I said it back in 1980 and I'll say it again: Steve Morse is the best all-around rock/fusion guitarist of that century...a master of all genres and a musical genius.
Damn tootin. I once saw him live and couldn't stop listening to his albums. There hasn't been a master of technique and effects on his level since Hendrix.
Here are the songs in the medley, please upvote to keep near the top for reference: 0:15 Take It Off The Top 0:44 Mississippi Queen 0:56 Gimme Some Lovin' 1:14 Summertime Blues 1:39 My Sharona 1:45 Freebird 2:10 Summertime Blues 2:34 Gimme Some Lovin' 2:52 Take It Off The Top
One of my buddy's bands opened for them, and I guitar/bass tech'ed for his band that night. Didn't get to meet Steve, but talked at length to T. Lavitz (RIP). Super nice guy.
Hey, Bobby O, what a coincidence! I got to open for them twice too!!!! HAHA As a matter of fact, I think you were like 5 feet behind me when it happened!
@@jonrobbin170 I was really close to T Lavitz the other day! I was behind him in line, like practically breathing on his neck, and he said "6 feet, buddy!"
I have met Steve Morse and Dave Larue twice and they are the most genuine, nice, humble people you will ever meet. They took time to talk after the show, sign autographs and answer questions. Class act. I will continue to have respect for them as some of the best musicians and people in the industry.
I got to go to a talk Steve Morse did at our local music store as a kid (so long ago I only know it was early 80's). He was thoughtful, kind and considerate. He answered all questions humbly and honestly, and the overall effect was fun and educational. All truly great artists are sensitive and concerned about others to some degree, but Steve was particularly so. If you want to be a great artist, it starts with being a great person. Because in truth, we can only create from the truth of who we are.
You need to listen to more new music then. Just like The Dixie Dregs were not hugely popular back then, so the greatest artists of today are not so popular either. The facts are, that musicians of today have had musicians like this to learn from, and many have done exactly that. Yes they are _different_ and perhaps not to your personal tastes, but to assume that no one today is so talented only shows laziness on your part. Not hating on you at all, in fact quite the opposite. I would hope if anything that this will encourage you to find more music that you will love, for your own benefit. From a fellow fan of great music like The Dixie Dregs: good luck in your search.
Aylbdr Madison and I think you need to look up the definition of sarcasm. They will always be highly talented musicians overlooked by the mainstream,but today it’s much easier to discover them with venues like UA-cam. I admire your feeble attempt at trolling though!!!😂😂😂
@@gwiz9184 I don't know? I think in the past, superior musicianship was far more appreciated in the past then it is these days and it was far more in the forefront. I don't doubt that there are probably a bunch of extremely talented musicians out there today. But the fact that you have to search high and low and scour the internet to find them supports exactly what G Wiz was trying to say (In my opinion, I'm not speaking for him).
@@gwiz9184 They weren't trolling. You may have been joking but plenty of people actually think like that so it's not a stretch for them to assume you were serious
Steve Morse & The Dregs are more or less the only rock (in only the broadest sense) guitar instrumental artist that I can listen too without getting bored because he's composing music in a very classical way and is very melodic rather than the usual shredders who just basically wank without rhyme or reason
listen to the first two Mahavishnu Orchestra records, dude! (Even MORSE says they are HIS gods!) as far as shredders go, I agree with you. Maybe check out GREG HOWE's first record. He's got twice the chops of Morse, but GH he throws in loads of jazz / chromaticisms / musicality / etc that NONE of the other guitar shredders have. (Even Vai bores me to tears 90% of the time!) ALSO CHECK OUT ASH RA (1970s Germany space-rockers) and their guitar spin-off records. Some wild guitar instrumental stuff that's MUSICAL.
I always loved watching Rod Morgenstein and Steve Morse because they look like they're having so much fun playing. Of course, it must be fun to be that good!
They used to come jam on Sundays at my boyfriend's house along with lots of other local musicians. Fun times. Loved the 70s. Saw them at Augusta College when they were still Dixie Grit. Still get goosebumps!
Have friend from N. Augusta that played in a band with Steve when he was going to Richmond Academy High School. Henry is 75 and still plays guitar when he is not doing art.
@@mbt1955 I have heard a few stories but did not know him then. Met at Uncle Tom's Farm concert in late 80s. The most artistic person I have ever known. Great at music and drawing.
