Reviews
Review by Dave Bova
Dregs Of The Earth, the fourth album from the Dixie Dregs,
is a "crisper" departure from the sound of previous works.
Making a sure mark over "the new sound" is T Lavitz (the
band's new keyboard player) fitting up superbly with a
fresher, exciting, straight-to-the-point, and well defined
showcase of music genres. The album still maintains the
structure set by the second album (
What If ).
Energy,
originality and, above all, the stunning variety which is by
now a firm trademark of the band.
Brilliantly executed by the band's members capable hands,
these compositions from chief writer and guitarist, Steve
Morse, will leave you in pieces with some of the most
phenomenal performances (especially) on guitar and key-
boards that you'll ever hear!
Road Expense, the first track, sets you immediately with its
explosive southern feel, ripping through the roof with an
"electrifying" Morse blasting against a mighty progressive
beast of a band, pumping your heart away with strong,
dynamic, tight arrangements.
Pride O'the Farm is a classic bluegrass tune... only played like
no other band!!! Just watch your dog out before you crank it up.
Twiggs Approved is to me one of Dregs's most original tunes. It
incorporates progressive-rock, jazz, blues and chamber music
into an exciting, most unpredictable and original sound .
Hereafter is a slow paced, well structured composition. It builds
and builds till it reaches out... climaxing with a guitar solo
executed by an emotional yet totally relaxed style.
The Great Spectacular is a shining example of Morse explosive
guitar playing. Here you'll find the very essence of his writing and
playing style: Happiness. This joyful ride works around a
marvellous melody which is progressively harmonized with layers
of guitars, until is finally unleashed with an "off the ground", full on
guitar solo. As for joy and sheer excitement, this one has it : it's fast
and impeccable!
Next track is Broad Street Strut, a favourite. Its cheekiness and
changing tones will uplift your soul in an instant. It's full of surprises
and has some of the best short and sweet solos I've heard, the piano
stands out.
Finally it's time for the epic number... I'm Freaking out, another
masterpiece incorporating many styles into one. The work on the
keyboards it's absolutely outstanding
By then you'll be contemplating about something missing in the
album... and sure enough, Old World, will finish this work with a
classy
touch of baroque music, typical of the Dregs: the Morse/Sloan duet
wonders.
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