Reviews
Review by Dave Bova
WHAT IF, the second official release from the Dixie Dregs,
provides the listener with a sort of historical musical document.
Every track a deep, meaningful musical statement growing
bigger with every listening. This work somehow defines the
band's direction with a well orchestrated approach, almost
"academic", towards Music.
Variety is perhaps the most immediate element striking from the
album as whole as well as within each single track.
The album opens up with TAKE IT OFF THE TOP, a punchy
number adorned with a strong progressive feel, which is greatly
enhanced by the band's taste for fast, slick passages... and
really cool drums.
The next track, ODYSSEY, is in my opinion the band's all time
epic. With Odyssey the "electric chamber orchestra" sound of
Morse's dreams takes quite a flight This magnificent progressive-
rock effort crystallises the group's essence with its virtuosity and
original writing style. You might pick on a wild mix of influences
from Jethro Tull, EL&P and Mahavishnu but more importantly
the track's unique and, by now, well defined Dregs's sound.
Creating an awesome contrast is the atmospheric (and well placed)
title track, which reliefs the ears from the intense resonance of
Odyssey with its dreamy "red mood". This gentle touch is made
even more precious by tasteful solos from both the guitar and keys.
At this point you'll be in total dream-state till Andy West's TRAVEL
TUNES breaks the mesmerising silence with his LOUD but darn
funny composition, and I tell you folks, that's a track and a half!!!
Bonus on it is Morse's really cool, kind of Jimmy Page-ish solos
blasting into a rock'n roll fest before returning back into its pseudo-
reggae mode .
The album continues on with the next, ICE CAKES, and that's another
hat full of surprises! First of all the "chicken picking" , Morse's
notorious trademark. This one will make your neck stick out histerically
!
The funk is simply irresistible. The song eventually turns into another
progressive monster, jammed with all the odd time signatures, tricky bits
and slick passages you would now expect, except you don't ! Ice Cakes
must be one of the most original track I've ever heard and certainly one
of my overall favourite.
Now, if you think there hasn't been enough contrast to satisfy your
altered-
ego wait till you hear LITTLE KIDS... and you'll be born again!
This timeless, delightful classical piece falls into the realm of early
baroque
music. Performed by Morse on the classical guitar and Sloan on violin, it
shows a splendid duet enjoying each other with such skill to make this gem
shining like a little orchestra. It definitely ranks up high in my modest
collection, together with my favourite Vivaldi's and Bach's.
Jumping off again, say... a few centuries, and it's time for another
classic,
GINA LOLA BREAKDOWN, an all round fun shot into the bluegrass .
But watch out cowboys! there's an outrageous twist here...
Concluding this impressive album is another timeless number, the dreamy
NIGHT MEETS LIGHT. This delicate, haunting composition is one of
Morse's classic example showing his well balanced, creative, and spiritual
writing style. Morse's sound is subtly sustained by a synth patch which
adds great dimension to its "counterpointed" feel.
The idea gently evolves with clever arrangements into a very romantic
moment, a tear-teasing violin part, and finally into the realm of sublime
beauty evoked with its final fade out.
This is a "classic Dregs" and, for those to be initiated into the eclecticism
of it, WHAT IF it's a cool introduction. It really captures the daring 70's
into a galaxy of exploration of sounds, ideas and skilful performances...
you know when those come from Morse's and his mates, you know you're
in for a treat. |
