, I skipped right to Three Minute Warning -- which is a set of 5 tracks totaling 28:31 minutes. While it played, I read the notes in the included booklet.

Yes, this CD package includes actual liner notes, something I used to enjoy Back in The Day, when records were made of vinyl. The notes explained that Three Minute Warning is a 30-minute jam, completely improvised, with not a single note discussed beforehand. What the notes do not mention is that it is TIGHT. This is all-out bashing wailing progressive rock, played by inventive, thoughtful players who enjoy the sounds they can get from their instruments.

The result is a smorgasbord of delightful playing whose parts and instruments fit together seamlessly. It manages to be powerful and dark but still joyful. Levin continues to pull surprises out of his Chapman Stick, and his NS Design electric upright. The organ & keyboard riffs evoke Wakeman's looser, happier moments. The guitar soars and tickles the other instruments along... and the drums are just plain having fun building pulses, pauses and textures.

The album is, by turns, dense and atmospheric, full of unexpected twists and turns. You really get the feeling these guys enjoy playing together.

I heartily recommend this CD.

jmr

Average customer rating:

Worthwhile Leftovers
As good as the first one
A great buy for any lover of this band
More interesting than the first
Even better than the first LTE album.

Liquid Tension Experiment 2
Liquid Tension Experiment
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000J7UT
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

Acid Rain
Biaxident
914
Another Dimension
When The Water Breaks
Chewbacca
Liquid Dreams
Hourglass

Amazon.com

In 1997, neoprogressive rockers John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater joined with keyboardist Jordan Rudess and veteran bass master Tony Levin to create an adventurous and joyously unrestrained musical environment. On volume 2, surging technical brilliance is abundant--and as provocative as it is impressive. These tracks were largely the result of extemporaneous jamming; each piece comes across as a finely crafted and flawlessly executed composition. Also striking are the enjoyably drastic changes of style. "When the Water Breaks" and "Another Dimension" are eclectic journeys, happily unpredictable. Quieter, more atmospheric moments unfold in tracks such as "Hourglass" and "Chewbacca." Petrucci, Portnoy, and Rudess effortlessly master intricately explosive rhythms and unleash astounding solos. Levin displays his wonderful eccentricities, particularly on the playfully wicked grooves of "914" and "Liquid Dreams." --Mark McCleerey

Customer Reviews:

Worthwhile Leftovers.......2007-07-15

If You LOVE LTE 1; you are a confessed gear freak, guitarist that does not wince when people know you Love Prog??? This a must purchase. It is a shame that it seems like maybe scheduling prevented these guys from putting together a continuation or extension of this project that lives and breathes as well as the first...buy it cause nothing else like this exists.

A true Gem with Petrucci/Rudess is the Solo Piano/Guitar disc that is on Vai's "Favored Nations" Label...absolutely worth the effort and every penny.

As good as the first one.......2007-06-13

Well. Another effort that demonstrates the talent of these guys. This cd is as good as the other liquid tension releases. Sheer power and great pieces. Highly recommended for people who appreciate virtuosos and instrumental rock. If your a Dream Theatre fan, you'll probably like it. If not, it is still a great CD to listen to.

A great buy for any lover of this band.......2007-06-13

A great buy for any lover of this band

More interesting than the first.......2007-03-27

I've been a pretty big fan of the first LTE for years, and only just now laid ears on vol. 2. I find it a much more satisfying listen, the overall approach seems a bit looser, resulting in a more raw and less-produced sound throughout. The main difference I noticed right from the first couple notes, is that the band takes a much more stylish and contemporary approach. While the first album had a sort of cheezy, new age-esque bent to it, this one is much funkier and more compositionally minimal. Don't get me wrong, the dizzying sequences of time shifts and rhythmic mayhem are out in force, but the compositions overall are more abstract. Rather than the almost orchestral approach of LTE 1, this record aims more for good old-fashioned riffing, as well as some really incredible experimentalism from Petrucci and Rudess. The whammy-pedal workout in Acid Rain in particular grabbed my attention. There are bonafied head-nodders throughout, with Petrucci and Levin laying down huge slabs of classic rock riffage. Because the tunes are more spacious in general, when someone cuts loose on a solo, it has even more impact. Petrucci's wild antics are more enjoyable for me over an edgey groove than the walls of keyboard strings and rhythm guitar that was common to LTE 1. They haven't toned down their virtuoso flurry-of-notes technique at all, but they have placed it in a slightly different context that makes the whole project much more interesting and enjoyable for me. LTE 2 overall feels more dynamic and creative, with a wider sonic palette, more like listening to a live band. My only disappointment is the last track, which I would've much preferred be a crazy 8 minute shredfest than the slow piano-driven "Hourglass".

Even better than the first LTE album........2006-10-27

*************this is a re-print of my review from Epinions.com under the user name alan-smithee)*************************************************

Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental progressive rock super-group of sorts that consists of John Petrucci (guitar) and Mike Portnoy (drums) from Dream Theater, Jordan Rudess (keyboards) of Dixie Dregs & solo fame and the legendary Tony Levin (bass & Chapman Stick) who has played with almost everybody under the moon but is most well known for his work with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel.

They released the first LTE album in 1997 on the progressive rock Magna Carta label. The first release was literally written and recorded during a single weekend. As a result, even though the album was most technically impressive, the extremely short writing and recording time made the album come across as extremely haphazard to me.

The band got back together in late 1998 to record the 2nd LTE album that was to be released in 1999. They had a considerable larger amount of time to make this 2nd album of over-the-top instrumental rock and it definitely shows. The ideas and most importantly the arrangements and songs themselves have a much better feel and don't feel to be flying all over the place at any and every given opportunity like on the first CD.

People should be warned that this album is unapologetically complex and is progressive rock with a capital "P". Being a musician myself, it is quite satisfying listening to this album and hearing musicians of this immense playing caliber just ripping it up. But a lot of people will be surprised at how well thought a lot of the ideas on this album actually are. While there are a few improvised jams on the album, there are also a lot of moments where it is extremely apparent that a lot of thought and hard work went into the tracks.

