''For the Bollywood film of the same name see ''Kshatriya (film)''

Kshatriya (, '''' from , '''') or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas (social orders) in Hinduism. It traditionally constituted the military and ruling elite of the Vedic-Hindu social system outlined by the Vedas and the Laws of Manu.

Etymology

In Sanskrit, it is derived from meaning "roof, umbrella, dominion, power, government" from a root "to rule, govern, possess". Old Persian ''xšaθra'' ("realm, power"), ''xšaθrya'' ("royal"), and ''xšāyaθiya'' ("emperor") are related to it, as are the New Persian words ''šāh'' ("emperor") and ''šahr'' ("city", "realm"). The Thai word for "king", ''kasat'', and the Malay word for "knight" or "warrior", ''kesatria'' or ''satria'', are also derived from it. The term denotes aristocratic status.

History

Initially in ancient Vedic society, this position was achieved on the merits of a person's aptitude, conduct, and nature. The earliest Vedic literature listed by organization of function, not of caste, the Kshatriya (holders of , or authority) as first in rank, and the Brahmins second (priests and teachers of law), before the Vaisya (Cattle-herders, merchant-traders, farmers and some artisan castes), and the Sudra (labourers, some farming castes and other artisan castes).Manusmriti assigns cattle rearing as occupation of Vaisya, however there are references in available literature that Kshatriyas also owned and reared the cattle and cattle-wealth was mainstay of their households.Emperors of Kosala and Prince of Kasi are some of many examples.

Movements of individuals and groups from one class to another, both upward and downward, were not uncommon; a rise in status even to the rank of Kshatriya was a recognized reward for outstanding service to the rulers of the day. Over the years it became hereditary. In modern times, the Kshatriya varna includes a broad class of caste groups, differing considerably in status and function but united by their claims to ruler-ship, the pursuit of war, or the possession of land.

The legend that the Kshatriyas, with the exception of the Ikshvakus, were destroyed by Parasurama, the sixth reincarnation of Vishnu, as a punishment for their tyranny is thought by some scholars to reflect a long struggle for supremacy between priests and rulers that ended in victory for the former. By the end of the Vedic era, the Brahmins were supreme, and the Kshatriya had fallen to second place. Texts such as the Manusmṛti (a book of Hindu law) and most other dharmashastras (works of jurisprudence) report a Brahman victory, but epic texts often offer a different account, and it is likely that in social reality rulers have usually ranked first. The persistent representation of deities (especially Vishnu, Krishna, and Rama) as rulers underscores the point, as does the elaborate series of ritual roles and privileges pertaining to kings through most of Hindu history.

Vedic origin

In the Rig Veda the varnas are not rigid and were related to ones actions. The Rig Veda refers to the ways in which Gods four body parts make up the four classes, depending on the nature or values that the human holds. The Brahmans were to signify spiritual and intellectual values and were to be in charge of teaching the Vedic Sanskrit, thus are made up of his head. The Kshatryas were the warriors who protected the countries and thus are made up of his arms. The Vaishyas were the farmers and merchants in the production nature and thus are made up of his belly and the Shudras were the laborers who perform menial chores of farming, labor, artisans and all the jobs required of a society and thus are made up of his legs. This was interpreted as meaning that no one caste is more important than the other and that society cannot survive without all parts working together.

According to Vedic theology , Manu is considered the law-giver and progenitor of humanity. He had over 50 sons. Manu was both king and priest and his children (and thus all of humanity) are considered highborn. Due to the eventual differences in occupations, people ended up in different jātis and castes. Those who studied the Vedas became known as Brahmins, those who practised trade became Vaishya, those who labored became Sudra, and those who took up martial arts became Kshatriyas.

According to popular myth/lore Rajputs/Thakurs came into being in 6th century AD through a of yagya done by Sage Agastya, though this might refer to Yagya done to provide regal legitimacy to certain warrior tribes. As Jats, assimilated many Surya, Chandra, Nag and Yaduvanshis into their being, same way Rajputs increased their vansh by assimilating same clans of Kshatriyas. Most Yaduvanshis became part of Jat and Rajput clans. For example, Bharatpur's Jat kingdom belong to Sri Krishna's Vrishni clan. Many Gurjar clans like Bhati got divided between Rajput, Jat and Muslims.

