Steve Morse- Electric Guitar Virtuoso Goes Acoustic
Steve Morse was the band leader and driving force behind the all instrumental band called the Dixie Dregs. The band featured an all star cast of musicians, playing various forms of fusion with a southern rock influence. Fiddle Virtuoso Mark OConnor also had a brief stint with the Dregs (quit the Grisman Quintet to join up with Steve Morse).
The band was able to go from heady chord changes similar to Alan Holdsworth compositions- then turn around and play a lightning speed Walbash Cannonball (they called it the “Bash). that could make any chicken pickin’ guitarist marvel at his abilities.
Steve for a while quit playing out, and to the surprise of all his fans became a full time airline pilot. Not sure of the progression but, he also was the lead guitarist for the famous pop group “Kansas” (either before or after flying, maybe someone out there can help me with that one).
Steve Morse has also joined virtuosos John McLauglin, Al DiMeola and Paco DeLucia on stage, so that ought to tell you where he is at musically.
In this rare video, here’s Steve Morse performing a song he wrote called Northern Lights, and then a Bach piece that should be very familiar to most.
I have a video of Steve’s that I will share tomorrow… it is a must see. If you want to stay in the loop here, please sign up for our weekly acoustic guitar videos (right side of this page). I will send you all the weeks best videos every Thursday morning at 9am.
Author: Robert Harris
I had the fortune/misfortune to be at one of Steve’s friend’s house when he was about 18 or 20 many years ago in Georgia. There were several of us about to jam when Steve picked up a friend’s guitar and started doodling. This was in his Dregs days or even before. I’ll never forget seeing everyone put their guitars back in the case and listen with awe. I wanted to give up after hearing him play (for the first few hours). By the time I talked to him years later after my daughter interviewed him on a radio show here in Atlanta, his setup was so complicated, I couldn’t follow it. (Maybe he just didn’t have the time to explain it well to me). He is a fascinating intense person and a pioneer in guitar sound. I’ve never flown in a plane with him but, I hear he’s a great airplane pilot also. Multi talented super player I say!
Hey Thomas, I too had a similar experience only it was at a series of concerts that I got to see him and talk for a while. I was about 19 and just wanted to quit after listening to him. I even said something about quitting but he said “Don’t do that” and “you just have to find your voice on the guitar”. Those comments and a lot more made a lasting impression on me… so, I can really relate to what you are sayin’.