Review by Dave
Bova:
THE INTRODUCTION album is nothing short than
outstanding. It is the Steve Morse
Band's first effort. The line up includes Jerry Peek on bass and Rod Morgenstein
(Dregs)
on drums, plus guest artists. It also marks Steve's departure from the Dregs
days with a
more direct, guitar formatted type of compositions.
The album reflects many elements found on all of the Dregs albums though,
such is the
eclectic variety of its content. Some of the tracks were in fact conceived
during the Dregs's
last period before the unexpected split.
The Introduction kicks off with the fast paced CRUISE
MISSILE, one of Morse's best
known numbers, delivering high energy fusion with dwelling guitar/bass and
many other
trademarks that make Steve's formidable techniques a force to be reckoned
with.
In time for catching a breath after the explosive beginning is the catchy
GENERAL LEE.
A "clean cut", country-rock number packed with classic guitar breaks between
Morse and
guest artist, legendary Albert Lee.
Following is the title track, a beautiful, heart pumping composition.
Now if the lead break in
this one is not one to cry for... I don't know what is. It's only short but
has the most melodic,
sweeping and gorgeous sound you'll probably ever hear!
Forth track on the album is V.H.F. , a little more laid back with
yet another lead break you
can't help listen to over and over again.
ON THE PIPE is the next one, and I personally hail it as
one of Morse's most exciting power-
house of great licks. This jazzed up hard-rock bomb kicks off with a punchy
country lick over
an infectious rock beat, it then progresses with clever turns and slick passages
into the
middle section with a lead break so smoky it burns! And then... just when
you thought "that"
was cool, you'll hear the outro of it burning into a climax so powerful you
will shake in dis-
belief.
That to me is "Morse", unleashed and dangerous, if you know what I mean.
I think this track
brings up many of the essential elements that make Steve's phrasing so distinct.
Country,
blues, funk... all seamlessly integrated into one intense rock piece. If
the guitar is the object
of your interests, then this is a good example for studying Steve's lead-style.
To relax your ears and sooth your soul is the very spiritual track
named THE WHISTLE. A
delicate composition, almost mediaeval in style, that grows gradually with
layers upon layers
of electric and classical guitars into a majestic motif. The harmony and
repetition of such
number is marked with the aid of keyboards reproducing "human voices", which
add stunning
dimension to the piece.
Following is MOUNTAIN WALTZ, a light hearted composition that sees
T Lavitz (dregs) as
guest on piano. The two engaging in unison for most parts, plus an exquisite
question/answer
section delivered with such sweetness and skills that makes you weightless!
The last track is HURON RIVER BLUES, the closest thing to a classic
blues you'll ever hear
on Morse's albums yet. Still it's a blues with a few twists... be
aware!
Conclusion... this is a definite must have. A showcase
of guitar music which quality, both in
terms of content and performance, are second to none. This work is an absolute
icon in
modern guitar. Do yourself a favour, as Steve himself recommends: listen
to it Loud and
Clear!
David Bova
Review by Eric Vandenberg
Amazing... I just could say " That's right, Dave!" and stop right
here...he took the words right out
of my mouth ! Anyway, since this one is one of my personal favourites of
Steve Morse-CD's,
I'll add a few words....=)
The Introduction is, as Dave already said, the first effort of the Steve
Morse- Band. And that is
absolutely obvious on this record: Although Steve put a lot of studio-time
into perfecting it, this
record has an amazing live-atmosphere, and it is just FUN to listen to
it...
What's typical ( and again, purely enjoyable ) is another great showcase
of Steve's ability to write
positive, beautiful and very uplifting melodies.... for a long while I put
this record on every single
morning, and after a few minutes I just felt like "Yes, now I can deal with
the day !"
What that means ? Either that I'm a weirdo, or that this record is another
example of his gift....
Anyway, the CD's opener, "Cruise Missile" is a great presentation
of the band with great guitar-
playing and a "bass-solo". In this song, Steve and the band already prove
to be able to play with
the moods of a song, since during the bass- solo the "mood- axis" shifts
from very uplifting to
"wide open" ( please forgive me this kind of explanation !).
"General Lee" is a great "jam" between Morse and Lee, absolutely fun
to listen to !
Now about "The Introduction", which is maybe my favourite
Morse-composition... From the atmo-
spheric intro with "volume-swell-chords" to the energetic Power- chord riffs,
to an awesome, as-
cending picking part...a quite unique piece of music.
And it get's better: From the very first note you can already hear that the
song's solo is something
very special, regarding emotion, tone and melodies. Something always gets
me back to this song,
and it still has got a very unique effect on me...
"V.H.F." has a classical-inspired intro and some great melodies
along the way, "On the pipe" is,
as Dave said, Steve Morse at his best !
"The Whistle" is a great example for Steve's classical pieces,
with lots of atmosphere and a
very exiting development. "Mountain Waltz" shows the talents of
Steve and T.Lavitz,
and especially the piano- breaks in here are great...the whole
mood of the song is quite
uplifting, very playful.
"Huron River Blues" shows Steve's blues-influences, but is far
from just being a 12bar-
blues or something...another great presentation of the band !
I'd just like to say that this record is a definite must-have,
especially if you're a guitarist. It is far
away from just being a "Shredder"-record, it's a collection of great
compositions with lots of
atmosphere, presented with great guitar-playing, and obviously made
with lots of love...
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