Steve Morse vs....

[OrangeChannel]

Morse used to write out the parts for all THE OTHER INSTRUMENTS in the Dregs...lest I read that some years ago when I was big on written composition...don't think EJ did that...with that being said I can hear similarites in both cats but I tend to think Steve's playing and writing are more outside the box and adventurous...Vai's been doing the same microtonal bit for a long time, while his new album may be the best one he put out since PandW, PandW set the bar and he hasn't met or raised it since...plus I can't get down with the costume changes and s@#$t live...I know Steve loves Jimi Hendrix and the art of being a rockstar, but when I go to see musicians play I don't wanna see some guy change clothes 5 times...EJ and Steve tend to rock barebones and that's where its at....less distraction from the attraction. Just my $2...

 

[Raz]

Okay Raz -

Now I'm really ticked. First you started this topic BOUND to rile up a stir. Then, it leads people into bashing other artists for the fun of it (presumably safe, since they don't play guitars made by the sponsor of this forum).

So, for all of you who think Steve Morse is God I have this question: Which recording of his in particular do you point to as displaying his best compositional skills?

And, for all of you who think Vai just squelches all the time, well, he does some of that, but I dare say the "composing" on his latest album was actually quite spectacular. In addition, the playing on his "Live at Astoria" DVD had some very soulful playing, as well as plenty of sustaniac squelch.

But I really want to know about the Morse stuff. I have a number of his solo albums and am just curious as to where I can here these amazing (Mozart like, isn't it?) compositions.

By the way, EJ is an amazing player and wirter. I think he plays what he wants to only. Why else would you release your music only once a decade?

Actually sir, I think you've read the wrong thread because I am humbled as to how each and every member refused to compare the two and kept things respectable...I inquired simpy to inform myself as to what peoples opinions were on technical merit, and most if not all chose not too compare since it's not an issue with these two masters on guitar...I apologize to Steve and Eric if I or others have offended, and I have no problems, as mentioned before, if this thread gets deleted, but keep in mind SIR, my intentions were not, that of which you speak...you've got the wrong man my friend, and you should be wise as how you decide to judge others...now I'm ticked!

 

[OrangeChannel]

Why else would you release your music only once a decade?

Writer's Block?

 

[Norrin Radd]

Actually sir, I think you've read the wrong thread because I am humbled as to how each and every member refused to compare the two and kept things respectable...I inquired simpy to inform myself as to what peoples opinions were on technical merit, and most if not all chose not too compare since it's not an issue with these two masters on guitar...I apologize to Steve and Eric if I or others have offended, and I have no problems, as mentioned before, if this thread gets deleted, but keep in mind SIR, my intentions were not, that of which you speak...you've got the wrong man my friend, and you should be wise as how you decide to judge others...now I'm ticked!

Raz -

I think you misread my response. Notice first that it says I am ticked. But not, in particular, at you! Just at what this "comparison" type of thread grenerally produces, that is, the belittling of one or more well established artists. Now, I understand that YOU neither participated nor condoned such activities when you initiated the thread. However, a careful reading of all the posts will reveal that others have used this thread for that purpose.

In addition, I inquired as to what pieces by Steve Morse make up the basis of the great composer comments, particularly in the sense when he is being compared in that aspect, by other posters, to give him an "elevated" status over Eric Johnson. I thought my inquiry was fair, as I've owned and listened to many of Steve's solo works as well as Mr. Johnson's. And frankly, I think they are both excellent composers who do quite different things and therefore, I find a comparison between the two somewhat nebulous. If there were/are pieces that are definitive in the sense that will show that I am mistaken, I would like to know what they are so I can hear them and judge for myself.

Oh, and believe me, I certainly do not question your intentions. I appreciate them. I just cringe when I know what tangents such a discussion can take when I hope there are other, more constructive tangents that such a discussion should take. Seriously, JMHO.

 

[Norrin Radd]

Writer's Block?

I guess that was a stupid open ended question!

 

[Hookpunch]

Norrin , like I said about technique - compositional ability is not something you can actually measure - it's not science - just opinion.

I will qualify my statement on Steve being more versatile simply because he can go the entire spectrum of nylon string classical to celtic music to electric shred.

Could Eric do the same - likely if he took the time to study classical guitar etc. Like you said it probably does not appeal to him.

I mean there are people out there who think Yngwie is as close to Mozart as you can get and he plays classical music on the electric guitar. He has classical influences but it is not classical music he is playing.

At the end of the day Steve and Eric would both likely be offended by some of the comments here.

 

[jchalas]

Well said, Keith.
J

 

[jazzbo jim]

Love 'em both.

