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A very non-presumptuous Steve
Music Radar has posted an interview with Steve Morse. We are not sure how recent it is, because it appears to promote the almost one year old live Flying Colors release. Anyhow, you just can’t help but admire the humility that this man exhibits:
I’m a very non-presumptuous person, and I’m realistic about things. So if I’m in front of a big crowd, it’s because of the event or because of the name and history of a group that I’m working with. I’m a replaceable cog in the wheel.
Literally anybody else could be in the same position as I am. By the dozen, there are guitarists that would be a great asset to any band I’ve ever been in, who would be available in a matter of hours. So I don’t ever think of this as my spotlight. I think, ‘How can I nail this? How can I make this music cook?’ I want the audience to have a great time. That’s all I think about.
Read more in Music Radar: Steve Morse’s 12 tips for guitarists.
Thanks to BraveWords for the info.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
I don’t agree with Steve at all because it’s simply not true. Improvisation (especially phrasing) is like a fingerprint. The same thing goes for songwriting. It’s the authenticity which makes us unique as musicians and that is something nobody can copy. Being a great asset to a band doesn’t necessarily mean that one fits in. No one is replaceable. If someone is replaced in a band by another musician everything can change. Best example: Ritchie out – Steve in. What a difference it made … Sometimes I ask myself why Steve doesn’t show a little pride for what he’s doing. Justified pride is associated with healthy self-confidence.
September 25th, 2016 at 22:20It’s just that steve and don airey,haven’t come up with any good hooks,and so they have to play the old songs because they are superior.
September 26th, 2016 at 00:23After 20 years in Deep Purple,Steve’s humility is amazing.The other members of the band regularly praise his skills and contributions,but it sounds as if Steve sees himself as a sideman.C’mon Steve,don’t sell yourself so short !!
September 26th, 2016 at 00:35His playing the Machine Head solo of Smoke in tribute to Ritchie at the RRHOF induction,showed what a class act Steve Morse is.
It’s safe to say-as many have- that Steve breathed new life into Deep Purple 2 decades ago.
As we wait for what will most likely be Purple’s last studio album,I am sure glad he did.
Cannot say enough about this guy…..
Spoke with Dave LaRue this past Friday night at an LAX gig in Morristown, NJ. He and Steve are writing for the next Trio (SMB) record this week. And a third Colours record is being planned…
Back to LAX. Glenn Alexander, Dave LaRue, & Van Romaine have been playing together for decades including prior to being recruited by Steve for the 2nd and ongoing SMB line-up. They play out under the Stretch (strictly jazz fusion) and LAX (Blues, rock, some fusion melted in.) monikers.
If there is ever a chance to see them, get out. Down to earth professional musicians in a league of their own. Dropped jaws a-plenty in the audience….
Peace,
September 26th, 2016 at 13:37Ted
Nick @2,
Ah, not even worth my commenting on yours….
Next?
Peace,
September 26th, 2016 at 18:21Ted
Wish they would tour on the 4 cd’s made with Steve and add a few old numbers in. Never hear them play anything from Abandon anymore much less Perpendicular, two great cd’s I think. As much as I love the old the new is great also. it seems like Steve is a side man to me or at least the music he made with them is.
September 26th, 2016 at 23:56Probably the most often heard track that I listen to time and again (other than MH’s Pictures of Home) is Morse’s solo on Total Abandon, Live in Australia. Lyrical and ethereal start and a cruncher at the end. Love that song.
Blackmore and Morse are Gods in my book. Blackmore is an enigma, which draws us to him, Morse is the common man playing his ass off, and he has held the band together with humility and charm; a quality never to be understated in its importance for the fans of Deep Purple.
September 27th, 2016 at 04:34Ted @ 2
That’s great news about a new SMB CD. Dave LaRue is a great bass player. I’ve seen Steve with the Dregs, SMB, and with Purple. Every show was great. I hope to catch him with Flying Colours one day.
September 27th, 2016 at 12:09Mr. Morse has done an exceptional job. His style is different but gives old purple numbers a fresh sound (and in some instances even better). After 20 years in a band as lead guitarist you are no longer just an add on.
September 28th, 2016 at 16:45Well… That is quite sincere from him. From one side, he added lots of beautiful material to Deep Purple Discography, full of his signature on writing and playing, and much of those songs did really well at stage. By the other side, he is quite resigned on assuming all his songs less or none important to the band, as he is clearly not making a point on playing Morse-era songs on concerts. Even in the comments here, we read things like “the 4 CDs made with Steve Morse..”, even when they are 5 as a matter of fact !! Sadly, Steve himself feels like a side man, and considers – or, do not contest if the other members do it – his albums with the band so irrelevant.
September 28th, 2016 at 18:58I couldn’t possibly say it better than Mike Whiteley(#3). 100% agreed, sir!
September 29th, 2016 at 23:03@2 I’ll take a $50 bag of whatever it is you are smoking.
September 30th, 2016 at 17:48@6 We still have what is left of a business here. Blame IT!
September 30th, 2016 at 17:49If one really knows what’s up at their old publisher and pays attention to the situation, they can get a better idea than others about he’s saying. Don’t be surprised if politics are brewing. Even with a new release pending.
October 2nd, 2016 at 01:56One knows how the situation is when such a low number of reactions are generated by a topic
October 17th, 2016 at 18:26