Bass Player: Dave LaRue

Steve Morse’s 1999 album, Major Imopacts’ has a back story that Morse himself relates on the band’s Bandcamp page.

‘In late 1999, Magna Carta had an idea that sounded like it would be an interesting project for me to work on. Some months later, I have to say that “Major Impacts” has been one of the most captivating things I’ve ever done. The concept was for me to write music that reflected the styles of some of the musicians that had really influenced me as a guitarist and a musician. I loved the concept and immediately had ideas all over the place: mental notes, cassette tapes scattered about, even crude wave files on my portable computer. I actually couldn’t wait to get started and I dove right in. The challenges were there- like trying to give the impression of a guitarist in a vocal band with an original piece of music that doesn’t use lyrics. And what are the components of a style? How to reflect those without actually repeating music? The solution was to use familiar tempos, phrasing, instrumentation, and reminiscent themes that would be literally original but obviously intended to imitate. If part of my record reminds you of another tune, you can be pretty sure that it was intended. I hope you’. 

Morse specifically references the background of the track ‘The White Light’.

‘John McLaughlin was a huge influence on me. Some have said that I have done quite a lot of “tribute” to Mahavishnu Orchestra, his most intense group. When John saw the Dregs in the late 70’s, he even commented that he was very flattered, meaning that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Seriously, though, he was supportive, and we ended up working on a tour together with myself opening for him, Al Dimeola, and Paco De Lucia. Since I’ve done so many arrangements influenced by Mahavishnu, this one is inspired by his beautiful acoustic work as well as his ability to write melodic, sequential phrases that seem to always lift up. On this tune, Dave LaRue plays the most perfect fretless bass solo as well’.

The main bass parts are very easy to read but the solo is a little more challenging. It is written to be played 8va (although it isn’t marked as such – an oversight that will be addressed when we get a chance).