Ranking the Studio Albums: The Dixie Dregs

Join host Pete Pardo for a ranking of the studio releases from Georgia's eclectic instrumental rock/jazz-fusion/prog/country/bluegrass/classical outfit The Dixie Dregs. #dixiedregs

[@Time2Live.online]

I bought a copy of What If for my parents one Christmas, my dad heard me listening to it, and he said to me, hey finally you're into some real musicians. They always supported me as a kid when I first started playing the drums. I loved that they never were prejudiced by new sounds instead of sticking just to the music they grew up with. My heart always swelled with pride when I'd go over to their house and they'd be listening to the Dregs. I got to see them live on a few occasions since I was living in Ga, The Peanut Palace had them there a few times, and also the Great Southeast Music Hall. When I ran into them one day at a Burger King and got to shake all their hands and thank them for all that they taught me, Rod Morganstien remembered me, and he said, "yah, you are the guy with the mirror". I always brought a mirror with me to their shows so I could turn my back to the stage, and watch Rod in the mirror which made him then right-handed.

[@johnsweeney8243]

Every rock/metal fan in the UK knows “take it off the top” even if they don’t realise it, brilliant intro to Tommy Vance show on BBCRadio, TV on the radio the best rock show ever in the UK and what a brilliant DJ voice, miss him badly RIPTommy

[@rockingman2543]

Steve Morse is absolutely fantastic!!!!I've got 'em all!!!

[@taylorhorton7038]

The Dreg’s original keyboardist, Johnny Carr, was my music history teacher in college here in Augusta, GA. Great dude. Love the channel Pete! Keep the awesome content coming, man!

[@j.resihead1835]

My favorite Dregs album is "Dregs Of The Earth". Truly amazing

[@philipwheeler864]

When I glanced and saw you had "What If" as no 1 I skipped immediately to hear what you'd have to say re: THE definitive album in my life. I had the album in '78 and it brought me into progressive rock. The violin solo in "Night Meets Light" will still stop me in my tracks these 40+ years later. Thank you for all the content!

[@geol1936]

It is official, Pete. With the Covid-19 lock in, I am hooked on four mile walks with my gf, cooking wickedly good eggplant parm (egg wash only 😉), and your album ranking videos. Thanks for pumping out the reviews. Here's to your subscriber numbers continuing its rise. You deserve it for your quality content and personality!

[@inthebeast]

I first heard the Dixie Dregs when the other guitar player in the band I was in gave me a cassette with What If on one side and Permanent Waves on the other. It was also the first Rush I had heard. Needless to say, that TDK 90 changed my life...

[@treeduck3705]

Take it Off the Top was the theme tune to BBC radio's The Friday Rock Show with Tommy Vance for over a decade. A very important show in the UK the late 70's and the 80's. 1. What If? 2. Freefall 3. Unsung Heroes 4. Dregs of the Earth 5. Full Circle 6. Night of the Living Dregs 7. Industry Standard

[@radred512]

Mark O'Conner played violin and guitar on Industry Standard. His fiddle solo on Where's Dixie is outstanding.

[@idontwanttousemynameyoutub7538]

...and his solo on Assembly Line - extraordinary.

[@lightningroy]

One of the finest bands ever. What If was my introduction in 1979 when a roommate played it for me. I had an old cassette tape on permanent loop in my car for months with What If on Side A and Birds of Fire on Side B. Purely by accident I heard they were touring in 2018 and I was able to catch their show. I had given up hope of ever seeing them perform. When Deep Purple came around last year, I did the meet-and-greet, and first thing I said to Steve was "Keep the Dregs alive!" He was cool about that, despite it being a Deep Purple show, and we talked a bit about that tour and how it was pure luck that Steve Davidowski was available, otherwise it wouldn't have happened. Amazing band. I still have tinnitus in my left ear from that show. It was worth it.

[@natew00]

Like you, a college buddy shared a Dixie Dregs song with me, and I've been in love with Steve's music ever since. Thanks for sharing this with KZbinrs.

[@dferris7767]

Another great list Pete. I saw the Dregs on their reunion tour back in 1993 at a small venue in Omaha, NE. I hung out after the show and did a small meet and greet with the band. I'm a drummer. Unfortunately, Rod Morgenstein wasn't around for that. I met Jerry Goodman and Dave LaRue that night and then met Steve Morse. He was honestly the most down-to-earth musicians I had ever met. I saw him tell a few musicians that wanted to give him demo tapes to hold on to the tapes. He didn't mean anything bad by it. He just told them to keep playing if they enjoy it. I told him that I loved his column in Guitar for the Practicing Musician called "Open Ears" and it was inspiring to me as a drummer. He thanked me and then told me if I ever had any ideas to mail them to him. I was floored. You want ideas from Little ole me!?? Definitely a class act.

