Ep. 52: What If - Dixie Dregs

Prog Notes

Prog rock with a country twang... Is that a thing? Perhaps The Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd skirt that line, but they don't really bring prog rock to mind. However, What If, the critically acclaimed second album by the Dixie Dregs, peppers in a healthy dash of Southern rock amidst an album full of prog rock elements. The virtuosic skill of each player, a variety of synthesizers, and unconventional song structures all combine together to create a 40-minute listening experience that nods to progressive rock. While the bluegrass vibes might have been what our Prog Notes hosts first noticed about the Dregs, they firmly argue that this album covers a wide range of musical styles, making it quite difficult to categorize. Symphonic rock, jazz fusion, and heartland rock all make an appearance here, resulting in an eclectic collection of songs deftly performed by true musical masters that is sure to keep listeners on their toes. It's no wonder that Destin and Drew were simultaneously thrilled and perplexed by this record. Check us out HERE! **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.