Most of the Gurjars (or Gujjars) believe to have descended from Suryavanshi Kshatriyas (Sun Dynasty) and connect themselves with Shri Ram Chandra. Historically, the Gurjars were Sun-worshipers and are described as devoted to the Sun-god (God Surya).Their copper-plate grants bear an emblem of the Sun and on their seals too, this symbol is depicted. Also the Gurjar title of honor is Mihir which means Sun.

Varna-Jati-Caste

There is confusion between Varna, Jati and Caste. While the term varna refers to the four broad different classes in society, the term jati refers to the different specific endogamous sections of the Hindu Society which are known as castes. Varna means "color" as well as "veil". It shows the four different ways in which the Divine Self is hidden in human beings. In the context of color people have confused it to mean race but it actually represents the distinct qualities (guna) that the four functional classes possess in their hearts and minds. The four different qualities of human beings:

#If a person possessed the qualities of purity, love, faith and detachment, seek true knowledge and have a spiritual temperament, they would be represented by the color White (sattva = truthful). Those that belong to this color, belong to the Brahman class. #If a person possessed the qualities of action, will, aggression, and energy, seek honor, power, status and have a martial and political temperament, they would be represented by the color Red (rajas = energetic; the color of blood, sacrifice). Those that belong to this color belong to the Kshatriya class. #If a person tried to seek communication, interchange, trade, business and possessed a commercial temperament they were represented by the color Yellow. They make up the Vaishya class. #For those individual in society who love of growing crops (nature) the love of arts(shudra)(farmers and artisans) they were represented by the color Black (tamas = inert, solid). Those belonging to this color are shudras

The use of 'color' in this sense is metaphorical, however over time racialist interpretations, most notably the 'martial races' theory of the British Raj, gave way to the concept of 'heritable dharma', family castes, and the present divisions in Indian society.

Panchjanya, meaning five people, is the common name given to the five most ancient Vedic kshatriya tribes. It is supposed they are all descendants of the Turvasu. They are Yadu, , Puru, Anu and Druhyu. For example, Yadav is descended from the Yadu; Saini is descended from Shini and Shoorsen both of whom were Yaduvanshi kings, Paurav is descended from the Puru; etc.

Theories of origin

Historians generally agree that caste became hereditary around the time of the rise of Buddhism and Jainism based on archaeological, literary, and artistic evidence of the communities that existed in India. Gautama Buddha and Mahavira are two Kshatriya sages who made a lasting impression on the world. They did not believe in the pre-eminence of the Vedas and taught to the masses, not keeping spirituality to an elite few. Ashoka Maurya became ardent follower of this faith and promoted it throughout the Mauryan empire. This resulted in the decline in status of the Brahman order.

Two camps exist about the importance of these texts. One camp is similar to the literalists of the Christian faith who believe that their holy texts are verbatim documentation of real people, events and dates and that modern society is descended from them. The other camp believes that the holy texts are not meant to be taken literally and should be used symbolically as examples of the proper way to live.

Those who believe the ''Mahabharata'', ''Ramayana'' and ''Puranas'' were verbatim documents feel that modern Kshatriyas are descended from the Vedic Kshatriyas . The reason for the controversy is that we do not have any physical evidence of their existence. There are no bones, forts, weapons, coins, monuments, pictures etc. discovered to state unequivocally that they existed. However the clans as mentioned in Mahabharat for certain castes has existed as it is since time unknown, and provides the basis for belief in these texts.

The literalists believe that most of the Kshatriya communities descend from Surya, Chandra, or Agni. The Surya descendants claim descent from the Sun Dynasty (Suryavanshi). Rama also belonged to this dynasty, and the Suryavanshis, who trace this lineage via Rama's son, Luv) trace their linage back to him. The Chandra descendants claim descent from the Lunar Dynasty (Chandravansh). Krishna is believed to be born in this dynasty. Chandravanshi Kshtriyas consider him as an ancestor. This is mentioned in the Rig Veda and other Puranas as well as in Great epics, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Raghuvaṃśa.

Social status

Past

File:Rajpoots_small.jpg|thumb|right|350px|An 1876 engraving of Khokar Rajputs of Punjab from the ''Illustrated London News''. rect 0 0 1000 751 desc bottom-left In the past people looked upon Kshatriyans to protect them from all dangers. Kshatriyans were kings and warriors in the army, all soldiers knew basics of Kshatriyan martial arts. The folklore talks of some great Kshatriyans and legends. The status of Kshatriyans was clearly exalted. Legends tell that Kshatriyan could be told by sight because of his tall, strong and muscular male look. They were supposedly able to fight blindfolded and archers could hit a target by just sound in the dead of the night. Stories of exemplary courage still circulate by word of mouth and are recorded as folk-tales. Teachers of Kshatriyans never accepted non-kshatriyans, for example see the story of Ekalavya.

