Steve Morse & Dixie Dregs

by Ray Anton | Photos: Chris Schmitt

Steve Morse is a highly acclaimed guitarist known for his versatile style and technical prowess across various genres. Born in Hamilton, Ohio, Morse began playing guitar at a young age and quickly developed a unique approach to the instrument.

In the 1970s, Morse gained recognition as a founding member of the Dixie Dregs, a progressive rock band that blended elements of rock, jazz, and country. Morse also spent time at University of Miami’s School of Music honing his craft. With the Dixie Dregs, he showcased his exceptional musicianship and innovative compositions, earning a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

In the 1980s, Morse joined the rock band Kansas, replacing guitarist Kerry Livgren. His tenure with Kansas saw the release of the albums Power and In the Spirit of Things, where Morse’s guitar work added a new dimension to the band’s sound.

Morse’s most commercial contribution to the music world came with his membership in Deep Purple, one of the pioneering bands of hard rock and heavy metal. He joined Deep Purple in 1994, succeeding Ritchie Blackmore. He was in the band until 2022, when he left to help deal with his wife Janine’s illness. Morse’s tenure with Deep Purple was marked by his dynamic performances and songwriting contributions on albums like Perpendicular and Now What?!.

Outside of his band commitments, Morse has pursued a prolific solo career, releasing numerous albums showcasing his diverse influences and virtuosic guitar playing. His solo work spans genres ranging from rock and jazz to classical and bluegrass, reflecting his eclectic musical interests and technical proficiency.

The guitar world will once again be able to experience Morse’s solo work AND The Dixie Dregs again as his ‘Anachronicity Tour’ that has the Steve Morse Band opening for The Dixie Dregs! South Florida was one of the stops on Friday April 28th at Fort Lauderdale’s Culture Room. The show started promptly at 8 pm with Steve walking on stage with bassist Dave Larue and drummer Dru Betts filling in for Van Romaine. The trio kicked off the almost hour long set with eight of the bands most popular tunes, preparing the packed crowd for the musical onslaught that was about to begin starting with “Name Dropping”, the powerful “Relentless” and ending with “Rising Power” and “Cruise Missile”. With that, the guys walked off stage for a well deserved break.

Steve has been through a lot over the past few years. From losing his dear wife Janine from cancer to having arthritic issues in his wrists. This new tour has helped him feel closer to her. She toured all over with him and she was especially fond of his work with SMB and the Dixie Dregs. He has had surgery and serious rehab on his wrists to get him playing again… but not just playing, the man has not lost a step! He’s still at his impossibly high level of articulation and speed, just now done a little differently.

At a quarter past nine, bassist Andy West, drummer Rod Morganstein, Steve, violinist Allen Sloan and Dream Theater keyboard great, Jordan Rudess walked onto the sage and fired off the song “Country House Shuffle” and then broke into “Sleeveless in Seattle”. Rudess joined the band when Steve Davidowski was unable to play because of a prior commitment. Rudess did a tour with the Dregs back in 94, so he definitely has some experience playing in the group. Over the next 90 minutes, the packed house was tantalized with 14 of the band’s most popular works. Throughout the set, the guys traded solos with a flair and precision rarely seen in today’s sterile music world. Watching the individual interactions, facial expressions and smiles they gave each other really emphasized the camaraderie that they have established. As the musicians came upon the final song of the night, Dave Larue and Dru Betts were called back on stage to join the others for quite the finale, “Take it off the Top”. To see all of them on stage together was nothing short of amazing.

\Throughout his career, Steve Morse has solidified his reputation as one of the most respected and influential guitarists in the world, admired for his exceptional skill, creativity, and dedication to his craft. I am thrilled south Florida got to be included on this tour.