JAZZBO NOTES ESSENTIAL RECORDING
Rating: 
Although they are a fusion band, it might be a bit of a stretch to call the Dixie Dregs jazz. Their guitarist, front man, and main composer Steve Morse was inspired quite a bit by the Mahavishnu Orchestra, so the band is known for it’s blazing improvisations and tricky time signatures, but the Dixie Dregs also throw bluegrass, funk, southern rock, and celtic ballads into the mix. The result is unique, and the truth is, I can’t stand not to let you know about them.
Half of the songs on Night of the Living Dregs are taken from their 1978 concert at the Montreaux Jazz Festival (see, they are a jazz band after all), the other half are studio tracks. The live tracks in particular pulse with demonic energy, making Night of the Living Dregs the high point in the Dixie Dregs discography, along with Free Fall.
All of the members of the Living Dregs (Allan Sloan on violin, Steve Morse on guitar, Andy West on bass, Mark Parrish on keys, and Rod Morgenstein on percussion) are on fire on this release, playing their asses off. This is simply some of the best instrumental music you will ever hear. If you have any doubts, check out the music samples. They’ll make a believer out of you.