Present

Families consider it as a status symbol or a decoration to have the famous two crossed swords in a shield symbol of a Kshatriyan hung in their house. The Kshatriyan is still a great name and older generation of rural India still attach a great value to it. South Indian Kalarippayattu gurukal teach the old martial art still. The Kalarippayattu is seriously being revived but the old tradition of accepting only Kshatriyans to learn Kalarippayattu has been dropped. The Marathas in Maharashtra and central India attach great pride and command a sense of respect among common people by their lineage while Rajput in Rajasthan.

The situation has changed in modern times and Kshatriyas do not have much to gain or lose in status by their Kshatriya lineage. One area where the Kshatriya heritage has been prominent is the Indian Army.

Kshatriya regiments make up a large portion of the Indian and Nepali Armed forces. Notable among them are Punjab Regiment, 9th, 16th and 17th Battalions of Madras Regiment (Nair), Maratha Light Infantry (Maratha), Rajputana Rifles (Mainly of Rajasthani Rajputs, Gurjars and Jats), Jat Regiment, Dogra Regiment, The Garhwal Rifles, Kumaon Regiment and Rajput Regiment.

Demographics

According to the 1891 Census of India, Martial Races made up more than 10% of the population of British India. This percentage might have decreased over the years. An example is that of the Nairs in Kerala who were decimated during the Mysore invasion of Kerala. Nairs constituted more than 30% of the population of Kerala during the 1854 census, but decreased to 14.41% in 1968 and further decreased to 12.88% in 2000. Frequent warfare was the main cause for demographic decline during early years, but low fertility is the main problem nowadays. (In Kerala, the Malayala Kshatriyas are having a fertility of 1.47 children per women, while the Muslims are having 2.97 children per women).

Specialties

The Rajputs were known to make deft political maneuvers to consolidate their kingdom or to defeat an enemy. They are also known to follow certain codes of war to fight a battle. They are recorded in history as a kind of fierce warrior clan who make brave attempts within their war codes to retrieve a lost kingdom or defeat a dangerous enemy. They are also legendarily said to have untiring persistence to attain their goal as in the case of Maharana Pratap. The rajputs are considered to be most revered and persistent Kshatriyas.

Praiseful references of might and administration of the Gurjars can be found in Arab records as well as Indian inscriptions.Kupadvanj inscription of 910A.D. mentions them as ''Roaring Gurjar''.Arab records say that the Gurjar king maintained numerous forces and no other Indian prince had so fine a cavalry.Arab invaders referred Gurjars as their greatest foe.

The Maratha warrior and emperor Shivaji Bhonsale, born April, 1627 (also Shrimant Rajaram Shivaji Raje Bhonsle - Chhatrapati Maharaj) had his own army specialized in guerrilla warfare and a particular tale of valor is also a historical fact. It is the tale of Sinhagad Fort. Jats employed guerilla warfare in Bharatpur, which was very close to the stronghold of Mughals. They were able to fight successfully against Mughal ruler Aurangzeb 30 km from Agra.

South India, particularly Kerala also has its own share of Kshatriyans who are better known as members of Raja-Kudumba's or royal families. They practice the worlds oldest martial art known as Kalarippayattu. The Kalarippayattu has something commonly known as Marma Kalai or Varma Kalai where the Marmam is attacked which instantly disables or kills the enemy without making any externally visible injury.

Kshatriya Dharma

Kshatriya Dharma is the rules to be followed by a Kshatriyan to do justice to his caste and status. it still exists in more logical and evolved forms.

Kshtariya Dharma is specifically described in the Mahabharata:

Symbols associated with Kshatriya

In rituals, the Nyagrodha (Ficus Indica or India Fig/Banyan tree) danda, or staff, is assigned to the Kshatriya class, and along with a mantra, intended to impart physical vitality or 'ojas'.