[@photopicker]

I saw the Dregs in '84 or so. Mr Morse did not miss a single note the entire performance. He didn't move either. Steve likes it clean and fast. And man did he deliver. The band was smoking hot. Dregs of the Earth for me.

[@virtual_graphics]

Are you a mind reader? Just yesterday I was wondering when you planned on doing a Dixie Dregs ranking? Same as you, been into the Dregs since the late 80s. What a fantastic band...

[@63mckenzie]

There was a legendary radio show in the UK with a guy called Tommy Vance called the Friday Night Rock Show and he had Take It Off the Top as his opening theme music..They remind me of Cozy Powell's solo albums and the Gary Moore with Colosseum II albums. Fantastic stuff.

[@patrickcrowther9195]

That’s how I first heard Dixie Dregs.

[@johnsweeney8243]

Sorry mate, posted similar a minute ago, never seen your post, great memory though

[@Taylor-kd6lr]

Pete, I know why you have been playing the Dregs alot lately. Whenever I want to put myself in a positive mood, I listen to Morse. His music has spiritual and uplifting elements to it. So I'm not suprised your listening to him at all. I'll have certain weeks where he is all I listen to. I used to work at a small airport, and when he flew his private plane in one day with his family, I had the chance to tell him how important his music was to me.

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

One of my favorite bands of all time!! Was lucky enough to see them on their 2018 reunion tour. Everyone - rightfully - talks about what a great guitarist Steve Morse is; but it’s his *compositions* that put him on a whole different level, IMHO. As close to sacred as instrumental music gets for me 🤘🏻

[@63terrence]

Vista grande

[@1359401]

My 2nd favorite band of all time-Gentle giant is #1-thanks pete for sharing with others and showing the respect that they deserve and possibly getting some newbies on board with discovering the great genius of this band

[@kever8789]

Thanks for doing what you do, Pete. Love it love it love it

[@RadioGordo]

Thanks Pete for reminding me how much I enjoy these records

[@rickyriff2005]

I've been watching your rankings for some time, enjoying very much, thank you! We are often so close on rankings, and refreshing to hear about the same music I love so much. When I saw you were doing one on The Dregs, I felt compelled to comment. Only a handful of people I know have ever heard them, so to see a ranking! I have loved this band since I was a kid! Much respect man! Keep up the great vids! 🤘

[@jirky015]

In 1996, I saw Steve Morse right up close with Deep Purple. It was GA show. I got there early so when they opened the gates I could be in a position run down to be right in front of him. They also didn't have a barrier so he audience was right next to the stage. At one point he kneeled down right in front of us and put his guitar out, I got to touch it. So rad. I wish they had a smart phones back then. I even got one of his picks. Still have it. I always loved his playing and style. The Steve Morse Band played pretty frequently down in South Florida back then too, small venues. I don't know why I never went to see them. Probably because I was in high school and didn't have money and a car, haha.

[@leonardgravelle6060]

Your knowledge of music blows me away .Been waiting for a site like for awhile.Keep up the good work.Love the Dregs

[@mdavis2703]

I really enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

I saw them in 80 at the MSU campus. We were there all day and saw Steve Morse was hanging out all day : His guitar strapped on practicing ALL day/ Talking in n the phone booth - practicing. Signing autographs against his guitar. I finally remarked how he never put the guitar down. He replied "Only way I can hack the gig." SO he was pushing to his absolute limits every night!

[@justgettingstarted2112]

I am finding this an impossible task. Each album is so valuable in it's own way. If you create one mixed up Dregs playlist....Every song theyplay....from every album holds up.