I'll just leave it at ... they can both kick my ass

LOL what an honest analysis! I HATE the "let's compare guitarists" game especially when they both cook!
My son is forever asking me "whose better, _______ or ______ ?"
My response is always the same.."they're different players" but now I'll add "but they both kick your ass!"

 

[Colin]

Norrin , like I said about technique - compositional ability is not something you can actually measure - it's not science - just opinion.

I will qualify my statement on Steve being more versatile simply because he can go the entire spectrum of nylon string classical to celtic music to electric shred.

Could Eric do the same - likely if he took the time to study classical guitar etc. Like you said it probably does not appeal to him.

I mean there are people out there who think Yngwie is as close to Mozart as you can get and he plays classical music on the electric guitar. He has classical influences but it is not classical music he is playing.

At the end of the day Steve and Eric would both likely be offended by some of the comments here.

Versatile? You do realise that Eric just completed an acoustic tour where he would perform the middle section of the show on a grand piano? Then he also sings as well? Why even compare these guys? Both are brilliant at what they do and guess what? What they both do is play guitar and very very well.

Colin

 

[Hookpunch]

Versatile? You do realise that Eric just completed an acoustic tour where he would perform the middle section of the show on a grand piano? Then he also sings as well? Why even compare these guys? Both are brilliant at what they do and guess what? What they both do is play guitar and very very well.

Colin

No I didn't realize that, just going from what I have heard from Ah Via Musicom and Tones.

In any case my view is the same as yours- music is art not science or athletics - you can't line Steve and Eric up at a starting line and measure technique or compositional ability or probably versatility.

 

[kbaim]

A PARTIAL MORSE SHORT LIST

GO FOR BAROQUE
VISTA GRANDE
NIGHT MEETS LIGHT
HEREAFTER
NORTHERN LIGHTS
BUSYBODIES
HOLIDAY
SLEEP (a little listened to gem)
EYES OF A CHILD
LITTLE KIDS
VITAMIN Q
DIVIDED WE STAND
GHOSTWIND (can't believe I had to ADD this one)

BTW--I love Eric's playing, feel, and tone. But one reason I love steve's music, is he also had violin and keys in a lot of it making it that much more powerful for me as a listener.

That said, and as great as these two are on the guitar, it's still next to impossible for even them to make good money playing the stuff I like.

One last plug for Steve, he came to town last January, 3 days after my mom passed. I went to see him 3X in LA OC and SD. Because his playing makes me feel good and hits so deeply. Talk about timing. How do you thank a guy for that?

 

[koogie2k]

I am simply just tring to get a simple mode down pat.....I suck. No sense in putting down or comparing. Has anyone here released an album that would be in the same game as those two and others being compared or evaluated? Both players are awesome. Hell, my next door neighbor's kid is awesome......I need to practice. BTW, this ain't the place to have an argument. Really. Things seem to be getting tense and it needs to stop.......

Now, go practice!

 

[SteveB]

EJ takes forever between albums because he's a perfectionist who also has some self-loathing going on. He just expects way too much from himself. I love his playing, I really like his voice, too.. "Bristol Shores", "When the Sun Meets the Sky", etc.

Morse is also a perfectionist, but he doesn't seem to have the lack of self-confidence that EJ has. I think his frustrations lie with the technical limitations of equipment, tight schedules, and so forth. He's definitely more prolific than EJ, probably because he's not torturing himself over the sound of the batteries in his wah pedal. I think "Ghostwind" is one of the most hauntingly beautiful tracks ever recorded.

I don't think either of them would be offended by the comments here because they actually have lives, and are busy living the dream while we tack our bloated opinions into the ether.

 

[Raz]

I think for the most part, people remained quite tactile in their efforts not to bash, I was simply looking to get peoples opinion on either musicians technical merits, that's all...who's better, hell who's the best is purely a subjective decision, one day SRV makes me cry, the next I think Vai is pure genius...then there are days where Adrian Smith and Dave Murray make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up..I can even get a woody when I accidently miss a note or overbend , so I was never out to get a who is better poll going...from this thread I have learned that I need to get some Steve Morse tunes and some Eric Johnson tunes...oh and I need to practise

 

[fogman]

Let's face it.
We all love music or we wouldn't be here chattin' away.
Could we pick one favourite artist? I can't.
I love different artist for different reasons.
The one reason that's consistent is that they all play way better than me!

 

[Colin]

No I didn't realize that, just going from what I have heard from Ah Via Musicom and Tones.

In any case my view is the same as yours- music is art not science or athletics - you can't line Steve and Eric up at a starting line and measure technique or compositional ability or probably versatility.

If you want to hear a good EJ album get yourself the Alien Love Child "Live and Beyond" Fantastic reminds me of Cream meets Hendrix meets Wes Montgomery.

Colin