STEVE MORSE Interview & Masterclass

With Deep Purple’s Whoosh! and Flying Colors, Live In London albums garnering rave reviews, Steve spoke to Jason Sidwell about influences, gear and technique, before taking a stunning solo over Jason’s exclusive track, Stomping At The Pier.

- Jason Sidwell

You have debilitating arthritis in your picking hand wrist, which has compromised your technique. How is it at the moment?

SM: It’s letting me know that I need to use less wrist action! I’m on an inflammatory reducing diet and practice almost exclusively with my wrist not moving. Since I’ve strengthened the muscles and tendons from doing that, I’m not needing the brace in order to practice, but will use a glove for gigs. The glove will hold in place a large amount of topical pain killer. Everybody’s got something they workaround.

INFLUENCES

What artists or bands do you like listening to these days and why?

SM: Big variety. Just yesterday, a friend told me about a band he heard that had bagpipes and guitar, which reminded me that I should listen to that amazing hit single by Big Country. Then, earlier I was listening to Monteverdi played by the incredible W Carlos on synthesizer. I don’t ever like music to be droning without my complete attention, so it’s not often heard. But when I listen, I go deep into it. Best of all, just two days ago, I heard a song my son, Kevin, co-wrote that I just loved, with such a melodic, uplifting chorus. So, I like to really connect to good music, and not have it ever be in the background.

You’ve spoken about Enya and Celtic music in the past (your High Tension Wires album has many lovely reflections of Celtic music). What is it that you like about her music; chord changes, the arrangements, her vocal harmony stacking, softer timbres?