Probably one of Morses most difficult songs for anyone to cover...only proving once more what most musicians already know...Steve Morse is the way, the truth and the light and no one becomes a good guitarist except through him!
Steve saved me. When I was younger and loved Bach and Led Zepplin people thought I was crazy. You can't like them both. Steve's music basically said said, Ya no problem.
Excellent observations... He is a hugely talented guitar player, but even more so as a composer. It is not music everyone can appreciate, but it was never intended to be.
It would appear that Mr. Morse can write some very nice melodies. Now, if he could only play guitar in a proficient manner. When he does his runs towards the end of the tune, OMG!
@adolfothedrifter Agree. Slash is a fag. Yes, he created a few good licks but I'm certain bows his head like many others when it comes to a talent like Steve.
The Best guitarist in the world. The Dixie Dregs were the Bomb back in the late 1970's and early 80's. Loved those Ampeg amps and Andy West's tone with Morse's. Incredible.
@curtismyman1 I have an Ampeg V-4 like Steve's. I went to a guitar workshop he conducted in CT 2 years ago and had him sign it. He asked if I wanted to have him set the amp to his old stage settings when he used it as a primary amp. I said "of course!" and the thing I noticed most was that he set the volume at "10". When asked about this, he said "that's the way it sounds best!". If it's good enough for Steve, it's good enough for me....
"anyone who views must attempt to learn something about music" says ackerlaw2004 above. I would add thta anyone who views this and *doesn't* learn something about music is a hopeless case.
@ibigdaddy The "invisible" musicians are actually his guitar synth, which he sets with an orchestral patch. He brings the "orchestra" in and out via one of his three foot pedals, which you should be able to see if you look carefully.
Uncle Steve has been a fav of my musical family for many years, he's one of a kind, a wonderful talent. I love who ever said there's no violin or keys part in this.....lol...best keep listening brother
I agree with 00s00m - even after all these years it brings a tear. A great example of the power of music. First saw the Dregs in probably 79 at Johnathon Swifts in Cambridge, MA. Morse was set up on the floor with his pedal board in front of the stage and I was sitting directly in front of him. Needless to say my mind was completely altered after that experience.
The interesting thing about Steve's pedalboard/effects gear is that there is so little of it. He uses a long delay, a short delay, and a synth - that's it (he uses a separate amp and cabinet for the "effected" sound) Each one is activated by a volume pedal; the more you push down, the more of the effect you get. He combines the effects as well, amongst other things giving cool airy effects in addition to using the synth (set to an orchestra) as background for certain passages. Amazing!
When I listen to the studio version of this from "What If," by about two bars in I am in tears. I don't know what it is about the configuration of the notes, and the melody that pulls the heart strings. Pretty amazing. And he does a great job trying to replicate it here. I actually like the version of Ice Cakes from this concert better than the studio version, and that's pretty rare for me.
I always forget to include Van Romaine and Dave LaRue in the equation; both are awesome in their own right. When Steve went out on his own, I missed Rod Morgenstein (who played with Steve early on with Jerry Peek) and Andy West terribly. However, over time I came to appreciate Van and Dave for their talents as well and now the SMB would not be the same without them. I'm really looking forward to the new album coming in September.
Well, thanks. I'm a huge fan of Steve's and his playing has been inspirational since I first saw the Dixie Dregs on TV in 1978. I went to see them in New Haven shortly thereafter and the die was cast. Those of us trying to copy his tunes on guitar have yet another perspective on his playing: his stuff is extraordinarily well thought out and diabolically difficult to play. If you get a tune of Steve's down, there is a different sense of accomplishment as compared to playing say, AC/DC.
Steve makes this look so easy, but just the intro melody is hard - never mind the rest. As you will notice, the arpeggiated chords are played in one smooth flowing river of notes - you can't tell that he's moving his left hand at all. Also, can anyone really think of another guitarist on this planet who is as versatile as Steve? Listen to how many different sounds he gets out of his guitar and only TWO effects (long and short delay mixed by two volume pedals) 19 years ago!