[@phreeky5497]

Thanks, Pete, for treading off the beaten path a bit to cast some light on the under appreciated Dixie Dregs! My first exposure to them was at a tiny bar-sadly now long gone-in central Jersey called “The Tin Lizzy Garage”. Was in HS then-pretty sure it was late ‘77 or early/mid ‘78-when they played there, touring on “Freefall” and “What if”. Maybe 100 people in the room! For a 16-year-old kid, just starting to play the drums, and standing literally two feet from the stage, it was, as your said, “jaw-dropping” (and I would add “breathtaking” too). The audacity of their skill, combined with their adventurous taste in genre-bending, left an indelible impression of musical possibilities on my young mind. And it still remains to this day! Thanks for the reminder 🤟🏽

[@bkoehler01]

Gotta say your videos offer a solace from these trying times. I had never listened to the Dixie Dregs, I only know Steve Morse from the Purpendicular album. As a big Gentle Giant fan I enjoy the complexity of the arrangements they create. Music has always been a method for tuning out of the general day to day, and is much needed right now. Thanks for giving us so much to check out!

[@muttley918]

Never got a chance to see the Dixie Dreggs but I saw Steve Morse a couple of times. Once solo on acoustic. He opened up for I the trio consisting of Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin & Paco de Lucia. Another was the original trio he’d put together with Rod Morgenstein & Jerry Peek.Great memories!

[@sheldonvogt5212]

R G Man, that must have been an epic show!

[@sheldonvogt5212]

R G Man, that must have been an epic show!

[@pablobendixiii5536]

NYC 80s wrestling fans will remember the Dregs "Cruise Control" as the theme to WWF Saturday morning show. Great band. Met Steve Morse in the 90s when he was touring solo. Cool guy.

[@wolf1977]

Just came across this, Morse is possibly my fave all time player (or Gary Moore). I have the Great Spectacular record. "T.O. Witcher" (later redone with Kansas) & "Refried Funky Chicken" are cool. "Kathreen" is one of their hybrid country ditties that they liked to slot in between their rock tunes. Saw the Dregs in 1982 (I think) in New Paltz NY, part of a lineup that included Dave Mason and Toots & The Maytalls. Can't find any reference to that show (or tour) online though so maybe I dreamt it. Did definitely see Morse on a solo tour somewhere in CT (I know because he signed my shirt which I still have hanging on my wall) in the early 90's and Rod Morgenstein also played that show (he was sitting behind a see-through plexiglass wall & playing a pretty large drum set). I want to say that T. Lavitz also played there & did a "solo" bit but again, can't find this online. Anyway Morse at that time liked to play Led Zep encores & he did Kashmir that night, amazing. I had heard a local radio interview w/Morse right before that show where he talked about his rig & how he routed his guitar signal through different amps (I think he used a synth setup in conjunction with his regular electric guitar output) which allowed him to play the lead & vocal parts at the same time. Again amazing! Also he talked about his opinions of the record business in general & how you better have good legal representation before signing any contracts. And how he solders his equipment right at a gig sometimes in a pinch when there are hardware glitches. Not everyone brings 2 of everything to a show. Still remember him as being a really nice guy who takes time to talk to his fans. Oh yeah, he's also a licensed commercial pilot...Now I need something to prop up my own ego. Could this possibly be real? www.concertarchives.org/concerts/al-dimeola-john-mclaughlin-paco-delucia Morse on tour with Di Meola, McLaughlin & de Lucia in '83? Now that's what I call a lineup!

[@NJmudrak]

It's so great to see Dregs love here! Always great to see your takes on albums in honest comments. I remember seeing What If recommended to me on YT years ago, and the that weird red cover drew me in. Take it Off the Top was such a fun, energetic opener that eased me into jazz fusion, something I barely had interest in before. But it was so good throughout from the diddies like Ice Cakes to the complex stuff like Odyssey. There's few songs that give me this wistful feel as Night Meets Light, though. Such a beautiful song that feels nostalgic, somber, and hopeful in different places. The opening guitar riff, the melancholic violin, the spacey keyboards, the drums keeping it from being too sappy. Just a perfect instrumental that still gets to me.

[@bajsmog]

Hey Peter I can't get over how much you know. I have got meet you some day. I have learned so much. God Bless Brother

[@jeremybravo9345]

Excellent job Pete 👍. Thank you for all you do in sharing these amazing bands. When time permits could you do a ranking the albums show of the Steve Morse band. thank you!

[@bksherm]

What If is not to be missed. Excellent

[@j20man9]

Got it so right here Pete, the Dregs are unique. All the albums are amazing. One of my favorites

[@adamlewis917]

I listen to the Dregs and Steve Morse Band every single day and have been since I was 16 (I'm 45). I listened to Freefall on the way home from work today. I was at Center Stage when they recorded Bring 'Em Back Alive. They recorded 2 nights and I was there on the 2nd night. That was the FIRST time I'd ever heard the Dregs. That night. My dad had 2 tickets and said "Hey you want to go see a concert". I went and it changed my life. I mowed lawns until I could buy all the CD's. CD's had just came out a few years prior. Morse calls Dregs music "electronic chamber music". IMO the 2 BEST Steve Morse Band albums are Southern Steel and Coast to Coast. Everyone always picks High Tension Wires as the best SMB album. It's good but SS and C to C are the best.