The Nyagrodha or Banyan tree, (not to be confused with the Pipul, Ficus Religiosus or Sacred Fig), with its hanging, branch-like root-trunks which can grow to several acres, is considered symbolically equivalent to the Kshtariya. Where the Nyragrodha is fastened to the ground and supported by its downward growths, the Kshatriya is thought of as supported by the larger society 'beneath' it.

In the Manu Smriti, or Laws of Manu, the Kshatriya caste is given the Varna (Color) red.

Kshatriya lineage

The major branches of Kshatriya varna are: Suryavanshi (solar line), claiming direct descent from Ramachandra, and descent from Surya; Chandravanshi (''lunar line''), claiming descent from Yadu, as Yadu was himself born in a Chandravanshi dynasty, and descent from Chandra; Agnivanshi, claiming descent from Agni; and Nagavanshi, claiming descent from the Nāgas.

Suryavanshi

The ''Suryavanshi'' or Solar dynasty lineage claims descent from Surya. Suryavanshis also claim descent from Rama, who was himself born into a Suryavanshi dynasty. Out of the 36 major clans of Rajastani Rajputs, 10 belong to the Suryavanshi lineage (Shekhawat, Rathore, Sisodia, Kachwaha.etc.)

Chandravanshi

The ''Chandravanshi'' or Lunar dynasty lineage claims descent from Chandra. Chandravanshis also claim descent from Yadu, who was himself born into a Chandravanshi dynasty.

Agnivanshi

The ''Agnivanshi'' lineage claims descent from Agni. Clans like Bhadauria, Chauhan, Parihar, Panwar & Solanki are of Agnivanshi lineage.

Nāgvanshi

The Nāgvanshi or Serpent dynasty is a sub-clan of Suryavanshi kshatriyas. They adopted Naga as their symbol and worshipped Lord Shiva in various forms. Nāgvanshis include most of the Nair and Bunt clans as well as some Rajput (Saharan Rajputs, Bais Rajputs, Naga Rajputs, Takshak Rajputs. etc.) and Jat clans. The Nāgvanshi (or Nāgbanshi) are known for ruling Chhotanagpur. Most important among the Jat clans which are of Nāga origin includes Bachak Jats, Kaliramna Jats, and Katewa Jats. Outside India, the Balinese Kshatriyas claim descent from Nāgvanshis. In South West India, the Naga Sendraka rulers of Nayarkhanda (Nagarkhanda) were feudatories to the Chalukyas. The Sindas of Bastar were also of Nagavanshi origin.

Others

Velirs/Vellalars, Tamil gentry, ancient feudal landlords. Chera/Chola/Pandya, Tamil royal lineage linked to the Velir/Vellalar caste. The alien hordes that did not follow priestly customs or traditions (Shakas, Kushans, Indo-Greeks, Hunas and Parthians) were stated as Vratya Kshatriyas in Manusmriti. The Meitei of Manipur were recognized as Kshatriyas by the Bengali and Assamese Brahmins as they are thought to be the descendants of Lord Arjuna. Gurung and Magar ethnic groups are recognized as Kshatriyas in Nepal by the Bahun, along with other Kshatriya groups such as Thakore and Chhetri. Shrestha subdivision among ethnic Newar is recognized as Kshatriya in Nepal.

See also

Indian caste system

Forward Castes

Jāti

References

Further reading

History and Culture of Indian People, The Vedic Age, p 313-314

Category:Varnas in Hinduism Category:Sanskrit words and phrases

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background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
instrument	Guitar, vocals, keyboards, bass, banjo
name	Steve Morse
birth name	Steven J. Morse
born	July 28, 1954Hamilton, Ohio, United States
genre	Rock, instrumental rock, progressive rock, hard rock, heavy metal, jazz fusion
occupation	Musician, songwriter
associated acts	Dixie Dregs, Kansas, Deep Purple, Living Loud, Angelfire
notable instruments	Music Man Steve Morse Signature guitar, Fender Telecaster
years active	1970–present
website	Official web site }}

Steven J. "Steve" Morse (born 28 July 1954) is an American guitarist, best known as the founder of the Dixie Dregs, and the guitar player in Deep Purple since 1994. Often considered of of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Morse's career has encompassed rock, country, funk, jazz, classical, and fusion of these musical genres. In addition to a thriving solo career, he enjoyed a brief stint with Kansas in the mid 80s.

History

Early

Morse's father was a minister and his mother a classically trained pianist; both were also psychologists. The family moved to Tennessee, then Ypsilanti, Michigan, where Morse spent his childhood. Although familiar with piano and clarinet, Morse ultimately became interested in guitar after seeing a gentleman finger picking a Dixie melody at a county fair.