------------------------------------------------------------
The CD itself runs a couple of seconds shy of 74 minutes and here is a breakdown of each of the 8 tracks:

1)Acid Rain: This opener which runs 6 minutes 35 seconds in length starts out the album with a bang. Very fast, very aggressive with some extremely complex riffing and guitar & keyboard interplay from Petrucci and Rudess. Tony Levin gives his Chapman Stick (a 12 string instrument played completely by 2-handed tapping) a workout as well with some very creative doubling of some of the insane sections. I particularly liked the breakdown section near the middle where Petrucci does a blistering solo over a killer groove laid by Portnoy and Levin.

2)Biaxident: My personal favorite track of the album. Lasting 7 minutes 40 seconds, it bursts with some shimmering and beautiful keyboard work by Jordan Rudess. The track starts out very tranquil and peaceful in a sort of way that kind of reminded me of the progressive rock group Marillion at times. The song really gets cranking about a couple of minutes in and the tone of the song gets heavier before backing down into a really interesting section that plays out in sort of a swing feel. Rudess does an amazing piano solo that is very well thought out. Some very tasteful drum work by Portnoy throughout rounds out an extremely strong track.

3)914: Starts out with an extremely heavy (and grooving) bass line laid down by Tony Levin on his Chapman Stick that is doubled with some solid drum work by Portnoy. The song is kind of deceiving as it actually features no guitar on it since Petrucci's wife was in labor during some of the sessions and he had to be by her side leaving Rudess, Levin and Portnoy time to jam. This whole track is completely improvised according to the liner notes. Rudess lays down a very quirky but cool sounding keyboard part using some shimmering tones on his synthesizer. This track is one of the shorter on the album coming in at only 4 minutes 1 second.

4)Another Dimension: This 9 minute 50 second track starts out with some very eerie solo Stick work by the master Tony Levin. A keyboard pad then joins into the mix before a guitar joins doubling Levin's odd-time bass/stick line. This track kind of reminds me of ex-Dream Theater keyboardist Derek Sherinian's band Planet X especially with a lot of the tone choices that Jordan Rudess uses to play a lot of the lead synth lines. A very heavy and dense song that gets weirder and weirder as it goes along. Ends with some delightfully atonal swooping by Petrucci and Levin doubling each other. Not the most accessible song on the album, but definitely one of the most interesting.

5)When the Water Breaks: Here we come to the first "epic" of the album. Bursting at the seams with a really long running time of 16 minutes 58 seconds, the track starts out with the cries of a newborn baby before Rudess enters with a very gentle sounding keyboard part that initially sounds like a mobile in a baby's bed/crib. Things quickly begin to heat up with some very complex riffing by the band. This track goes all over the place and features a truly stupendous section that Tony Levin refers to as the "reggae/accordion" section in his comments in the CD's liner notes. Levin plays a stick throughout most of this song though I did notice some traditional bass work in a couple of spots. Petrucci's wife was in labor at this point and he had to leave the writing sessions for this track to be with his wife. The band marks the exact point in the writing process when his wife's water broke, hence the title of the song. (They do this by punctuating the song with a baby's cry right in the middle of the song when she actually gave birth). The song goes on a bit long in some spots but overall boasts a lot of rich and very musical ideas. Tons of fantastic stick and bass work by Levin makes this song one of my favorites (as I am myself a bass player).

5)Chewbacca: Another really long song at 13 minutes 35 seconds. After a very abstract opening with some really strange sound effects, the band starts cranking out a really heavy mid-tempo riff that features some great wah-wah guitar work by Petrucci. Portnoy goes nuts on the drums during quite a few breaks in the song. This is generally regarded as the weakest track on the album, which it is. But that doesn't make it bad since I've actually become somewhat enamored of the song over time. Tony Levin does some very funny and creative things on his Stick that make this song extremely quirky (it sounds like he's trying to mimic the sounds that the Star Wars character the track is named after makes in the movies). Somewhat repetitious, but still has some great moments as well as being the 2nd heaviest song on the album behind Acid Rain. Some very screwy solos by Petrucci on guitar round out this very odd but grooving and sometimes tribal sounding track. Extremely abstract and weird, but endearingly so.

6)Liquid Dreams: Another long one at 10 minutes 48 seconds but this song just is stuffed with great ideas. Another one of the trio songs as Petrucci wasn't present when this song was written and his guitar parts were added on after the fact. As a result, this track really shines the spotlight on Jordan Rudess' amazing and technically proficient keyboard work. I particularly liked the bass line laid down by Tony Levin on this sort of mid-tempo and very atmospheric rocker. Has a really great groove and I kind of wish they would have made it a actually a bit longer. There is a really neat breakdown section of sorts during the last few moments that features some very unique sounding bass (or is it Stick?) along with some very jazzy keyboard work.

7)Hourglass: A big change of pace for this band, this is basically just 4 minutes 26 seconds of some beautiful acoustic guitar and keyboards. While winding up the album in uncharacteristically quiet fashion, this track is extremely strong and basically just a beautiful piece of music.
------------------------------------------------------------

and there you have it! This album really had to be heard to be able to truly appreciate what these guys accomplished on this album. It is truly a lot better than their first album and a side-by-side comparison will reveal that this 2nd album is just a whole lot more relaxed sounding and much more well thought out. There are plenty of moments that showcase each of the individual musicians and they seem to blend in together a lot better on this album as well.

As a side note, Jordan Rudess ended up replacing Derek Sherenian in Dream Theater not too long after this album was released. Petrucci and Portnoy were so impressed with how easy they could write music with Rudess that they immediately offered him the keyboard chair in the band in which he accepted. They had wanted Rudess earlier in Dream Theater back in the mid 90's when their original keyboardist Kevin Moore suddenly quit the band in 1994. Rudess was tied up with the Dixie Dregs so Dream Theater ended up getting Derek Sherenian to join the band instead.

As a result of Rudess joining Dream Theater, we probably won't see anymore Liquid Tension Experiment CD's as they are essentially 3/5's of Dream Theater now. But what they accomplished with this side-project (and especially with this album) was some very nice progressive rock that shows that true musical proficiency is still alive and well and that it isn't a problem to be technically proficient on your instrument of choice.

Fans of complex progressive rock like mid 70's Yes will especially like this album as it kind of takes that angle and adds a much heavier feel to it. There are some moments where a couple of tracks get a bit long-winded, but overall this is truly great stuff. This is progressive rock made by progressive rock fans specifically for progressive rock fans.

Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Needs editing
Percussive gumbo stew!
ALL FUNKED UP!

