THE INTRODUCTION

Steve Morse has been involved with some pretty good bands in his career, most notably the DIXIE DREGS. Sure he played with KANSAS and DEEP PURPLE but those were long after their glory days. This is Steve's first solo album released in 1984. It sounds almost like a lost DIXIE DREGS album not so surprisingly. Of course having Rod Morganstein on drums will only add to that DREGS flavour. I do like this album a lot but I have so many instrumental albums that I feel are way better than this. I guess i've never been exactly wowed by the DIXIE DREGS either.

"Cruise Missile" is a great opener and I especially like the prominant bass from Jerry Peek. Morse cranks it out while Morganstein pounds it out. Synths in this one too. "General Lee" is perhaps named that because of guest guitarist Albert Lee, I don't know. Not a fan anyway as it has a strong Country flavour to it. "The Introduction" has some beautiful moments in it. One of my favourites.Some tasteful guitar before 1 1/2 minutes. "V.H.F. (Vertical Hair Factor)" opens with drums before the song settles in. Not bad.

"On The Pipe" opens with some Honky Tonk sounding guitar. Yikes ! Much better when it changes and gets heavier. Morse comes in soloing over top. Keys after 2 minutes but this is mainly a guitar led track. "The Whistle" is pastoral but it does build some. Morganstein is on the synths here in this mellow offering. I like it ! "Mountain Waltz" is another story. It has that Southern Dixie / Country vibe I dislike. "Huron River Blues" sounds serious to start. Like a different band really.Then it settles right down before a minute. Some bluesy flavoured guitar follows.Some slide guitar too. Not a fan. A blues flavoured section starts around 3 1/2 minutes. It builds until we're rocking pretty good.

Like I said it's a good album that DIXIE DREGS fans will no doubt appreciate more than I.