Morse worked briefly with his brother Dave in a band called The Plague until the family moved to Augusta, Georgia. In the late 60s, he played in a band called Three with his older brother. Enrolled in the Academy of Richmond County, he met bassist Andy West and, together, they formed the nucleus of the Dixie Grit, adding keyboardist Johnny Carr, guitarist and vocalist Frank Brittingham with Dave Morse drumming. However, this effort was short lived, since covering Led Zeppelin, Cream and the like limited their ability to get higher-paying jobs at local dance halls.

West and Morse continued to play as a duet billed as the Dixie Dregs until Morse's expulsion from school in the 10th grade (for refusing to cut his hair) enabled his enrolment at the esteemed University of Miami School of Music.

During the 1970s, the University of Miami played host to a number of future influential musicians, including Bruce Hornsby, Pat Metheny, Chuck Schuldiner, Jaco Pastorius and others. Andy West also enrolled at the University of Miami and, with Morse, drummer Bart Yarnall, keyboardist Frank Josephs and violinist Allen Sloan, collaborated in a lab project entitled Rock Ensemble II. Rehearsing and performing Morse's compositions at the University of Miami brought some attention to his credibility as a composer and player. The group compiled a recording used for promotional efforts in 1975. This recording was eventually released as ''The Great Spectacular'' in 1997.

Dixie Dregs

Upon Morse's graduation from the University of Miami in 1975, he and West officially named the group Dixie Dregs. A fellow University of Miami alumnus, Rod Morgenstein, replaced the injured Bart Yarnall and the band commenced performing on a regular basis, interspersing their compositions with covers of John McLaughlin and of southern rock gems. Despite their decidedly non-commercial intent, an increasingly heavier performance schedule eventually led to the attention of Capricorn Records recruiters including Allman Brothers Band manager Twiggs Lyndon and, in late 1976, the group was signed by the vaunted southern rock label.

Their first effort for Capricorn, ''Free Fall'', established Morse as an important newcomer to the fusion genre, and he was recognised for both his compositional skills (having written all 11 tracks) and his consummate musicianship. Although critically acclaimed as a pivotal jazz fusion album, the LP sold poorly.

''What If'' was released in 1978 to continued acclaim. Writing credits were more collaborative and the band's sound had matured into something a bit more than what defined fusion at the time. Southern rock, classical, folk and country elements combined to form a cohesive and complex pastiche of passionate and highly listenable music. Though supported by a tour, record sales remained flat, but gained Morse and the band received an invitation to perform at Montreux Jazz Festival on 23 July 1978. The recorded performance was released the following year on ''Night of the Living Dregs''. Capricorn went bankrupt in late 1979, and the Dixie Dregs were left without a label.

Arista Records stepped in to sign the band in 1979 to record three albums. Production control was handed to Morse, and ''Dregs of the Earth'' was released in May 1980. All eight tracks were written by Morse, and the album peaked at number 27 on Billboard's Jazz Album Chart.

Arista became increasingly concerned about Dixie Dregs' album sales and pressured the band to change their name to simply ''The Dregs'' in an attempt to increase the band's visibility in the public eye. ''Unsung Heroes'' brought eight additional Morse compositions forward in early 1981, but the name change did little to address Arista's worries. The Dregs were compelled to add lyrics to their next effort, appropriately titled ''Industry Standard'', an apparent reference to executive and management oversight of their creative process.

Despite this, Morse's compositions on ''Industry Standard'' began to sound more like his evolving solo work than Dregs' collaborations, and the album stood up to critical and public praise. ''Industry Standard'' was voted "Best Guitar LP" by readers of ''Guitar Player'' magazine in their annual reader's poll that year. Additionally, Morse was voted "Best Overall Guitarist" in the same poll, an honour that he would hold for five consecutive years (which ended his eligibility by retiring him into their "Gallery of Greats", a distinction shared only by Steve Howe of Yes.) Having fulfilled their commitment to Arista, the band succumbed to the pressures of constant gigging, and disbanded in early 1983.