Super Heavy Organ
Robert Walter
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000ALCG56
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

Adelita
Kickin' Up Dust
Spell
El Cuervo
Criminals Have A Name For It
34 Small
Don't Hate, Congratulate
Poor Tom
(Smells Like) Dad's Drunk Again
Big Dummy
Hardware
Cabrillo

Album Description

On Super Heavy Organ, Robert Walter is in able company as he constructs what he calls "soul jazz". For one thing, there's the rhythm section, culled from the finest of the New Orleans old and new guards: Johnny Vidacovich and Stanton Moore, respectively. Although they don't join up on these tracks, they do perform together frequently under another banner. Then we have Tim Green, James Singleton, and Anthony Farrell, as competent as it gets on sax, bass, and vocals. But they deliver more than competence here. It's more of a hardiness, a rollicking funk, done up in contemporary New Orleans style.

Customer Reviews:

Needs editing.......2006-02-26

Robert Walter's funk-jazz album is pretty good, but ultimately would be better with two or three of the weaker songs lopped off. The drumming seat is filled by either Stanton Moore or Johnny Vidacovich. Both of these can guys can play a funky drumbeat. "Kickin' Up Dust" is a highlight. Unfortunately, some of the songs are just flat.

Percussive gumbo stew!.......2006-02-03

For lovers of Hammond B3 music this album is highly recoomended. Walter also manages to get some clavinet, piano and melodica in there as well,as well as adding more percussion. The album is highly percussive with not only Stanton Moore but Johnny Vidacovich adding drums,cymbals and percussion to a variety of the tracks. Its driven along by James Singleton on Bass and some splendid, often tortured Tenor Sax work from James Singleton. To add to the variety Anthony Farrell, described as 'a special guest' is quoted as providing vocals on tracks 3,5 and 7, but if you find them please let me know! Recorded in New Orleans in January 2005 the tracks seem to have been recorded in a relaxed manner, with a lot of studio backchat. There are a variety of styles 'Criminals have a name for it' has a tricky percussion led intro which builds to a strong finish. '34 Small' is a much more moody effort whilst "Don't hate, congratulate' together with 'Big Dummy' are my current favourite tracks. One further point, the sleeve notes note that it is "enhanced" and certainly the difference between playing it on the in-car stereo and letting it rip on my domestic system was marked. I hesitated before purchasing and I really do wish that I'd had the foresight to buy it on its release.

ALL FUNKED UP!.......2006-02-03

With drummers Stanton Moore and Johny Vidocovich on board you can always expect some funky stuff. Walter's organ screams over some of the slickest N.O. drumming grooves anywhere. Solid tunes played by top guys who know how to make their instruments sound loose and happy.

Average customer rating:

You can't hate this album.
Fairly decent but.......
When will Amazon let us choose 6 stars ?
How does this guy keep doing it?
Happy to hear this stuff!

Major Impacts, Vol. 2
Steve Morse
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001BUBZW
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Wooden Music
Where are you?
Errol Smith
Cool Wind, Green Hills
Organically Grown
12 strings on Carnaby St
Zig Zags
Abracadab
Tri County Barn Dance
Air on a 6 String
Motor City Spirit
Ghost of the Bayou
Leonard's Best

Album Description

This year has been a busy one for rock guitar virtuoso Steve Morse. In addition to his heavy touring schedule with Deep Purple and his own Steve Morse Band, he found time to record "Major Impacts 2", a successor to his stellar Magna Carta debut, 2000's "Major Impacts".

Widely hailed as an innovative alternative to the more standard tribute album, Morse's "Major Impacts 2" concept sees him paying tribute to his influences -- not with direct covers but with original tracks that recall the style of his heroes, filtered through his own interpretive sheen. Not only does it showcase his incredible versatility and inventiveness as a guitar player, composer and interpreter, it also provides a window into how he became the guitar player he is today.

"When Magna Carta came to me with the idea, I liked it immediately because it was such a challenge," Morse recalls. So many people do tribute albums where they simply cover the songs, but this was so totally different: I didn't want to fall into the trap of being derivative, so I tried to come up with a few things that would identify a style and what that artist or composer has meant to me."

In deciding whom to pay homage to on the record he deliberately avoided targeted research, choosing instead to rely purely on his long-term musical memory. As such, we hear flavors of bluegrass and Cajun music Morse heard as a teenager in Georgia (he even plays his grandfather's fiddle on one track, "Ghost of the Bayou"); the swinging '60s sound of The Yardbirds and The Hollies ("12 Strings on Carnaby St."); Bach counterpoint ("Air on a 6 String"); guitar interpretations of Keith Emerson's organ playing ("Organically Grown") and Steven Tyler's distinctive vocal style ("Errol Smith").

Like its predecessor, "Major Impacts 2" features the guitarist's regular collaborators and Steve Morse Band members: bassist Dave LaRue and drummer/percussionist Van Romaine. Morse, who also played all keyboard parts and violin, produced the album, his third on Magna Carta.

Founding member of the fusion rock band, Dixie Dregs, and a member of Deep Purple since 1996, Morse adheres to the notion that his approach to playing and writing hasn't changed over the years, despite the many hats he wears and style bases he covers. Indeed, it's his chameleon-like musicianship that is captured so perfectly on the multi-faceted "Major Impacts 2".

Customer Reviews:

You can't hate this album........2005-09-06

Even if you're not a rock fan, this album is a really good asset to almost any collection. I think this is especially enjoyable for guitar players who can appreciate the brilliant playing involved.

I can't pick favorites but I really love Air on a 6 String. It's a guitar solo in the style of Bach and you can tell. I printed out a tab to this and it's a lot of fun to play and a lot of fun to hear. You can even play it for your grandma.

I even really like the Tri County Barn Dance, and I hate country and I'm not a fan of blue grass.

The track called "Where Are You" is one that really sticks out to me as being one that he really hit the nail on the head as far as trying to sound like a band. That sounds like the lost Who song to me.

I'm going by memory here because I don't have the cd with me but another I remember thinking was great was "Motor City Spirit," impacted by Nugent, Deep Purple, and Spirit. Even before I read the sleeve on the inside, I recognized that lead as a tribute to Ritchie Blackmore playing Highway Star. The guitar solo on Highway star wasn't that impressive to me but I don't think Blackmore is that good. But Steve made the style awesome.

Just an over all great album. I can really relax to the slow songs and drum my desk to the hard rock ones. Just buy this album and listen to it any time you want.