[@1359401]

Agree with your 2 choices but i would also add the introduction album.

[@kevinhasslen4245]

I am a huge Widespread Panic fan. Been into them since the early 90's. Ironically, I was reading an article back then regarding Dixie Dregs keyboard player, T Lavitz joining Widespread Panic. I had been a huge Dixie Dregs fan since "Night of the Living Dregs" when I was a teenager. I figured, hell, I'll check this band out if T Lavitz is in it. That was the spark to turn me on to my favorite band - via Dixie Dregs.

[@jirky015]

Man, I totally forgot T Lavitz played on WSP's second album. Such good music. I was huge Widespread fan from the mid 90s- early 2000s. I love that Jimmy Herring joined the band. One of the nicest and friendliest dudes in the world.

[@kevinhasslen4245]

@@jirky015 I have met most of the Widespread Panic guys and agree-kind souls.

[@Wizardofgosz]

I just built a new stereo system and go my CDs out of storage and have been playing the SHIT out of the Dregs and Steve Morse lately.

[@KrisVComm]

One of my all time favorite bands

[@claxton1959]

Night...is my personal fav.....Rock On Pete!🤟

[@dannypartridge6104]

a great one of a kind band that could play any kind of music

[@uhfch2358]

There is a rare LP titled, “The Great Spectacular,” which was a college project. It was limited to 1000 copies. Occasionally, it can be found on CD. Sometimes the LP comes up on eBay for big bucks. For some reason, KZbin has removed the full album. Only a few of the original tracks remain.

[@JosephFrancisBurton]

Agreed, Ice Cakes is probably my favorite Dregs song. The song has it all with an unbeatable funky rhythm..!!

[@vinylrec]

I'm sold!

[@wesworach7441]

The best Fusion on the planet !!! Hands down !

[@morgon2]

Yes!! Finally, the Dregs! I was gonna request this about three days ago 🤣🤘

[@jenko701]

Timeless, will always hold up.

[@carlsendav2781]

Love You Man!!!

[@edjones8039]

Saw the Industry Standard tour at UCLA in '83 and have been a big fan ever since, also saw them last year when they did a reunion tour with the classic line up, and they're still great. On a side note, I saw Deep Purple in 2010 with Steve Morse on guitar, what a great show and what an amazing guitar player. Love the lists Pete, keep them coming.

[@Wizardofgosz]

I have a re-release of the Great Spectacular on CD with all the guys signing it.

[@GaryDAnderson]

Great video, Dixie Dreggs were phenomenal on FM radio back in the day. For music lovers this is valuable information on this vid. Very good opinions you can trust. 👍🏻

[@t10claytempered16]

I agree wholeheartedly.

[@63terrence]

Here after is the best orchestration ever recorded

[@bmboldt]

Love the Dregs. I also started listening to them around 1984.

[@findmusic8797]

I've loved these guys too since the 70's. Saw them play the Roxy in '80, a memorable concert! Anyway, here are my personal minutes of pleasure ratings for the beloved four (with fave songs): 1. Free Fall (26) - Free Fall, Holiday, Hand Jig, Refried Funky Chicken, Cruise Control, Wages Of Weirdness 2. What If (25) - Take It Off The Top, Odyssey, Travel Tunes, Ice Cakes, Gina Lola Breakdown 3. Dregs Of The Earth (21.5) - Road Expense, Twiggs Approved, Broad Street Strut, I'm Freaking Out 4. Night Of The Living Dregs (18.5) - Punk Sandwich, Country House Shuffle, Long Slow Distance, The Bash Hey, if you dig the DD, you might want to check out The Jeff Lorber Fusion's first five albums. Just as precise, only more mellow.

[@channelmixer]

Ohh, I have to comment on this. In the early 80s I was the Dregs biggest fan and would drive some of my room mates crazy because I payed them so much. I saw them a bunch of times too. I haven't listened to them in years as my tastes have changes and I probably wouldn't be able to get into them today as much as I did but from what I remember I would agree 100 percent that What if was their best album and after you listing all those songs from that album it brought back fond memories and I'll have to play it. I loved What If, Take it Off the Top and Ice Cakes! YES! I really enjoy watching your videos, keep it up.

