STAND UP

This is a relatively disappointing album (compared to the other Steve Morse albums). Sure, his guitar playing is exceptional, and there is some great music, but almost half of the songs are vocal songs, and Morse just isn't very good at that form. No, he doesn't sing, he brings in guest vocalists, like Albert Lee and Eric Johnson, but they don't help the quality of the songs.

Of the vocal tracks, Book Of Dreams fares the best. Even behind the vocals, there is a Dregs- like backing track, that makes it listenable. The other vocal tracks, not so good.

Of the rest of the music, there are fine pieces. Pick Your Poison is a bluegrass romp, with Mark O'Connor helping out on violin. And the last three tracks from Travels Of Marco Polo through Unity Gain, are all good enough for any Dregs release.

So despite the four vocal pieces, of which only one is worth multiple listens, this gets three stars.