Fairly decent but..............2004-07-12

As a guitarist/teacher, I've been a Steve Morse fan for a long time, mostly from the Dreggs. He is still quite the musician, but this cd lacks backup players, lacks material, and mostly lacks ENGINEERING!! It is poorly recorded for the most part, no sizzle, no punch, and drums that sound like they were recorded in a garage....certainly no challenge for any stereo system. I thought Magna Carta was a much better company that this production proves. The cd is borderline listenable....with a few decent tracks mixed in. C'mon Steve...you can do MUCH better than this!! You are still THE MAN....even though this cd doesn't prove it.

When will Amazon let us choose 6 stars ?.......2004-06-18

One of the really fun things about Major impacts 1& 2 is seeing your guitar hero as a 'fan' .. seeing him as a guy who is humble enough to look at someone else's innovation and talent, and recognise it as such; to be able to picture him at the front of a gig doing all the stupid things we all do when the mood takes us.

Steve Morse is humble enough to make more than a passing nod to his influences. Major Impacts is not "Oh, I listened to a great deal of 'Howling Racket' when I was younger" and the implication being, "and of course I have left them far behind in the phosphorescent wake of my own talent". With Steve, we have someone who pays true homage to his heroes and influences, and not just lip service in order to win 'brownie points'.

The style of this album, as is noted elsewhere, is very much unresearched ... it seems to come over without a plan .. a bit like our own record collections and memories, and is all the better and fresher for it.

As for the music, from the first bars of Wooden Music, it was clear that Steve has put more energy and an even higher level of compositional skill into this second batch of influences. There are only a few moments of "typical Morse", and that, to me, is a REAL bonus ... let me explain.

The problem with instrumentalists and instrumentals is that over the course of 15 or so albums, the repeating of any phrases, tones and chords sequences is going to be noticable .. much more so than in a song, where words and lyrics take the place of the solo instrument. Whilst Steve has created more diversity and innovation in his music than most other players out there today, over 15 or so albums, there is always a tendancy to say "oh, that is the same phrase as "Marco Polo" or " thats the same riff from "Battle Lines"

Not so with this record, and HUGE credit to Steve for that ...

If anyone has a rack full of Steve Morse records ( going back to the brilliance of "What If" ) and has any sort of sympathy with the feeling, "Well, I have 15 Dregs/Morse records, perhaps I can give this one a miss" ... DON'T.

From Bach ( sheer brilliance ) to the Bayou, this record is fresh, energetic, exciting and represents just about the pinnacle of Steve's innovation and writing skills.

I would love to meet this guy .. my true 'hero' and an inspiration. Thanks for putting the effort into becoming this brilliant at what you do.

How does this guy keep doing it?.......2004-05-15

I've been a fan of Steve Morse since 1978, when I first hear the Dixie Dregs' "What If" on a 8-track my cousin had. This guy is absolulely amazing. "Major Impacts 2" is no exception to his tradition of musical excellence. The Hammond B3 patches on "Organically Grown", the CSN vibe on "Wooden Music", I could go on and on but he captures everything he attempts perfectly. Yeah, he's a monster guitarist, one of the best electric guitarists ever, but he also is an excellent composer. Listen to the interplay of instruments on his records versus some of the other "shred" guys. Oh, they can play fast, but few, if any, musicians who just happen to play guitar can touch Steve Morse.

Do yourself a favor. Buy this CD, turn your stereo to "11" and prepared to be amazed!!!

Happy to hear this stuff!.......2004-04-17

I've been a SM fan since 1980. I've got everything he's done including (what I consider to be)the ill-fated Kansas stuff. So, like any fanatic, I've got to get the latest. And this is the GREATEST! The subtlety and strength is amazing. I'm a keyboard guy green with envy. Not to mention that Steve covers most of my main influences. Steve, artistry in the age of Britney is not rewarded other that by my abject praise. Keep it up. History, if not the market, will reward you.

Average customer rating:

very original with righteous La Villa cover
Prime time!
It's Steve. What else can I say?

Prime Cuts
Steve Morse
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Major Impacts, Vol. 2
Bloom
Major Impacts
Split Decision
Live in Baden: Baden Germany March 1990

ASIN: B0009CTVDQ
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

Heightened Awareness
Prognosis
La Villa Strangiato
The Clap
Quantum Soup
Busybodies
Led On
Air On A 6 String
Wooden Music

Album Description

A collection of Steve's finest work from his Magna Carta sessions Bonus: 11 minute video interview with Steve. Steve Morse performing with Terry Bozzio, Dave LaRue, James Murphy, Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci, Van Romaine, Jordan Rudess, Billy Sheehan and Mark Wood.

Take almost anything Morse does on these compositions, whether it's the ever-darting, constantly modulating ostinato on "Heightened Awareness", or the thematic line from "Busybodies", or perhaps the dense layers of "Wooden Music". You will notice that melody always takes precedence. Mind you, you' ll also get a good dose of speed and heightened articulation: Perhaps this is what happens when a left-handed player turns the guitar around and plays it the "right" way. It places his stronger hand on the neck, promoting dexterity—and adding a certain "meat" to the tone. Morse's lines don't whither or trail off. Of course, this is very much a conscious effort and has much to do with his right hand picking virtually every note—not a lot of slurring going on! Also key to his unique sound is the design of his instrument, one that has evolved from the early years when he employed multiple pickups to catch every string nuance.

Steve wears his southern influences on his sleeve. While his tone speaks of the blues greats, it also twangs of the country. Listen to the way he handles the Yes standard, "The Clap". No question, Morse can hang with the likes of Albert Lee any day.

Aside from deep country and that Dixie funk, Morse exhibits a huge variety of guitar influences, from Steve Howe to John McLaughlin, the latter who seemed to define for a generation the proper ratio of jazz to rock. Then there's this pervasive baroque thing, almost Mozart like in its staccato phrases and Bach like in its serenity—evidence, perhaps, of Steve's classical studies in Florida (check out "Air on a 6-String" or the figure that begins around 00.50 on "Prognosis"). No wonder he used to typify his work as "modern chamber music"!

Customer Reviews:

very original with righteous La Villa cover.......2007-05-10

If for no other reason, buy this strictly for the La Villa Strangiato cover. It is obvious to me that Steve uses this song as a warm-up; for he effortlessly shreds this composition from top to bottom in a truly unique and fresh way. I never thought it possible to improve on this song; but somehow Steve's guitar aggressively explores a new dimension - all in the spirit of the Rush original.

