Search - Dixie Dregs :: California Screamin

Screamin' Live

J. E FELL | Carterville, Illinois United States | 04/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the latest release by the Dixie Dregs. For those of you unfamiliar with the band they play a mix of instrumental rock/jazz/country/blues fusion. Their influences seem to be Jeff Beck, the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Jean Luc Ponty. In fact Jerry Goodman from the Mahavishnu Orchestra handles some of the violin parts on this latest release. The musicianship is excellent. Steve Morse is not only a great guitarist but also an interesting songwriter. The songs while flashy at times also contain memorable hooks and melodies. Some of the music switches tempos and styles within the same song. Long time fans of the band like myself may already have live versions of some of the songs on this disc from either the "King Biscuit Flower Hour" or "Bring 'Em Back Alive" discs. Both of these discs are well worth purchasing. However this disc contains great covers of Frank Zappa's "Peaches En Regalia" with Dweezil Zappa guesting on guitar and the Allman Brother's "Jessica". It also contains a live version of the rare song "The Great Spectacular" from their hard to find first lp. In addition it contains memorable versions of some of their best songs such as "Freefall", "The Bash" "Refried Funky Chicken" and "Sleeveless In Seattle". Long time fans will enjoy this disc for the rarities while it will provide a good sampler for newcomers. If you are a fan of progressive rock, instrumental music or great guitar playing I urge you to pick this up. You will not be disappointed. If you enjoy this disc some of their studio albums are currently being remastered and reissued."

Not their absolute best, but definitely still Dreg-worthy

southqwerty | West Paducah, KY United States | 03/12/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Eagerly anticipated Dregs Live album reveals Steve Morse and his posse doing it as only they can. Features original bass player Andy West playing alongside current Dregs bassist Dave LaRue and both violinists too --Jerry Goodman and original member Allen Sloan and of course the trusty pair of T Lavitz and Rod Morgenstein backing up Morse, his guitar and his great body of music. Performance was tight for the most part-- the amount of people on stage trying to play a distinct part got in the way only a few times; only the Dregs could have pulled this off. Set list was good but not great, with two and a half cover songs (although partially made up for by a better-than-the-original Zappa cover "Peaches en Regalia") and the choice of "What If". With a body of work like Morse's song selection could have been a little better, but duplication with the previous live album "Bring em Back Alive" was probably a factor. Having said that, including "The Bash" on this album was a HUGE plus, and the new stuff gives the night some fresh fun. Careful listening brings the listener an idea of astounding musicianship and the Dregs' good-naturedly wacky sense of musical fun.Fans of Instrumental Rock and/or the Dregs should RUN, NOT WALK, to get the pinnacle of live albums "Bring 'em Back Alive" but this one deserves a spot in your collection as well."

Still Blow Me Away!

Van Thurston, Jr | Williamson, GA | 02/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After listening to these guys for 22 years Im still blown away! This CD captures the raw power that a Dregs gig can provide....BUY IT!"