Steve Morse Band - StressFest (1996)

Bill Milkowski states, ""StressFest" introduces a newfound heaviness to Steve Morse's playing. Along with the fabled, awesome chops and impeccable articulation that have always been a part of his musical style, there's an added depth of metallic aggression that now marks his playing. Check out the chucky power chords he lays down behind "Nightwalk", "The Easy Way" and "Glad To Be" or the distortion-laced grind on "Brave New World". This kind of meaner, nastier Morse comes no doubt from standing toe-to-toe on a nightly basis with organist Jon Lord, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice and vocalist Ian Gillian as the newest member of Deep Purple. On "StressFest", Morse is careful to temper his grungier moments with the kind of intelligence, taste and finesse that have been his trademark--witness the sublime acoustic work on "Delicate Balance". On the other side of the musical coin is "Live To Ride", an all-out rock 'n' boogie romp that rivals ZZ Top for sheer raunchy abandon. With "StressFest", Morse--the musician's musician--is maintaining his usual high standards while still having a great deal of fun."