In the late 1980s, the group reunited for a tour featuring former members Morse, Morgenstein, Lavitz and Sloan. Their return was complemented by a "Best Of" release entitled ''Divided We Stand''. Bassist Dave LaRue completed the line-up for a seven date tour culminating in the 1992 live album Bring 'em Back Alive. Violinist Jerry Goodman, of The Mahavishnu Orchestra fame, filled in for Sloan, who was frequently absent as a result of his busy medical career. They signed a deal with former label Capricorn Records for their first studio album in years entitled Full Circle in 1994.

Steve Morse Band and Kansas

Morse began putting together the Steve Morse Band, a trio with Jerry Peek (bass) and Doug Morgan (drums). Rod Morgenstein soon replaced Morgan, and they began recording ''The Introduction'' in September. The group toured Germany in early 1984 with Morse conducting clinics, and the group was signed by Elektra Records, who released ''The Introduction'' mid-year. A second German tour began in December 1984 and ''Stand Up'' was released in 1985. This effort included guest vocalists and guitarists (Eric Johnson, Alex Ligertwood, Peter Frampton, Albert Lee, Van Temple), and violinist Mark O'Connor. He toured with Rush as a main opener on their Power Windows tour.

In 1986, Morse joined the rock group Kansas. While with the band, they released two albums, ''Power'' and ''In the Spirit of Things''. While he was with the band, Kansas had its last big hit, "All I Wanted," which reached the Billboard Top 20 and on which Morse received co-writing credit. Morse left the band after touring behind the latter album. He re-joined the band for part of their 1991 tour.

From late 1987 to early 1988, Morse worked as a commercial airline co-pilot.

Deep Purple

During the 1993 Deep Purple tour supporting their ''The Battle Rages On'' album, Ritchie Blackmore quit the band at the end of the European tour. Before they settled on Morse as a permanent replacement, Joe Satriani served as a short-term replacement to finish the tour. Since then, Morse has played on four Deep Purple studio albums, as well as seven of their live albums.

Living Loud

In addition to playing with Deep Purple, Morse, together with Jimmy Barnes, Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake and Don Airey, formed Living Loud in 2003. The group released one studio album and a live DVD in 2004/2005. In Spring 2010 it was reported that Steve Morse and Bob Daisley started work on the new studio album which is set for a release in 2011.

Angelfire

Morse began a collaboration with singer, Sarah Spencer, in 2007 entitled Angelfire. The album, of the same name, was released on 10 August 2010 on Radiant Records. The album features Dave Larue and Van Romaine of the Steve Morse Band on bass and drums, respectively. The album has a textural, acoustic sound that differs from Morse's previous work. Angelfire opened for the Steve Morse Band for several shows in California (January) and Florida (March) of 2010.

Influence and technique

Morse is considered one of the hardest working guitarists in the world, playing in a wide variety of genres in only thirty years. He is known for his stylistically diverse compositional skills and virtuosic abilities, and was voted "Best Overall Guitarist" by ''Guitar Player'' magazine for five years in a row, qualifying him for their "Guitar Player Hall of Fame", the only other members being Steve Howe of Yes and Eric Johnson. He is regularly cited by John Petrucci as a major influence. Guitarist Shawn Lane regarded Steve Morse as one of the most talented guitarist of his time, Morse has proven himself throughout his career as capable of playing highly complex chord structures in classical sequences, as well as being able to play fast, alternate picked arpeggios. He is well known for using harmonics and improvising them in songs during live performances, such as in Deep Purple's "Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming".

Discography

With Dixie Dregs

1976 ''The Great Spectacular'' (formally released in 1997)

1977 ''Free Fall''

1978 ''What If

1979 ''Night of the Living Dregs''

1980 ''Dregs of the Earth''

1981 ''Unsung Heroes''

1982 ''Industry Standard''

1988 ''Off the Record''

1989 ''Divided We Stand''

1992 ''Bring 'Em Back Alive''

1994 ''Full Circle''

1997 ''King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents'' - ''The Dregs 1979''

2000 ''California Screamin' - Live In California 1999''

2002 ''20th Century Masters: The Best Of The Dixie Dregs'' (compilation)

2002 ''Sects, Dregs & Rock 'n' Roll'' (compilation)

With the Steve Morse Band and solo

1984 ''The Introduction''

1985 ''Stand Up''

1989 ''High Tension Wires''

1991 ''Southern Steel''

1992 ''Coast to Coast''

1995 ''Structural Damage''

1996 ''StressFest''

2000 ''Major Impacts''

2002 ''Split Decision''