Steve is such a genius. Heavenly melodies poor out of this man like nothing, one after another after another. It's as if they're being channeled from some higher plane of existence.
My God this song brings tears to my eyes when I hear it. I would get drunk on saturday night, and on sun morning put on the headphones and What If. One joint and that album and I was good to go. That he can cover it all with just his guitar...
I think in Dregs mode Lavitz does the beautiful harmony line on keys. Here, Morse does it all! (~ 4:30 to 4:50) Simply amazing! And he DOES nail those counterpoint harmonics. Sheesh....
This song is extremely difficult to play. As usual, Steve makes it look easy. You have to play the chords as arpeggios, moving smoothly from one chord to the next so as to give the impression of one smooth flow of notes. Takes me a few days just to learn little sections at a time. At 9 minutes, this version is a tough one. Also, the super fast phrase starting at around 5:58 and ending at 6:19 is hard even for Steve. Look at him smile after pulling it off.
@beeroosterm Play it? You can play it? Good for u man.That's saying a lot. First saw SM play this w/DD when I was 20 yrs old. I went back home and played for hrs and hrs, then I put my guitar away for a week. I realized that I would just play for my enjoyment pretty much after that. The best I could do were a few parts of tunes from Freefall. Under-appreciated and underrated both describes Steve's awesome writing ability. The Dregs weren't just fantastic players; their tunes were phenomenal.
@curtismyman1 Do not let the difficulty of Steve's tunes dissuade you from playing. I know Steve would tell you the same. Here's what his advice would be: Learn the tune slowly (no other way of course) in sections and then string it together, gradually increasing the speed until you can play it with great facility. Practice the hard sections incessantly, concentrating on the difficult shifts/picking/fingerings until you're comfortable. Enjoy! Now try and find a tab of this - I can't. Good luck.
steve was named best guitarist by guitar player magazine (?) six years in a row. i frist met steve in 1971 and i can assure you he is quite happy with the way things have worked out in life!
the truth is, every thing was about rock & roll, steve morse band was instumental, its a shame how ratings a guitarist then and now are, but steve was the true master guitarist that the world wil never see again, best overall guitarist!
@ackerlaw2004 Only those who know nothing of Van Romaine underrate him. Ummm....guess that's obvious. Anyone who hears how he plays cannot possibly do so.
@ackerlaw2004 AHAHA I laughed out loud at this :) Rolling Stones a Rock man but Morse is A god! Look up Jimmy Herring If you want to hear someone rip. He was influenced by Morse as well
I was lucky enough to stand about 10 feet away from Mr. Herring when he toured with Jazz is Dead one night about 10 or so years back: Herring, Billy Cobham, Alphonso Johnson & T. Lavitz.. Needless to say, it was quite an amazing night. The dude soars.
@sirvoltage Underrated?!?!?! he was guitar Players mag as "overall best" 5 years in a row! To this day, he's one of 2 people to hold this status, the other one being Steve Howe of Yes. Under appreciated would be more accurate desc of ALL music that has any depth to it... who listens to Beethoven's 7th, 2nd movement for example. Srauss, Maha vish, Frank Z, ad nauium.... dumbed down is the protocol.
The studio version of this song (which is on YouTube) has the most beautiful keyboard solo of all the Dregs songs IMO (by Mark Parrish).
BullToTheShit 3 weeks ago
"This video is posted for educational purposes only. Anyone who views must attempt to learn something about music."
okay... when I watch this I know what real music is.
lw48wp4 1 month ago
Probably one of Morses most difficult songs for anyone to cover...only proving once more what most musicians already know...Steve Morse is the way, the truth and the light and no one becomes a good guitarist except through him!
thiagofighter2008 8 months ago
@thiagofighter2008 Now THAT got me to laugh...I'm still laughing....
..........yes, I'm still laughing.