Aside from this cover, almost all other songs layer creative and fresh musical compositions that both sound good and demonstrate Steve's amazing musicianship.

Other talented guitarists aim to prove their worthiness by cramming a bazillion sixty-fourth notes into each passing measure. Steve knows better.

Prime time!.......2005-11-14

I just bought "Prime Cuts" and "Rapture of the Deep" by Deep Purple (featuring Morse on guitar). Both albums are enjoyable in different ways. "Prime Cuts" shows off Steve's guitar work on this instrumental disc. "Rapture of the Deep" shows Steve blending in with the other musicians of Deep Purple. A powerful rock album.

"Prime Cuts" = 4 1/2 stars
"Rapture of the Deep" = 5 stars

It's Steve. What else can I say?.......2005-07-08

While not the best way to get started on your collection of Steve Morse's music, for those of us who have everything else, it is a way to hear a cut or two you may not have.

I didn't have the RUSH tribute cut in my collection, for example.

Any Steve Morse cut is worth having.

By the way, I just got to see Deep Purple again and that may be another way to add to your collection of Steve's music. All of their material from the last 10 years is heavily laced with Steve's influence.

Average customer rating:

Another Great Album by Steve Morse
Inspired musical gems
More Than a Tribute Album
morse fest
Variety Deluxe

Major Impacts
Steve Morse
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Major Impacts, Vol. 2
Split Decision
Prime Cuts
Stressfest
What If

ASIN: B00004U05A
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

Derailleur Gears
Well, I Have
TruthOla
Migration
Led On
The White Light
How Does It Feel?
Bring It To Me
Something Gently Weeps
Free In The Park
Prognosis

Amazon.com

With Major Impacts, Dixie Dregs/Kansas/Deep Purple vet Steve Morse attempts to give fans an aural portrait of the origins of his wide-ranging style. Rather than merely perform tunes associated with this guitar hero's guitar heroes, he has composed 11 tunes that reflect the styles of his influences. "Derailleur Gears" sets the tone, managing the tricky feat of evoking Cream-era Clapton without sounding like a slavish imitation. Stylists from Jimi Hendrix to Roger McGuinn to John McLaughlin are represented here, and all are readily recognizable. "TruthOla," a tribute to Jeff Beck, Eric Johnson, and Alex Lifeson, falters only in its homage to the original Beck, offering the legato leads of Johnson and the suspended chords of Lifeson, but none of the riding-the-ragged-edge surprise of the Great One. Morse's greatest success, though, is creating a collection of instrumentals that will please even nonguitarists. --Michael Ross

Customer Reviews:

Another Great Album by Steve Morse.......2006-08-14

I don't think Steve Morse gets anywhere near the praise his talent entitles him to. But...Don't take my word for it. Buy it and decide for yourself.

Inspired musical gems.......2005-05-18

I'm not sure if I'm qualified to review such an epic guitar work as this due to my lack of technical skills in the area of string wizardry. But I will say that these original pieces nail down perfectly the feel and sound of the artists that inspired them. "Well, I Have" is a classic sounding Hendrix tune with all the trademark suspended scalar runs and wah-wah touches you know and love about the man. "Bring It To Me" has a thick and raunchy sound that would make Leslie West of Mountain proud. Prognosis features an incredible overlay of picking and strumming melodies in irregular time signatures that are reminisent of Kansas and Yes. But these tracks are just extremely well-written tunes that stand alone regardless of whether or not you are familiar with the artists that inspired them. I prefer Major Impacts I to Major Impacts II simply because it is a heavier sounding rock n' roll album. But Major Impacts II features great Aerosmith and Ted Nugent tributes as well.

More Than a Tribute Album.......2004-02-07

The thing I like most about "Major Impacts" is that the songs stand up even if you don't know Morse is aping the sytles of other guitarists. Everyone knows Morse is a great technician when it comes to playing, but his compositional skill on these tracks is impressive, even when--as in the case of "Derailleur" and "Truth Ola"--I have trouble connecting the sound to Creem and Jeff Beck, respectively. It doesn't matter.

My favorite cuts are probably the last two on the CD, "Free in the Park" and "Prognosis". The first lays down a nice bluesy Allman Brothers groove, and the second is an intricate Prog Rock sendup of (mostly) Yes and (a little) Kansas. Listen carefully, BeBop Deluxe fans, and you might hear one or two Bill Nelsonesque glissandos. Great stuff.

In fact, I wish Morse would have been a little more progressive on this album, he has progressive roots, and Magna Carta is a progressive label. For example, I'd like to see him play in the vein of Steve Hackett when he was with Genesis and wouldn't mind hearing him try something even less commerical, like Alan Holdsworth.

However, the biggest disappointment for me, and to keep it in perspective, it's only one out of eleven tracks, is the Byrds' influenced cut, "Migration". Morse has the jingle jangle rhythmic sound down, but I would have liked it more if he would have played lead in the style of Roger McGuinn when McGuinn was at his peak as a player. The lead in "Eight Miles High" is a good example, but there are plenty of others spread out all over the "Fifth Dimension" and "Younger than Yesterday" albums.

Oh, well, you can't have everything. Fans of good guitar playing and solid instrumental composition will like this one.

morse fest.......2003-12-28

Great,great album. For those who likes guitar, there is the funny game of trying to discover which guitar hero style is Steve Morse playing on each song, but also as always these are great original compositions from one of the best composers which casually plays guitar.
For those who just simply likes good music, this is probably the most easyly accesible album from Steve, but as I said, great guitars and compositions as always.
Great job also from Dave Larue, one bassist which should be more recognised.

Variety Deluxe.......2003-07-02

I have been aware of Steve Morse's guitar ability since the 70s, and I have had the pleasure of seeing him back in the 80s. This CD is great for those who, like me, like variety. To me this is how radio ought to be. It is a cool idea very well done. If you like instrumental rock with taste, this is for you.