2004 ''Major Impacts 2''

2005 ''Prime Cuts - From Steve Morse's Magna Carta sessions'' (compilation)

2009 ''Out Standing in Their Field''

With Deep Purple

1996 ''Purpendicular''

1997 ''Live at the Olympia '96''

1998 ''Abandon''

1999 ''Live at the Royal Albert Hall''

1999 ''Total Abandon: Live in Australia''

2001 ''Live at the Rotterdam Ahoy''

2001 ''The Soundboard Series''

2003 ''Bananas''

2005 ''Rapture of the Deep''

2006 ''Live at Montreux 1996''

2007 ''They All Came Down to Montreux''

With Kansas

1986 ''Power''

1988 ''In the Spirit of Things''

1998 ''King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas''

2004 ''Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection'' (compilation)

2009 There's Know Place Like Home DVD

With Angelfire

2010 ''Angelfire''

With Living Loud

2003 ''Living Loud'' (US: 2004)

2005 ''Live In Sydney 2004'' (2CD/DVD)

Guest appearances with other artists

1977 ''Tropical Nights'' - Liza Minnelli

1978 ''Kamikazee Christian'' - Rob Cassells Band

1980 ''Schemer-Dreamer'' - Steve Walsh

1983 ''The Trio'' - Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucía

1986 ''Storytime'' - T Lavitz

1987 ''Stone From Which The Arch Was Made'' - Mark O'Connor

1987 ''Surveillance'' - Triumph

1988 ''Southern By The Grace Of God: Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour 1987'' - Lynyrd Skynyrd

1988 ''Love Your Man'' - ''The Rossington Collins Band''

1990 ''Nashville Rendez-Vous'' - Marcel Dadi

1991 ''Fingers Crossing'' - ''Marcel Dadi''

1992 ''Country Guitar Flavors'' - ''Marcel Dadi''

1992 ''Lone Ranger'' - ''Jeff Watson''

1993 ''Coven, Pitrelli, O'Reilly'' - ''CPR''

1994 ''Thonk'' - Michael Manring

1995 ''Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus''

2001 ''Seventh Key'' - ''Seventh Key''

2001 ''Nylon & Steel'' - ''Manuel Barrueco''

2001 ''Feeding the Wheel'' - Jordan Rudess

2002 ''Camino Latino/Latin Journey'' - Liona Boyd

2004 ''Rhythm Of Time'' - ''Jordan Rudess''

2006 ''Gillan's Inn'' - Ian Gillan

2007 ''School of the Arts'' - School of the Arts (featuring T Lavitz) (Morse contributes acoustic guitar work on 2 tracks, "On Fire" and "Portrait")

2011 ''Testimony 2'' - Neal Morse

2011 ''Raised in Captivity'' - John Wetton

Various artist compilations and tributes

1978 ''Hotels, Motels And Road Shows'' (Various artists compilation)

1989 ''Guitar's Practicing Musicians'' (Various artists compilation)

1991 ''Guitar's Practicing Musicians Vol. 2'' (Various artists compilation)

1991 ''Guitar Speak III'' (Various artist compilation)

1992 ''Rock Guitar Greats'' (Various artists compilation)

1992 ''Guitar On The Edge Vol. 2'' (Various artist compilation)

1995 ''Tales From Yesterday'' (Various artists tribute to Yes)

1996 ''Crossfire - A Tribute To Stevie Ray'' (Various artists tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan)

1996 ''Working Man'' (Various artists tribute to Rush, Morse plays solos on ''La Villa Strangiato'' and ''Red Barchetta''.)

1996 ''The Carols Of Christmas'' (Various artist compilation)

1997 ''The Carols Of Christmas II'' (Various artist compilation)

1997 ''Merry Axemas - A Guitar Christmas'' (Various artist compilation)

1997 ''Jazz Fusion Vol. 2'' (Various artist compilation)

1998 ''Guitar Battle'' (Various artist compilation)

1999 ''Tribute to the Titans'' (Various artist compilation)

1999 ''Rock Guitarists Forever Best'' (Various artist compilation)

2001 ''Warmth In The Wilderness - A Tribute To Jason Becker'' (Various artists tribute to Jason Becker)

2002 ''A Southern Rock Christmas'' (Various artist compilation)

2004 ''Classical Heartbreakers'' (Various artist compilation)

2005 ''Future of the Blues Vol. 2'' (Various artist compilation)

