Industry Standard

"Jazz / rock fusion group, Dixie Dregs was formed in 1975 by guitarist Steve Morse, bassist Andy West, violinist Allen Sloan and drummer Rod Morgenstein. The ensemble quickly established a reputation across America for their virtuosity, finesse and diverse musical styles, sounding something like a warped instrumental cross between Mahavishnu Orchestra and The Charlie Daniels Band!

By the time the Dregs recorded 'Industry Standard' in 1982, keyboard player T. Lavitz had settled into the group, while national fiddling champion, Mark O'Connor, had replaced Allen Sloan. The interplay between Morse and O'Connor is very impressive indeed, the duo often performing at a fast and furious pace, incorporating pleasant, emotional phrases into the arrangements. The perfect example of this is the brilliant "Chips Ahoy", with streams of intricate notes that would overflow in hands of lesser mortals, but all beautifully contained here by the whole group. The violinist also gets to showcase his talents on the country hoedown inspired "Where's Dixie?", while things take a funkier turn on "Bloodsucking Leeches".

Other highlights include the dynamic opening number, "Assembly Line" and the gentle to gob-smacking "Conversation Piece", with Morgenstein laying down some super precision beats throughout. "Crank It Up" and the slick "Ridin' High", were the first and last occasions that The Dregs would feature singers in their music (provided by ex-Santana member, Alex Ligertwood and Doobie Brother, Patrick Simmons respectively).

Yes guitarist, Steve Howe makes a guest appearance on the delightful acoustic duet "Up in the Air", proving that two Steves are even better than one. The Yes connection doesn't end there either - 'Industry Standard' was co-produced with Steve Morse by Eddy Offord, who was responsible for production on classic records such as 'Fragile', 'Close to the Edge', 'Tales From Topographic Oceans' and 'Relayer'.

'Industry Standard' received a Grammy nomination for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance", but with Morse taking care of all compositional duties, it's hardly surprising that he left the band after this LP to pursue solo endeavours. Besides making several albums with his own group, Morse joined Kansas in 1986 for 'Power' and 'In the Spirit of Things' (1988). He signed up as guitar hero with Deep Purple in 1996 (replacing Ritchie Blackmore) and has been with them ever since.

'Industry Standard' is not only one of the strongest Dregs albums, but it also confirms that Steve's skills were already well accomplished by this stage in his career, boasting stunning range, versatility, and polyphonic complexity."
- GEOFF (15 July, 2010)