Brilliant.
funkyjones 3 months ago
Steve saved me. When I was younger and loved Bach and Led Zepplin people thought I was crazy. You can't like them both. Steve's music basically said said, Ya no problem.
kmacdowe 11 months ago
So there had to be some jerk who diskliked this! I guess we still have neanderthals running around
chillichomper 1 year ago
and I love the way Deep Perple sounds with him and Don Airey
gtr1359 1 year ago
Excellent observations... He is a hugely talented guitar player, but even more so as a composer. It is not music everyone can appreciate, but it was never intended to be.
nicodiablo 1 year ago
Weird cymbal set up, That would drive me nuts reaching so far to hit my ride. Great drummer though
mutantthrash 1 year ago
ya es demasiado talento....
aintnaive 1 year ago
Saw them at the rainbow music hall, Denver, Colorado 1979.
vdiscdaddy 1 year ago
It would appear that Mr. Morse can write some very nice melodies. Now, if he could only play guitar in a proficient manner. When he does his runs towards the end of the tune, OMG!
ibigdaddy 1 year ago
can you post more videos for our musical education?
adolfothedrifter 1 year ago
It's so funny when I hear a teenager saying that s
Slash is the best of all and I always say, well, he is good, but I know 100 better! Steve is in the top!!!
adolfothedrifter 1 year ago
@adolfothedrifter Agree. Slash is a fag. Yes, he created a few good licks but I'm certain bows his head like many others when it comes to a talent like Steve.
beeroosterm 1 year ago
The Best guitarist in the world. The Dixie Dregs were the Bomb back in the late 1970's and early 80's. Loved those Ampeg amps and Andy West's tone with Morse's. Incredible.
curtismyman1 2 years ago
@curtismyman1 I have an Ampeg V-4 like Steve's. I went to a guitar workshop he conducted in CT 2 years ago and had him sign it. He asked if I wanted to have him set the amp to his old stage settings when he used it as a primary amp. I said "of course!" and the thing I noticed most was that he set the volume at "10". When asked about this, he said "that's the way it sounds best!". If it's good enough for Steve, it's good enough for me....
beeroosterm 1 year ago
"anyone who views must attempt to learn something about music" says ackerlaw2004 above. I would add thta anyone who views this and *doesn't* learn something about music is a hopeless case.
klclaggett 2 years ago
Yes, I just love that invisible violinist, and his cousin, the invisible keyboard player!
ibigdaddy 2 years ago
@ibigdaddy The "invisible" musicians are actually his guitar synth, which he sets with an orchestral patch. He brings the "orchestra" in and out via one of his three foot pedals, which you should be able to see if you look carefully.
beeroosterm 1 year ago
Uncle Steve has been a fav of my musical family for many years, he's one of a kind, a wonderful talent. I love who ever said there's no violin or keys part in this.....lol...best keep listening brother
strangher11 2 years ago
Man! one of the greatest tunes ever.
I agree with 00s00m - even after all these years it brings a tear. A great example of the power of music. First saw the Dregs in probably 79 at Johnathon Swifts in Cambridge, MA. Morse was set up on the floor with his pedal board in front of the stage and I was sitting directly in front of him. Needless to say my mind was completely altered after that experience.
2bonzandapick 2 years ago
The interesting thing about Steve's pedalboard/effects gear is that there is so little of it. He uses a long delay, a short delay, and a synth - that's it (he uses a separate amp and cabinet for the "effected" sound) Each one is activated by a volume pedal; the more you push down, the more of the effect you get. He combines the effects as well, amongst other things giving cool airy effects in addition to using the synth (set to an orchestra) as background for certain passages. Amazing!
beeroosterm 2 years ago
I was looking for the entire Dregs band, to post it on Facebook...
this is just fine, thank you.
timminananda 2 years ago
Espetacular! Steve Morse is the Best!
EvandroOJuniOor 2 years ago 2
i said it before this guy is really one with his guitar
putte2006 2 years ago
When I listen to the studio version of this from "What If," by about two bars in I am in tears. I don't know what it is about the configuration of the notes, and the melody that pulls the heart strings. Pretty amazing. And he does a great job trying to replicate it here. I actually like the version of Ice Cakes from this concert better than the studio version, and that's pretty rare for me.