2006 ''Back Against The Wall'' (Various artist tribute to Pink Floyd's ''The Wall'')

2006 ''Visions of an Inner Mounting Apocalypse'' (Various artist tribute to Mahavishnu Orchestra)

2006 ''The Royal Dan: A Tribute'' (instrumental guitar tribute to jazz rock band Steely Dan, featuring a different lead guitarist on 10 different songs, Morse plays Bodhisattva)

References

External links

(launched January 2009)

Steve Morse's official MySpace page

Steve Morse's former official web site (prior to January 2009)

Deep Purple's official web site

Angelfire's official web site

Category:1954 births Category:Living people Category:People from Hamilton, Ohio Category:American Christians Category:Lead guitarists Category:American rock guitarists Category:American vegetarians Category:Kansas (band) members Category:Deep Purple members Category:Dixie Dregs members Category:University of Miami alumni Category:Musicians from Ohio

bg:Стийв Морз cs:Steve Morse de:Steve Morse es:Steve Morse fr:Steve Morse hr:Steve Morse it:Steve Morse ka:სტივ მორსი lb:Steve Morse hu:Steve Morse nl:Steve Morse ja:スティーヴ・モーズ no:Steve Morse pl:Steve Morse pt:Steve Morse ro:Steve Morse ru:Морс, Стив sq:Steve Morse simple:Steve Morse sk:Steve Morse fi:Steve Morse sv:Steve Morse tr:Steve Morse uk:Стів Морс

name	K.S. Rhoads
background	solo_singer
birth name	Kevin S. Rhoads
born	August 7, 1976
years active	2007—
associated acts	Erin McCarleyTen Out of Tenn
notable instruments	}}

K.S. Rhoads (born August 7, 1976) is an American musician, singer-songwriter, composer, music-producer, and performer.

Early life

Rhoads was born in Tucson, Arizona, the younger of two sons. He moved to Denver, Colorado soon after he was born, and many places thereafter, eventually settling in Fort Myers, Florida. At age 15 he began focusing intensely on music, learning many instruments including bass, piano, and harmonica. He bought his first 4 track recorder in 9th grade, and began recording his own songs. He graduated high school in 1994 and moved to Fort Worth, Texas where he attended Texas Christian University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. He moved to Nashville in 2001, but it was not until 2007 that he started work on his debut album ''Dead Language'' with producers Robin Eaton, and Lij Shaw.

Career

Solo Artist

Dead Language was released in 2007 and received excellent critical reviews. ''American Songwriter'' called it "an exhibition in style, grace and limitless possibilities..." Listen! Nashville says: "Rhoads has the perfectionism and musicianship of Roger Waters, as well as a similar political chip on his shoulder, making him a force to be reckoned with." He toured as the opening act for Marc Broussard, Ari Hest, Butterfly Boucher, and Erin McCarley. In January 2010 he performed at the prestigious ASCAP music cafe at Sundance Film Festival, as well as SXSW in Austin, Texas. He is currently recording his second album. His songs have been featured on the shows ''CSI: Miami'', and World of Jenks on MTV.

Erin McCarley

K.S. Rhoads often plays piano and acts as music director for Universal recording artist Erin McCarley. With McCarley he has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Together they have performed with and/or opened for many artists including: Chris Isaak, David Gray, Ray Lamontagne, Guster, Brett Dennen, Jeff Beck, Paolo Nutini, and James Morrison.

Ten Out of Tenn

K.S. Rhoads has toured and recorded with fellow Nashville musicians for a project called Ten Out of Tenn. He, along with the other artists in Ten Out Of Tenn, is the subject of documentary entitled ''Any Day Now''. The film was runner-up in the Nashville Film Festival. It is the story of 10 musical artists on tour together for one summer in 2008.

String Arrangements

Third Day - Move

By The Tree - Invade My Soul

Erin McCarley - Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing (unreleased)

Phillip Larue - Let The Road Pave Itself

Trent Dabbs - Decade Fades

We Are The Emergency - Whispers & Fragments

Albums Produced

Mia Carruthers And The Retros - We Will Grow

Erin McCarley - I Saw The Light (single)

Farther & Faster - (unreleased)

Sara Donaldson - Leaving Winter

Ten Out Of Tenn - Christmas

References

External links

Official Website

Category:Living people Category:1976 births Category:American musicians Category:American singer-songwriters Category:American composers