[@leifsiklossy6548]

I like Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival which is available on iTunes. Thanks Pete for spreading the word on this hard to define band of skillful musicians.

[@brucec8348]

Can't argue with your rankings. I realize that opinions / personal tastes are subjective, but you backed it up with well thought out receipts. We have similar tastes. First saw them in '78... been hooked ever since. Considering the collective talent level, a more humble group of musicians (post-show) is hard to find. Exception given for Eric Johnson. Post-gig lessons on techiques and compositional theories! ... 😲❤

[@paulayers1111]

LOOOOVE your shirt Pete😃

[@gwts1171]

I need to listen to more of their stuff. I've always had a lot of respect for them, but when I was working at a record store I had a co-worker who was a total nutbag and also a huge Dregs fan, so I kind of associated them with him and stayed away. That was 2 decades ago, so I can probably get over it! :) Thanks Pete!! Also, that being said, I have always been a fan of Steve Morse. Southern Steel and Coast To Coast were big albums for me back in the early 90's.

[@billnole2188]

Saw DD in late 70's at a small club in Tampa (Wooden Nickel I think). Set me on my ear and loved them and everything else they have done since.

[@IAmisMaster]

My first real introduction to prog rock was listening to Dream Theater's Deluxe Edition of Black Clouds and Silver Linings. Dream Theater's cover of "Odyssey" and "Larks Toungues in Apsic Pt. II" absolutely blew me away and I've been a progger ever since.

[@garystinson5498]

Hi Pete. Just discovered you while i self isolate here in sunny N. Ireland. Loving your posts even though we disagree strongly about my beloved Kiss Unmasked!! Lol. Keep up the good work & stay well.👍🤘

[@Brian-qg8dg]

I am just starting with this band. Glad to find another killer band, even as I am musician who is 47 at the time of this post. The vinyl bug got me, so with that and being able to stream so many titles, both have helped me enjoy music and discover so much influence, as if I was 17 again.

[@astrorad2000]

Way back in the 70's one of my electrician apprentices turned me onto the Dregs, that was back in the days when we would all share cassette mix tapes. I like your critique of their recordings. Odyssey was the song that inspired me to take up the violin...a failed attempt. LOL My wife and I saw the Dregs when they were kinda promoting Ensoniq keyboards ( T Lavitz) and we bought the mini CD called " Off The Record" in 1988. It is a great little rework of some of their tunes. Thanx for sharing!

[@davidpirkola1547]

FREEFALL and CALIFORNIA SCREAMIN' are the only Dregs albums I own. I got into them about the same time I was broke. Hopefully this video will light a fire to make me find more! Thanks, Pete!

[@RobertBeatty]

Thanks so much for highlighting this great great band. I too first got blown away by What If. You could almost do a countdown of the Steve Morse Band too. Surprised you didn’t mention Steve Morse being the Deep Purple guitarist for the last 20 plus years. He also did a thing called Angelfire, which I love.

[@wolf1977]

Also Morse's work with Flying Colors, Jordan Rudess (Feeding The Wheel & Rhythm Of Time) & School Of The Arts. Never heard anything from Angelfire, what does that sound like?

[@blammo13]

Hey Pete: I’ve been really enjoying all your videos during this rough time and before. I watch all of it and now that I have time I try to listen to the songs or albums as you talk about them - the top ten songs and # 1 albums. I’m still looking forward to that Accept top 10. I’d also like to know what you think of Sparks, Captain Beefheart and The Melvins? Thanks for all the great content.

[@gerstrootker6248]

I heard steve morse for the first time in 85, it was the stand up album of the SMB. I was used to all of that legato and tapping stuff and there was this guy picking left and right ... it sounded amazing. Been a fan ever since. I know some of the Dixie Dregs discography but not all of it.

[@LzCoda]

Interesting...I know quite a few of the band members, but not their music. I'll download an album and listen! Thanks, Pete!

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

I believe most people who know Steve Morse these days know him from Deep Purple. The Dixie Dregs sound almost nothing like later day Deep Purple. Deep Purple with Ritchie Blackmore and Steve Morse are for most part two different bands but that is not all down to the guitarists. Regardless if you like current Deep Purple or not - The Dixie Dregs is worth checking out. Instrumental music that can be fun, beautiful, interesting and heavy. It is most often hard for mainly instrumental bands to really reach the bigger public and The Dixie Dregs are no exception.. However. I agree with Pete and think this is a massive band which for my money deserve a whole lot more of attention. It's not "harder to get into" like say much from King Crimson or Frank Zappa. This band has a way more approachable style (not putting down KC of FZ, just an opinion). Check 'em out if you haven't already!

