Dixie Dregs-Dregs Of The Heart (1980)

Although formed in the early seventies, it wasn't until the mid-seventies that the American band Dixie Dregs released their self-titled debut album, a genuine blend of styles ranging from jazz, country, bluegrass, progressive rock, and American rock. For six years, the band maintained the same lineup, recording four highly interesting albums that rank among the best of the instrumental jazz-rock scene of the 1970s. However, towards the end of the decade, some significant changes occurred. They left Capricorn Records for Arista Records, and after the magnificent "Night of the Living Dregs" in 1979, keyboardist Mike Parrish left the band and was replaced by Terry Lavitz, whose keyboards added a more symphonic feel. The rest of the lineup consisted of guitarist Steve Morse, drummer Rod Morgenstein, violinist Allen Solan, and bassist Andy West. In 1980 came Dixie Dregs' fifth album, "Dregs of the Heart", which became their best work to date. The standout track is the jazzy, progressive jam "I'm Freaking Out", a majestic piece that transforms into a symphonic tour de force and easily becomes one of the band's finest compositions. However, the rest of the album follows the group's usual musical style, with the rocker "Road Exposense", the progressive bluegrass "Pride O' the Farm", the progressive jazz "Twiggs Approved", the symphonic exercise "Hereatfer", the progressive "The Great Spectacular", and the boogie jazz "Broad Street Strut". In short, another essential Dixie Dregs album, where all the musicians demonstrate great virtuosity, particularly Steve Morse's hard rock guitar work and a repertoire of great melodies in a vast and complex, yet accessible, jazz-rock style.