From: "Llarry Amrose" <>
>Let's hear some reviews of Dixie Dregs... Steve Morse is not related to
the Morse brothers (Neal and Alan) of Spock's Beard is he? Wasn't
Jordan Rudess with D.D. at one time?
I don't at all believe Steve is any relation to Spock's Bros. I
think I remember hearing that Rudess had done some recent time with the Dregs
(T Lavitz having wandered off...). Steve has always been a very busy boy.
First there were the Dregs for a number of years. For anyone interested
but not wanting to plunge head first into the catalog, I heartily recommend
"Divided We Stand - the very best of the Dixie Dregs" as a very enjoyable one
disc overview. The Dregs were (are?) definitely guitar driven.
The violin and keys are important, but the structures seem much more
guitar-caused. There is definite flavoring (though reasonably tasteful)
of Southern Rock and even some country. Then came the first Steve Morse Band
incarnation which was rather Dregs-like (violin included). 2 or 3
albums, solid but not earthshaking. Then 2 albums with Kansas,
"Power" being almost palatable. Then a short sabbatical spent flying
for a charter/freight airline in the southeast. "High Tension Wires" is the
only real "solo" album he's done and it's INCREDIBLE. Then the
trio form of Steve Morse Band (Dave Larue, bass, Van Romaine, drums)
alternating with reunited Dregs (Larue filling in for Andy West). The
Dregs' "Full Circle" is the best I have (IMO) of this period, though I don't
have it all.... Now, of course, in addition to periodic SMB/Dregs work, Steve
is also a full time member of Deep Purple. (Hurry! Join a band
before Steve gets into all of them....) Others may wish to state their bit
about Morgenstein, Lavitz, West or anyone else who's ever passed through the
Dregs, but looking at the writing, the essential thread is Morse.
From: Mark Jordan <>
As for Dixie Dregs check out "What If" and "Dregs of The Earth" for some
awesome ensemble play by a group of very talented musicians. These are some
of their earlier recordings and some of the best. The more recent "Bring 'em
Back Alive" is also and excellent live recording with a brilliant
instrumental version of "Kashmir" (yep Led Zep song). My tastes run to the
Dregs, UK, King Crimson, Yes style of prog and also over to the Jazz Fusion
side of things. I like clever instrumental music (but not too clever, must
have soul/feeling) mostly. So if anyone can suggest some new stuff to check
out I'd appreciate it. If any of you have similar taste check out The Lonely
Bears - "Injustice". This is Terry Bozzio's band and quite different.