Steve Morse once told me there was nothing like having 5 guys in band out of college hungry for the sheer pleasure of playing together in front of an audience. That’s the way he described The Dregs when they left the University of Miami. As we know Miami was school to many well-known musicians like Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorious, Hiram Bullock and many others. Especially in the 70’s it was a wonderful breeding ground for jazz fusion instrumental music, and I must say it’s a shame that the art of this particular music has sorrowfully declined in recent years. For me my heart and soul of being a guitarist lies in this prolific period with artists like The Dregs, Jeff Beck, Al Di Meola, Larry Coryell, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and so many others.
Steve also told me that his mind was blown away when Mahavishnu Orchestra and John McLaughlin performed at the university. Which completely makes sense for it laid the groundwork for the future Dixie Dregs instrumentally by having a violin player, Allen Sloan, in the band like Mahavishnu. During these days The Dregs also comprised of Andy West (bass), Mark Parrish (keyboards) and Bart Yarnal (drums) and of course the wizard himself Steve Morse (guitar),
On the album Industry Standard featuring Bloodsucking Leeches, the lineup is Steve Morse (guitar), T Lavitz (keys), Rod Morgenstein (drums), Andy West (bass) and Mark O’Connor (violin). This album is a little different from their past ones because it delves into the mainstream realm of vocals, Ridin’ High featuring Patrick Simmons from the Doobie Brothers and Crank It Up featuring Santana singer Alex Ligertwood. There is also a guest appearance by Steve Howe on the track Up In The Air. However, my favorite track from the album is Bloodsucking Leeches because it is classic Steve Morse at his best, tone, performance, technique, and composition!
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