Average customer rating:

Very good musician, poor music !
Great Instrumental Album
Eh....fairly Disappointing.
A Three Way Tour de Force!!!!
Spontaneous and Threatening

Black Light Syndrome
Bozzio Levin Stevens
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Situation Dangerous
Flamenco A Go-Go
Liquid Tension Experiment
Atomic Playboys
Double Espresso

ASIN: B000003ZBI
Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

The Sun Road
Dark Corners
Duende
Black Light Syndrome
Falling In Circles
Book Of Hours
Chaos/Control

Customer Reviews:

Very good musician, poor music !.......2007-01-23

I like a lot Tony Levin's work with Peter Gabriel, I knew Mr. Stevens for his work with Billy Idol, I must admit that he impressed me a lot on this CD, he's a top guitar player and Joe Satriani should invite him at his next G3 tour, finally, I know Terry Bozzio is a first class drum player...so you have everything to make a great album...this is not the result here. As another reviewer said, musical performance is top rated, but the emotion is missing, no harmony and music goin' nowhere.

Great Instrumental Album.......2006-10-31

What happens when you throw three lauded musicians together in a studio and let them go at it? The result is a truly wonderful all instrumental album that should please fans of general progressive rock as well as those who enjoy these musicians individual projects. BLS is Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, many others) on bass / stick, Terry Bozzio (Missing Persons, UK) on drums and Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) on guitar. I have been familiar with Levin's work for years, and I was familiar with Bozzio through his work with UK, but the big surprise here for me was Steve Stevens. I had always pretty much written the guy off as another average guitarist working with a well known singer. How wrong I was, this guy can burn on guitar as he does throughout this album. Highlights of the disc include the 14 minute plus "The Sun Road", the acoustic "Duende" and the title track "Black Light Syndrome". Really every thing on this disc is great. Call it prog, fusion, metal, whatever, this album covers a lot of ground. Great stuff and a must purchase for fans of these individual artists.

Eh....fairly Disappointing........2006-08-31

Disappointing in the sense that I really wanted to believe that these 3 guys could put out some good work. I hate spending good $$ on a CD only to have it be mediocre at best.
Sounds rushed, or hurriedly put together as evident from the liner notes of a 4 day recording window. Too bad because such good musicians should have know better than to try and crank something out for the sake of producing an album. Situation Dangerous is better, but still lacking.

If you're think of this in the sense of Liquid Tension Experiment forget it. The only commonality is Tony Levin. LTE is light years ahead of this.

A Three Way Tour de Force!!!!.......2006-01-28

Combining the talents of Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin and Steve Stevens indeed was something heaven sent. I've never listened to anything so moving and ambitious at the same time. This was the first time I was to listen to Terry Bozzio. The guy is a prodigy. Tony Levin I was introduced to through Liquid Tension Experiment and learning later on that he was Peter Gabriel's bassist. His lines are so solid and they really stand out. And what can I say about Steve Stevens. He's made a fan out of me now in the biggest way. While only under the impression that he mainly played rock tunes for Billy Idol, little did I realise that the guy can play some stunning flamenco. Truly amazing to say the least. He's up there with Al DiMeola and Paco DeLucia in my book.

The Sun Road is a stunningly gorgeous piece of music on all epic levels. Dark Corners rocks my world with some amazing drum skills by Bozzio. Duende is a lovely acoustic masterpiece. The title track Black Light Syndrome features Levin's bass work heavily. And Stevens' chord play is something to be admired. Falling In Circles is great piece as it also features a stunning buildup towards the end. Book Of Hours is another acoustic adventure and lastly, Chaos/Control closes the album in the best way.

Black Light Syndrome is a sojourn through many auditory landscapes. If you have an expensive stereo setup available turn this up LOUD!!!! You will not be disappointed believe me. So many layerings to enjoy. Something that I recently discovered. This album has been well produced. This is by far one of the best albums I've ever experienced.

Now go and get their followup entitled Situation Dangerous....

Spontaneous and Threatening.......2003-10-07

The moment my senses were stricken by Black Light Syndrome, the world became a better, weirder, happy, eerie place with an elated hope that music could once again be spontaneous and threatening in the best of ways. Spontaneous and alive with a fresh conception of where music can grow if given freedom, threatening the axiom of what "progressive rock" ought to be, Black Light Syndrome is a rare chance for the listener to be entertained and challenged. Terry Bozzio (drums), Tony Levin (bass/stick) and Steve Stevens (guitars) meld together wonderfully in this incredible project recorded over a span of only four days in an environment where each member had equal and unconditional input to its improvisational composition. That freedom is always evident.

Known for their musical efforts with a seemingly countless number of artists, Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons), Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, John Lennon), and Stevens (Billy Idol, Atomic Playboys) bring their influences to the album with a strangely comfortable feel. From the moody opening of The Sun Road, to the raucous noise of Dark Corners, to the flamenco fusion of Duende, Bozzio Levin Stevens introduce the record with a musical prowess that is both unpredictable and daring. The musing, jazzy title track coolly soars into Falling In Circles with an odd yet familiar vibe that crackles with electricity, while Book Of Hours gently soothes the tension afterwards. It is the album's closing track that best summarizes the entire listening experience, appropriately titled, Chaos/Control.

Black Light Syndrome is a bold mix of rock, jazz and world beat rhythms, carefully balancing fury and serenity in a soundscape of consciousness. Certainly not mainstream. Definitely excellent. This album comes highly recommended to anyone demanding more from music and I can only hope Bozzio, Levin and Stevens will work together again. Get it!

Ha!
Average customer rating:

Jazz guitar with a rock edge (or is it rock with jazz edge)?

Incredible, tasty and fun

Exciting and refreshing

This CD is great!

Amazing Guitar wizard!

Ha!
Oz Noy
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oz Live

Fusion for Miles: A Guitar Tribute

Visions of an Inner Mounting Apocalypse: A Fusion Guitar Tribute

Live!

Boston T Party

ASIN: B00080Z6QK
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Chillin'
Sit Tight
Haa!
Say What?!
What Love Is
Hey You
Downside Up
Blue Monk
Hit Me
I Can't Make You Love Me

Album Description

Sometimes it's a chainsaw in a hotel closet. Sometimes it's an alien bug in its death scream. The sound may vary, but the impact never does. A guitar in the hands of Oz Noy can be a dangerous beast, barely contained. Speed licks, tasty chops, and sonic assaults are the order of the day, all with an ever-present groove. Jazz fusion legend Mike Stern calls Oz Noy "a fantastic guitar player...one of the best I've ever seen."

