Dixie Dregs-What If (1978)

Influenced by bands like Return to Forever and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dixie Dregs was one of the most interesting bands to combine jazz-rock with progressive sounds and country with elements of cutting-edge classical music. Formed in 1970 in Georgia by guitarist Steve Morse and bassist Andy West, it wasn't until the middle of that decade that they released their first album, "The Great Spectacular" (1976), which already showcased their skillful blend of styles. "What If", their third album, was released in 1978, and here the band ventured even further into harder territory with hints of hard rock, while maintaining their original style of progressive rock, jazz fusion, and influences from traditional American music. For this album, in addition to Morse and West, the band included Allen Sloan on violin, Rod Morgenstein on drums, and Mark Parrish on keyboards. Tracks like the huge “Take It Off The Top”, “Ice Cakes” or “Night Meets Light” placed Dixie Dregs at the forefront of progressive jazz rock in the late 1970s.