00s00m 2 years ago
watch steve morse hd..
zharlou 2 years ago
This is my all time favorite Morse/Dregs tune; when SMB does it, I just play the violin and keyboard parts in my head :=)
myrg450 2 years ago
There is no violin or keyboard parts in this song
TheLowerPartKliers 2 years ago
I always forget to include Van Romaine and Dave LaRue in the equation; both are awesome in their own right. When Steve went out on his own, I missed Rod Morgenstein (who played with Steve early on with Jerry Peek) and Andy West terribly. However, over time I came to appreciate Van and Dave for their talents as well and now the SMB would not be the same without them. I'm really looking forward to the new album coming in September.
beeroosterm 2 years ago
Of all the comments I have read regarding SMB, yours are the most lucid.
donico07 2 years ago
Well, thanks. I'm a huge fan of Steve's and his playing has been inspirational since I first saw the Dixie Dregs on TV in 1978. I went to see them in New Haven shortly thereafter and the die was cast. Those of us trying to copy his tunes on guitar have yet another perspective on his playing: his stuff is extraordinarily well thought out and diabolically difficult to play. If you get a tune of Steve's down, there is a different sense of accomplishment as compared to playing say, AC/DC.
beeroosterm 2 years ago 2
Steve makes this look so easy, but just the intro melody is hard - never mind the rest. As you will notice, the arpeggiated chords are played in one smooth flowing river of notes - you can't tell that he's moving his left hand at all. Also, can anyone really think of another guitarist on this planet who is as versatile as Steve? Listen to how many different sounds he gets out of his guitar and only TWO effects (long and short delay mixed by two volume pedals) 19 years ago!
beeroosterm 2 years ago 2
Great song, great players. Gonna go dig out the cassette, throw the studio version on. Van, not a household name, but can do it all.
hawksapoozle 2 years ago
Steve is such a genius. Heavenly melodies poor out of this man like nothing, one after another after another. It's as if they're being channeled from some higher plane of existence.
DrShrinker 2 years ago 2
My God this song brings tears to my eyes when I hear it. I would get drunk on saturday night, and on sun morning put on the headphones and What If. One joint and that album and I was good to go. That he can cover it all with just his guitar...
Steve is THE DUDE!
randallcaster 2 years ago
Somebody please post "The Road Home"off of High Tension Wires.
gebass6 2 years ago
Hats off to any Chapman Stick players who can play this.Any takers?
gebass6 2 years ago
I think in Dregs mode Lavitz does the beautiful harmony line on keys. Here, Morse does it all! (~ 4:30 to 4:50) Simply amazing! And he DOES nail those counterpoint harmonics. Sheesh....
hulatown 3 years ago
This song is extremely difficult to play. As usual, Steve makes it look easy. You have to play the chords as arpeggios, moving smoothly from one chord to the next so as to give the impression of one smooth flow of notes. Takes me a few days just to learn little sections at a time. At 9 minutes, this version is a tough one. Also, the super fast phrase starting at around 5:58 and ending at 6:19 is hard even for Steve. Look at him smile after pulling it off.
beeroosterm 3 years ago 13
@beeroosterm Play it? You can play it? Good for u man.That's saying a lot. First saw SM play this w/DD when I was 20 yrs old. I went back home and played for hrs and hrs, then I put my guitar away for a week. I realized that I would just play for my enjoyment pretty much after that. The best I could do were a few parts of tunes from Freefall. Under-appreciated and underrated both describes Steve's awesome writing ability. The Dregs weren't just fantastic players; their tunes were phenomenal.
curtismyman1 1 year ago
@curtismyman1 Do not let the difficulty of Steve's tunes dissuade you from playing. I know Steve would tell you the same. Here's what his advice would be: Learn the tune slowly (no other way of course) in sections and then string it together, gradually increasing the speed until you can play it with great facility. Practice the hard sections incessantly, concentrating on the difficult shifts/picking/fingerings until you're comfortable. Enjoy! Now try and find a tab of this - I can't. Good luck.
beeroosterm 9 months ago
steve more has such an unique style. I love that. I love guitarplayers with an interesting style and expression.
guitarjoe12345 3 years ago 3
steve morse is the gran compilator and best musician that is alive today
eltenor1 3 years ago 3
steve was named best guitarist by guitar player magazine (?) six years in a row. i frist met steve in 1971 and i can assure you he is quite happy with the way things have worked out in life!
