SOUTHERN STEEL

Say what you must about Steve Morse's work with other bands, but his own albums are remarkably consistent. His compositions and performances are always remarkable, and is band is always top notch.

This was the first album with what has become Morse's band's longest static lineup (that includes The Dixie Dregs, too). Dave LaRue on bass and Van Romaine on drums have proven to be a perfect backup for Morse's pyrotechnics.

As usual, Morse's music is strong, inventive hard rock, with country, fusion and classical mixed in. I tend to prefer the faster, hard rock tunes, so Cut To The Chase, the opener is one of may favorites on this album. And the usual bluegrass song is more rock than usual (for Morse), but the song Southern Steel still provides him with a nice guitar workout.