[@chuckshelf3773]

Can't forget keyboardist Davidowski. First album. He rocked. Saw him last Dregs tour.

[@chuckshelf3773]

Love the Genesis tee.

[@zepgen8]

Classic band , I love your channel.keep up the great work.And just to side track a tad , I love your T' shirt Genesis. where did you get that one.Oh I am in the UK.Ta pete.

[@edalisauskas7313]

You are correct When the bottom album contains Assembly Line, you know you have greatness!

[@IndependentVictor]

It'd be cool if you did Brand X!!

[@jchrislindsay2000]

Another all time favorite! Unsung Heroes was the first album I bought, then What If, then Industry Standard and then Night of the Living Dregs. They played free shows at San Jose State in the quad as Unsung Heroes just came out. Steve Morse is just a mind blowing talent. Lucky to have seen them several times and always wished that they would tour again and they did in 18!!!

[@jchrislindsay2000]

What If is my favorite also!!! Travel Tunes and Ice Cakes!!!!

[@jchrislindsay2000]

Pete, there is a band out here in California that you should like. They are called The Travis Larson Band and I've been fortunate that they hail from Morro Bay and they are an instrumental prog three piece and three of the most talented musicians I've EVER seen!!!! They have I think 7 studio CD's and also three Live DVD's that are just amazing! They actually opened for the Dixie Dregs in Agoura Hills on the reunion tour. I recommend Burn Season, Soundmind and Anicca for starters on the CD's and Shift Happens the latest DVD filmed in Mexico is an amazing showcase for the talents of Travis on guitar, Jennifer Young on bass, and Dale Moon on drums. Jennifer is a force to be retconned with on bass, absolutely mind blowing!!! Check em out!!! You'll be glad you did!!!!

[@wolf1977]

@@jchrislindsay2000 Really good band, I've got something like 27 of their tracks from across Soundmind, Shift & Anicca (haven't heard their other records yet). Can certainly hear the Morse/Dregs influences & some reviewers also draw in Rush comparisons

[@stevesmith3990]

What If my fave too, Odyssey & Night Meets Light are masterpieces!

[@mvesanen]

Dweezil Zappa also plays on Peaches en Regalia from the California Screaming album....

[@Jimbodisfan]

Amazing band, especially live.

[@rustykuntz94]

Yes they are, saw them in 2018 and they blew me away

[@alder456]

Thanks Pete for doing the Dixie Dregs albums. Love them and Steve Morse is likely my all-time favorite guitar player (Robin Trower is number two). Met Steve on the '91 Southern Steel tour. One of the nicest and most humble guys in Rock and Roll. Your DD list really close to mine. I would move Unsung Heroes up to the second spot (best produced DD album). What If is the absolute tits! When are you doing Steve Morse albums? Great stuff there as well (The Introduction, High Tension Wires, Stressfest etc.). PS-Thanks for including Gentle Giant in your shows! The most underrated Prog band ever! Thanks again and Cheers!

[@musicnerd8969]

The Dixie Dregs? What a cool, cool band. Thanks, Pete, for giving them some love. I haven't seen any musical style they cannot do--and they do all of them very well. My favorites in my catalog are, starting with favorite to least favorite: 1) What If. (Amazing prog rock. Love it, love it.) 2) Full Circle. (Yes, it's a bit more rock oriented but all killer for my tastes.) 3) Dregs of the Earth (Very close to the 2nd I might add.) 4) Unsung Heroes. 5) Night of the Living Dregs. The only live disk I have is Bring 'Em Back Alive. For me, the issue with Dregs is the availability of the music. From where I come this band was not typically available in the record shops I frequented--and orders were not fillable because their label was having financial and distribution trouble. My collection occurred before Amazon started selling CDs, and due to the explosion of progressive rock styles during the 1990's I was never able to capture any of the catalog that I have that's missing. This was one of the most talented bands I would have never heard of unless they played at the college I attended way back in the day. The set was brilliant. I did not attend the concert as a member of the audience, but I still heard them from a distance due to the location--and they sounded great even at a few hundred yards away in the dorm quad. It was the one ticket I wished I had bought. Morse, Sloan, West, Morgenstern and Lavitz killed it. At least, I think it was Lavitz--but since I was not there, I'm not sure.)