JLarrry 3 years ago
The counter point with the harmonics!!
My God, it's like I'm Salieri and he's Mozart (without the hate)
randallcaster 3 years ago 3
the truth is, every thing was about rock & roll, steve morse band was instumental, its a shame how ratings a guitarist then and now are, but steve was the true master guitarist that the world wil never see again, best overall guitarist!
guitarman2233 3 years ago
5 times best over all! GP! This song I would listen to on Sun mornings in the 70's, it would
just take the hangover away.
randallcaster 3 years ago
Steve the man...you go Steve!!!!!!!!!
One of my favo guitar heroes =D =D =D.
and also unfortenaly a very underrated guitarist =( .
Should have been in the top 10 greatest!!!!
kissarmy305 3 years ago
steve morse is in the top 10 best guitarist.
guitarman2233 3 years ago
Wel, if i have to believe The Rolling Stone he's not even in the top 100.
But The Rolling Stone top 100 guitarist sucks.
Steve should've been in there.
kissarmy305 3 years ago 3
I always keep a spare copy of Rolling Stone in my bathroom in case I run out of toilet paper.
ackerlaw2004 3 years ago
I'll tell you who is underated: Van Romaine (the drummer in the video).
ackerlaw2004 3 years ago
@ackerlaw2004 Only those who know nothing of Van Romaine underrate him. Ummm....guess that's obvious. Anyone who hears how he plays cannot possibly do so.
beeroosterm 1 year ago
"I always keep a spare copy of Rolling Stone in my bathroom in case I run out of toilet paper."
haha good one!!!
guitarman2233 3 years ago 2
@ackerlaw2004 AHAHA I laughed out loud at this :) Rolling Stones a Rock man but Morse is A god! Look up Jimmy Herring If you want to hear someone rip. He was influenced by Morse as well
GuyJamesGuitarist 1 year ago
@GuyJamesGuitarist
I was lucky enough to stand about 10 feet away from Mr. Herring when he toured with Jazz is Dead one night about 10 or so years back: Herring, Billy Cobham, Alphonso Johnson & T. Lavitz.. Needless to say, it was quite an amazing night. The dude soars.
ackerlaw2004 1 year ago
@GuyJamesGuitarist Hell, petrucci is also a major morse disciple!
chillichomper 1 year ago
He is in my book (of dreams). Him, Pat metheny and a lot of others were BORN with a style.
randallcaster 3 years ago 3
thanks for the comment man! :)
guitarman2233 3 years ago
Check out the version of this song on the Dixie Dregs live album California Screamin. What a beutiful yet complex song. Steve is the man.
guitarbobill 4 years ago 2
Awesome
Steve Morse is criminally underrated.
sirvoltage 4 years ago 14
@sirvoltage Underrated?!?!?! he was guitar Players mag as "overall best" 5 years in a row! To this day, he's one of 2 people to hold this status, the other one being Steve Howe of Yes. Under appreciated would be more accurate desc of ALL music that has any depth to it... who listens to Beethoven's 7th, 2nd movement for example. Srauss, Maha vish, Frank Z, ad nauium.... dumbed down is the protocol.
randallcaster 1 year ago
@sirvoltage Underrated by whom? Gotta be a clueless douchebag to "underrate" a master like Steve.
beeroosterm 1 year ago
@sirvoltage I would ask you to name one person on this planet who has "underrated" Steve Morse. One.
beeroosterm 9 months ago
@sirvoltage -so is his hair. (in my top five -git boxers)
noodlesmealey 6 months ago
Genius!!
goyito123 4 years ago
cool
t000lish 4 years ago