Oz Noy's Ha! includes contributions from the rhythm section of Late Night With David Letterman's Band: drummer Anton Fig and bassist Will Lee, as well as guest guitarist Mike Stern (Billy Cobham, Miles Davis) and Brecker Brothers keyboardist George Whitty. Check out the bonus video interview with Oz discussing his guitar techniques and an added audio track - "Just Groove Me" - Live with Anton Fig and Reggie Washington. One listen to Ha! and you'll join Mike Stern in the Oz Noy admiration society.

Customer Reviews:

Jazz guitar with a rock edge (or is it rock with jazz edge)?.......2006-10-05

Awesome original sounds. I like rock guitar instrumentals. But Oz is not only a great technical guitar player, he shows the originality of a true artist creating new fused sounds of Jazz and Rock that is exciting and edgy.

Incredible, tasty and fun.......2005-09-17

This CD rocks. I know people say that all the time about most music they like as a generic compliment, but for this CD- its totally true. All the players on here are amazing. Oz is joined by such greats as Will Lee of the Tonight Show who, although amazing talents in their own right, never over shadow him. This disc has elements of fusion, rock, funk, everything. Yes, fans of Jeff Beck will love it, but it is so much more. It really is Jeff Beck on fusion steriods. I defy you not to start bobbing your head or tapping your toes. I actually have to catch myself screaming "Hell, yeah!" This disc is that good.

And if you're in NYC, catch Oz and his live act at the Bitter End. Its (if that is possible) better than the CD with even MORE energy.

Exciting and refreshing.......2005-08-16

The musicianship and more importantly the creativity on display here is exciting, refreshing and a must listen.

This CD is great!.......2005-05-22

This is one of a few CDs that I can just put on the headphones and go with the whole album. This CD is gushing with rock, jazz, and funk rolled in into one big burrito of pure genious! I highly recommend it to the Jeff Beck fans out there....get ready to go on a wild ride with this one!

Amazing Guitar wizard!.......2005-04-29

I bought his CD last week, and was blown away by his music.
The complexity and virtuosity, in my opinion, is the new hope for music lovers in today's market.
Any one that likes Jeff Beck will go crazy for Oz's CD.

Average customer rating:

a big let down
A little more "prog" than I was expecting
That's what I want to hear from him!
Very complex
* 1/2 stars

Rhythm of Time
Jordan Rudess
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Feeding the Wheel
An Evening with John Petrucci & Jordan Rudess
Mythology
Liquid Tension Experiment 2
Liquid Tension Experiment

ASIN: B0002N45O2
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

Time Crunch
Screaming Head
Insectsamongus
Beyond Tomorrow
Bar Hopping With Mr. Picky
What Four
Ra
Tear Before The Rain

Album Description

Jordan Rudess realized that the only way get his new solo CD out the door before he left for the Dream Theater 2004 world tour would be to go into complete seclusion for 14 days. This means that for 14 days he was totally immersed in his musical world, with no phone, email or social contact. Supported by his closest family members, as well as his assistant, Daniel J Koesterich, will keep things in order during his time locked away in the studio.

Special guests on "Rhythm of Time" include Joe Satriani; Dixie Dregs' guitarist Steve Morse, bassist Dave LaRue and drummer Rod Morgenstein; Vinnie Moore (whose album and subsequent tour, "Time Odyssey", was one of Jordan's first pro jobs); Greg Howe; Kip Winger takes vocal duties on two tracks.

The initial printing of the USA edition includes a bonus video, "The Making Of The Rhythm Of Time"; as well as bonus audio tracks exclusive to the USA with Jordan Rudess vocals for the tracks Kip Winger later sang on.

Customer Reviews:

a big let down.......2006-05-05

im not sure why most people like this cd. to me it sounded like some kid messing around with his dads keyboard. the music seems unscripted and does not flow. maybe its just to weird or "out there" for me.

A little more "prog" than I was expecting.......2006-03-09

I'm a pretty big fan of some of Jordan Rudess's other projects (i.e., Dream Theater, and especially Liquid Tension Experiment), so I was a little disappointed in this album because it wasn't quite what I was expecting, considering who the guest artists are. I tend to lean more toward the "rock" side of "progressive rock", and this album definitely leans very heavily toward the "progressive" side. The performances are great, though, so if you're more into the "progressive" side than I am, you'll probably love this album.

That's what I want to hear from him!.......2006-02-06

I'm a drummer. I like most of this album better than "Feed the Wheel" and it's mostly because of the drummer. I've never heard Morgenstein before so this was a good first impression. The thing about Bozzio is that despite haveing a different brain for each limb, he doesn't mic himself well. He always sounds mono and far away. Check out the Explorer's Club "Raising the Mammoth" album and compare it to "Age of Impact", where he's a little more up front and personal, and you'll know what I mean. An the constant ridding on those5-deep cymbal stacks instead of a real hi-hat work just steals something form the whole rhythm thing. Rod came on the scene and was realy agressive, and really tore it up I thought...hi-hat on one side and ride on the other...you can feel it.
As far as Jordan himself is concerned, he shreds and then puts you in some type of emotional state with melody and chord progressions that makes you want more. As far as the debate about who is the best DT keyboardist... gimme a break. Live scenes from a memory was the best concert I ve ever seen or heard recorded and it wasn't just the album stuff and John's improvisations. Jordan really added alot to their previous material. he approached it with his own flare tempered with respect for the originals. After hearing his solo and seeing "learing to live" and the first Metroplois, I was sold. He's a true classical musician with a love to contributing to the music community as a whole. "An evening with John p. and Jordan R." was actually a benefit concert for whatever venue they were playing at. In this album, Jordan gives an unknown guitarist guy his first shot on a disc and says that he is pleased to introduce this new talent. He even gives the unpopular, old guy Kip Winger the chance to sing again. This kind of selflessness is unheard of!
Somehow, I don't picture Derrek as that kind of contibutor. Don't get me wrong, I love His stuff too. I have a couple of planet X albums (admitedly because of Virgil Donnati) and I don't blame him for "Falling into Infinity" (per Mike P, it was the producer that they had to compromise for --read the insert for "the Making of Scenes from a Memory). Derrek is awesome too, just give an ear to his one DT offering and "Black Utopia". I think people prefer him to Jordan because he has the cocky arrogant attitude approach that we all want to see in Prog metal. There's a place for that. Jordan is a severely talented keys man that, it seems, is painfully intellecutal musically, and is unattractively not a devil to the common metal mainac. DT as a whole is a bunch of borring married guys that tie pop and jazzy elements into songs and are entirely anti-four-minute-ear-candy.
conoseurs of fine music won't be dissapointed even though horns wont grow out of your head. Plus, drummers, give Rod Morgenstein a listen, you'll like.