[@chrisshill1252]

Yes on What if as number one..Had the album..

[@privateer0561]

Just saw Steve Morse band a few days ago and they killed it. Steve slowed down a little bit because of arthritis in his right wrist, but he compensates with a different technique and still kicks ass.

[@013bassman]

Saw them in the kate 70's at a small(ish) club in Greensboro NC. Great, great show! Was fortunate enough to shake Morse and Wests' hands. And 6 or 8 of us got to stand around and talk to Rod Morgenstein for about 45 minutes! He was the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet! Ah, to be that young again!!

[@reinaldoalves9038]

My name is the thank you section on California Screaming ! cool ! great band !

[@guillemsurroca3667]

Do the ranking of Mountain albums, pls. Thanks!

[@hansonrhodes1]

Night of the Living Dregs #1 for me.

[@GMHG777]

Saw them open for DT back in 2000, they were stunningly awesome but i never bought any of their material... Need to rectify that !

[@sheldoninst]

Wonderful review!! Excellent excellent excellent band - an American musical and cultural treasure - in balance, probably and arguably the best band ever! Again, depending on criteria, best band ever! DD had the chops of the fabulous Return to Forever or Tribal Tech or Majavishnu Orchestra, but in my opinion far better compositions with the majesty of Kansas, coupled with the feel good and groove elements of Allman Bros, Doobie Bros...and many others. Steve Morse was truly an inspired writer at that time, even if one took away his playing and completely removed his quintessential guitar from the music, it would still be fabulous...The fact that his band mates wrote a small dedication to him on the inner sleeve notes of Unsung Heroes says it all... My favorite is Unsung Heroes since the production is fabulous. You’ve defined the DD as a prog band that injects or fuses rock, jazz, country/bluegrass... I’d define them more as a jazz fusion band that injected prog, classical, country/bluegrass... Lastly, another fabulous American treasure of a band that deserves mention, but a bit more keyboard centric that fits this fusion/prog/instrumental mold, would be Happy the Man.

[@zeelias_zezito65]

We are talking about one of my top-3 bands (together with Jethro Tull and Gentle Giant). I always say that Dixie Dregs is a 100% band: not a track I dislike. I've heard it at the first time when a LP seller presented to me UNSUNG HEROES, in 1981. I was just a beginner in rock world and it was a "love at first sight" - or I should say, "at first listening". From that moment on, I never found an instrumental band that moves me so strongly, never listened to something similar. Some bands sound for me inimitable, and Dixie Dregs is one of them. It would be very hard for me to prepare this list. I have them all almost undistinctly; UNSUNG HEROES and FREE FALL just one little step above the others, INDUSTRY STANDARD a little bit under because of the tracks with vocals (that I think are not in the same ultra-high level of the instrumental ones). That's it. Thanks for this video. I'm hoping Focus and Renaissance! And would like to have your opinion about The Claypool-Lennon Delirium. Bye!

[@1359401]

Try the bill bruford band which IMO is the greatest instumental band (although they have a few with vocals)tied with the dixie dregs..At the the end of the day though the greatest most criminally underated band ever is gentle giant.

[@zeelias_zezito65]

@@1359401 , I know Bruford's stuff, really great! GRADUALLY GOING TORNADO is one of my most listened albums. Thanks! I'm from Brazil and recommend some names from my country: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5eTY4CCmd6Gb8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGLSZWWiopd-g6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn3Mkn6oj8Zlmdk :)

[@kevinhasslen4245]

Yep, "What If" should be #1, but I got "Night of the Living Dregs" #2 and "Dregs of the Earth" #3, "Freefall" #4 and then the others...

[@Taylor-kd6lr]

Here is my list: 1.Industry Standard - This album just flows to me 2. Full Circle - A compositional masterpiece IMO 3. Free Fall - Diverse and jaw dropping 4. Bring Em Back Alive - An incredible version of Cruise Control 5. Unsung Heroes - Two of my favorite Dregs tunes 6 Dregs of the Earth 7. Night of the Living Dregs 8. The Great Spectacular 9 What IF

[@gregjones861]

Okay, I know Dregs songs like most people know Beatles songs. Steve Morse is an even better composer than he is a guitarist in my opinion and he's in my top 3 guitarists of all time. My ranking is 7) Night Of The Living Dregs, 6) Freefall, 5) Unsung Heroes, 4) Full Circle, 3) What If, 2) Dregs Of The Earth, and 1) Industry Standard. And Bring 'Em Back Alive is my favorite of the live albums but they're all great. Special mention to their 1988 reunion mini cd sponsored by Ensoniq - their jaw-dropping redo of Take It Off The Top (to die for!) and their much better production and performance of Leprechaun Promenade. Thanks for doing this, Mr. Pardo.

