La Villa Strangiato

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "La Villa Strangiato" by Steve Morse from the album "Prime Cuts," and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This track, a cover of Rush's iconic instrumental, is a progressive rock masterpiece that Morse and his talented collaborators—Mike Portnoy on drums, Billy Sheehan on bass, James Murphy on ending guitar solo, Brendt Allman on rhythm guitar, and David Townson on rhythm guitar—brought to life for the 1996 tribute album "Working Man." One fascinating piece of trivia comes from a fan review on Prog Archives, which praises Morse and Sheehan for nearly making the track their own, highlighting Morse’s fine picking style that complements the original’s complexity. Another tidbit from Songfacts notes that a fan, Lyle from Fredericksburg, VA, called Morse’s cover “EXTREMELY true to the original,” so close that he had to double-check it wasn’t Rush playing. The song’s intricate structure, divided into 12 thematic segments like “A Lerxst in Wonderland” and “Monsters!,” reflects the nightmares of Rush’s Alex Lifeson, adding a storytelling depth that Morse’s version faithfully captures.

Steve Morse’s journey to becoming a guitar virtuoso began in Hamilton, Ohio, where he was born on July 28, 1954, to a minister father and a musically talented mother. His early years were marked by a nomadic childhood, moving from Tennessee to Michigan and finally settling in Augusta, Georgia. As a teenager, Morse was initially inspired by The Beatles, but his musical horizons expanded after witnessing a performance by classical guitarist Juan Mercadal, who later gave him lessons. This pivotal moment, detailed in his bio on Amazon, ignited his passion for the guitar, leading him to explore influences like The Yardbirds, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin. Morse’s first band, The Plague, was formed with his older brother Dave in Michigan, laying the groundwork for his eclectic career. He later co-founded the Dixie Dregs, blending rock, jazz, and classical elements, and gained prominence in the 1980s with a brief stint in Kansas before embarking on a solo career with albums like "High Tension Wires" (1989).

Morse’s career skyrocketed when he joined Deep Purple in 1994, replacing Ritchie Blackmore, and his tenure included acclaimed albums like "Purpendicular" (1996). He also formed the Steve Morse Band with bassist Dave LaRue and drummer Van Romaine, and participated in projects like Flying Colors and Living Loud. His versatility across genres—rock, country, funk, jazz, and classical—has earned him a loyal following, as seen in a 2022 X post by @igormirandasite celebrating his 68th birthday and contributions to Deep Purple. Fans can connect with Morse through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. For deeper fan engagement, check out the Steve Morse Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share stories and updates, or visit Dixie Dregs’ official site for more on his foundational work. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep rocking to Morse’s brilliance, knowing his legacy is as vibrant as ever.