Very complex.......2005-10-13

this album is very good to expand your muscial skills and thinking and feeling in terms of time and scales. On the homepage of rudess, you will find an online magazine, which talks sometimes about one or two songs on this cd, even with transcription!
For me, the grooviest one is track #5 for which I don't actually get the rhythm. It's something like 15/16 or 5/8, 6/8, 4/8 but there is missing on 16th note. Try to jam along - it's not so easy! Who cracks this nutshell?
Because of this, I think the album is too complex for many people and also too nervous...

* 1/2 stars.......2005-06-12

hmmm.This seriously for fans only. Rudess shows only here that he can play fast but that about it. and here he works out rather than creates composistions. Playing every effect on his keyboard as if the keyboard were to be banned for all time tommorow, Rudess has little or no knack for mood or melody. Its entertaining at times but it only shows as a reminder of his little idea for dramatics in a band who channel big epic melodramatics.self serving

Average customer rating:

What happened?
HOW CAN IT GET ANY BETTER?
Great Guitar!
A bit of a snooze
Morse is as sharp as ever...

Split Decision
Steve Morse
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Major Impacts, Vol. 2
Major Impacts
Prime Cuts
Stressfest
Structural Damage

ASIN: B0000634G2
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

Heightened Awareness
Busybodies
Marching Orders
Mechanical Frenzy
Great Mountain Spirits
Majorly Up
Gentle Flower, Hidden Beast
Moment's Comfort
Clear Memories
Midnight Daydream
Back Porch
Natural Flow

Album Description

As evinced on his eagerly anticipated album, Morse's songwriting talents continue to evolve - as do his remarkable chops. Together with his steadfast collaborators bassist Dave LaRue and drummer Van Romaine, SMB continues to amplify the interactive musical capabilities of the rock power trio.

With "SPLIT DECISION", his ninth album as the Steve Morse Band (his second project for Magna Carta) this guitarist's guitarist has once again proven that true musical veterans don't rest on their laurels. Steve Morse continues to explore and discover, reach and attain.

"I try to have some variety in every album," Steve explains. "For instance, I like to choose themes or beginning of songs that are several years old, as well as the more recent ones. So it's all new to someone who hasn't heard it." Steve composes constantly. It's what he does. More so, what he is. "I can find ideas anywhere. In fact, I have so many that I can't locate all of them. I used to record motifs on cassettes and now they're scattered all over my house and studio." Lucky for us; his prolific output is guaranteed for decades to follow.

Customer Reviews:

What happened?.......2004-11-06

To be honest with you, the music is right up my alley. I love guitar insturmentals. I bought it after listening to some mp3's on Steve's website, was very excited to get it. On the website, Steve had an interview with the producer and he went on and on about how they spend weeks and days positioning the mics on the drums and this and that. After listening a few times I really started to be bugged how it was recorded or "mastered". The drums are almost completely lost in the mix. This was very disappointing. I really like the tunes but the sound of the "mix" just ruined it for me.

HOW CAN IT GET ANY BETTER?.......2004-01-07

As a long time fan who own's almost everything Steve has done from the Dregs, Kansas, solo and Deep Purple, this is one of his best. The compositions are incredible and full of "soul". I honestly don't know how anyone could not appreciate this music. Each time I listen it gets better. Give yourself a treat and get this for yourself and someone who loves "GREAT MUSIC".

Great Guitar!.......2003-03-11

Call this the mellowing of Morse. Though there is just one single truly acoustic song on the CD, there is a balance struck between ripping rock 'n roll and more introspective but uplifting melodies. In the liner notes, Morse claims he couldn't make up his mind whether to go with the rock band concept or explore his more mellow side instead, hence the title "Split Decision."

The resulting song cycle offers plenty of variety, a pleasant and engaging blend that drives the listener through many moods. The opener, "Heightened Awareness" is a heavy duty rocker, followed by the uptempo baroque ditty "Busybodies" in which Morse and bassist Dave LaRue play in unison throughout. "Marching Orders" encompasses the nature of the CD in a single song, starting out slightly jazzy and subdued, ultimately morphing into a raging assault. "Mechanical Frenzy" combines speed metal riffs with southern rock leads as well as Morse ever did with the Dregs, then out of left field, LaRue takes over with a bass lead.

My immediate favorite track on the album, "Great Mountain Spirits" is one of the stately mid-tempo rockers, with multi-layered guitars over booming bass and drums. The only instruments credited in the liner notes are guitars, bass and drums, but if that's not a flute and keyboards I'm hearing in this song, then it is some pretty stellar guitar synths! Nice. Soon, the CD then slows down to a jazzy, sometimes meditative tempo for several tracks, including the brilliant and enthralling "Moment's Comfort," another track where virtuoso Morse makes room for a Dave LaRue bass solo.

"Split Decision" is one of the most fully satisfying CDs of 2002.

A bit of a snooze.......2003-02-28

A lot more of his mellow stuff. One or two an album is a nice change of pace, but this was a lot of his neo-classical stuff back-to-back.

Morse is as sharp as ever..........2002-10-03

As a long time Steve Morse fan, I would say that this album ranks high among all of Steve's solo and Steve Morse Band albums. Steve's versatility and virtuosity both in composition and performance are well showcased, and all of the tracks are consistently strong without being repetitive. The musicianship on this CD is astounding - but we've come to expect that from the Steve Morse Band. This CD won the "back-to-back" test for me - the first time I finished listening to it, I went right back to the beginning and cranked it again. Highly recommended!

Music Review:

Recommended Music:

One of the Fortunate Few

Goza Mi Timbal

My Suitor [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

New Beginning

Intermission: The Greatest Hits

Le Nozze Di Teti E Di Peleo

Last Sessions: Their Complete Victor Recordings - 1934-1941

Jazz Music: 15 Corridos/Caballos

Our House: Best of Madness [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Live Tour [Enhanced] [Live] [Import]

Live Album [Import] [Live]

Leos Janácek: Taras Bulba; Suite "From the House of the Dead"

On My Way to Absence