STAND UP

Steve Morse's second album from his solo career named Stand up from 1985 is a natural continuation of what he did in Dixie Dregs (but less progressive)and with some moments who remind me of Kansas (Power era, who aswell feature Steve on guitar). The music , at least on this album is nothing realy progressive like he did with Dixie Dregs (only hints from that period is here) is more towards AOR with some elements of Kansas (the'80's) or even some hard rock numbers where the guitar of Steve realy did a good job. Well not all the pieces stands as real treat for me, the ones with vocals are the weakest ones, only the guitar save the problem, ex are Book of dreams - a typical AOr piece for mid '80's, nothing special, the weakest piece from here Rockin' guitars - a tune for MTV for that era again nothing special. Now the instrumental ones are the best and the most progressive stuff from here like English rancher - excellent piece who show us that Steve Morse is one of the best in guitar zone, nice arrangements, Travels of Marco Polo gain a top notch instrumental with soome chinese guitar melted very well with his excellent guitar improvisation, great piece. Steve Morse incorporated many stylistical guitar orientation here like he did in Dixie Dregs, from AOR with hard rock chops, to more progressive elements and even in places some balands or country aproach. His guitar is instantly recognizable, he play in Deep Purple aswell can recognize his sound very easy, Dixie Dregs same, he is one of a kind in guitar world. I will give to this album 3 stars, eevn is nothing very impressive here, as a whole stands as good and with nice pieces, some of them realy strong. Some famous guest musicians like Eric Johnsonn or Peter Frampton completed the album sound in a great manner.