[@johnhenfrey5936]

I own the Bring em back alive album, and one by Steve Morse himself called, Southern Steel which is a cracking album.

[@rustykuntz94]

GREAT band, such a amazing eclectic sound. Live they were even better, check out Patchwork from Montreux Jazz festival 1978, epic

[@roxannewalsh]

When the Mahavishnu Orchestra faded out in the mid 70s this band filled the void for me - funny that Jerry Goodman was feeling the same. 1. What If 2. Free Fall 3. Unsung Heroes 4. Dregs of the Earth 5. Full Circle 6. Industry Standard 7. Night of the Living Dregs I fully agree to your recommending the 3 live sets as well. Bring 'em Back Alive may even be their best album altogether.

[@Cpayne30]

Dixie Dregs, one of the bands that have influenced me most and initially introduced me to fusion along with Jeff Beck. 6. Industry Standard (More blandness. Some good playing as always, just lacking some of their character. Vocal songs just don’t fit in.) 5. Unsung Heroes (A certain amount of blandness seeped in here, no real jaw dropping moments like on the first 4.) 4. Night of the Living Dregs (Feels a bit patched together due to it being half live, half studio. I could listen to The Bash 10 times in a row, that being said!’ 3. Free Fall (Still finding their footing a tad, not as focused as What If. Still, Cruise Control is a classic.) 2. Dregs of the Earth (More of the same as What If, great album. I’m Freaking Out is one of their best. 1. What If (no doubt, their best. So much definitive Dregs here. Odyssey continues to floor me every time.) Haven’t heard Full Circle yet. Should really get on that.

[@JosephFrancisBurton]

2003Cpayne agreed on all counts. I still remember buying Unsung Heroes with great excitement and was disappointed after a first listen. I remember thinking it was just more of the same. Industry Standard kind of ended my interest in the band. With that said, Steve Morse band came along a few years later and just floored me all over again!

[@ozuidema]

2003Cpayne totally agree with your list. What If is the best album, without doubt, and the song The Bash is a jawdropping country instrumental and showcase of flatpicking.

[@wolf1977]

All time great band, no doubt, but can't agree on the "blandness" comments. I like Crank It Up w/Ligertwood on vocals, it's good to shake things up once in a while to keep things fresh. Bloodsucking Leeches rocks, as does Assembly Line. Up In The Air is a really nice classical piece a la Old World. Day 444 is a track that "builds" similar to Night Meets Light. Rock And Roll Park always reminded me a little of Cruise Control. Go For Baroque again dips into the classical pool. I'll Just Pick would be at home on Night Of The Living Dregs. Attila The Hun rocks. Kat Food is totally funky (in a Dregs sort of way) - again injecting some new/different styles into the mix. I would rank The Great Spectacular as their weakest record (and their first). Full Circle is not bad (check out their cover of the Yardbirds' Shapes Of Things). Actually THAT might be the record I could see being called "bland" although I'm such a fan that I'd still recommend buying it. You should check out Bring 'Em Back Alive & California Screamin' for some great Live Dregs (covers Peaches En Regalia/Zappa, The Allman's Jessica & Zep's Kashmir are cool). King Biscuit Flower Hour from '79 is good too. Maybe the best live package is Live In Connecticut 2001 (With The Dixie Dregs). Maybe I'm partial since I live in CT. Their cover of Mahavishnu's Dance of The Maya is killer (they started out as a Mahavishnu cover band after all). They also mix in some T. Lavitz & Jerry Goodman tunes & Morse solo stuff

[@idontwanttousemynameyoutub7538]

Where's the fucking "blandness"...what records are you listening to? Unsung Heroes is full of jaw dropping moments. I can't imagine the "non-bland" music that you're listening to - must be fucking incredible!

[@randysvynil9502]

I have 4 albums of the Dixie Dregs, to tell the truth I only discover their music because of Steve Morse joining my favorite band Deep Purple, I'm glad I did listen to them 'coz they are good.