@@Wizardofgosz Uh...why are you asking that? I'm afraid. Been a few years since he's been in NY. I think I last saw him at the Iridium for a Les Paul tribute event. Of course he's aging. I have mirrors in my house too. I'll be 60 this year. It ain't pretty. Something wrong with Steve now?
@Wizardofgosz I'm very sorry to say this, Steve has been dealing with arthritis these past few years. His right (picking) hand is particularly painful. There's a recent interview with Rick Beato on Rick's youtube channel. Saw the Dregs a few times in the 70's and early 80's and every time I left with my jaw dropping to the floor! 😮 Absolutely amazing!
I saw these guys in 1977 at a radio promo show in Chattanooga - small venue south side of town. Radio station was 94 FM and concert was 94 cents!! Best bargain ever on a great show. Morse is a sorcerer and Morgenstein is a total beast.
matianshoes, don't know if you're still watching this, but I saw them in 1978 at the Greater Chattanooga Music Hall, next to the Market Street bridge. And yeah, I remember" WSIM, Stereo 94, Red Bank".
Guitar tech'ed for a buddy about this time in history, his band opened for The Dregs in Houston. Wanted to meet Steve, but he stayed in the green room. T came down because a girl who was an old friend asked for him. T was the nicest guy this side of Michael Anthony, and that's saying a lot. Super dude, I was very sad to hear of his passing.
This was a GREAT incarnation of the band, especially with Dave LaRue on bass and T Lavitz on keys. Original violinist, Allen Sloan, was busy with medical school and residency in anesthesiology, but took time off to tour and record “Bring ‘Em Back Alive”
These Guys, Steve Morse, Rod Morganstien, and T. Lavitz, et all. were technically brilliant, and Mr. Morse, who wrote and produced the lions share of the tunes, is where he seemingly always wanted to be. With his Dregs. This gentleman's musical prowess was way ahead of it's time, lyrical w/o the lyrics, and absolutely wonderful with beautiful sweeping hooks and melodies, off time sigs, and a raw talent only Morse can pull off. The guy picks just about every note and with dutiful speed. Man!
Parts of the band....before they were the Dregs practiced in my Dads shop behind our house. Used to listen them. Mark Parrish lived directly across the street on Anne st. ( on the South Side) My brother was the best drummer at Butler and they all practice together. Miss those days.
These guys used to come to Nashville several times a year to play at the Exit/In. I remember one time the announcer asked how many guitar players were in the crowd and 90% of the crowd whooped. They were all there to see Steve Morse. Best/tightest live band I ever heard and I saw most of the greats in the early 70s.
Words can not convey the love that I have for the man first of all. And his compassion for everyone. As a musician he should be mentioned amongst the greatest to ever play a guitar! Right now I am watching Dixie Dregs - Tonight Show - 01/07/1993 - Medley (Take it Off He was nominated for six awards and never won. What does anyone know about music? We know and Steve Morse is so humble that he doesn’t care about the spotlight. Increíble!
Steve in his prime amongst some of the best musicians. What a performance...but then, Steve and co. always brought the heat. A true musician in every sense of the word.
I met Steve Morse at a local bar in Athens, Ga. He was heading to Atlanta to eventually join up with Kansas. He stopped by the bar and played some tunes (solo) during the early evening and I so happened to be there. I talked to him after a short set....super nice and gave me full attention....back in the 80s.
I got to see Morse at a Sam Ash clinic in Long Island and 3 hours afterwards they played at the Ritz in New York City. Back on the bring them back alive tour... I was 16. It's still the best concert I've ever fucking seen in my life... What a night.
Blackmore: "I'm just glad they (Deep Purple) found a guitar player to carry on because I thought I was going to be shackled to this band for the rest of my life. It was like a ball-and-chain thing, and luckily they said, 'Well, we found someone.' 'Thank God I can get out!' I haven't listened much, I just know that Joe Satriani and Steve Morse are brilliant players. I remember Steve Morse with the Dixie Dregs, they're fantastic."
A great band that few people today are aware of. The Dregs I saw live at the University of Arizona old student center and they rocked a room of several hundred for 2 hours. This was probably 1979 or 1980 and to this day I remember the energy they brought to the stage.
I saw them for the first time as a 21 year old at a dive bar called The Club in Turlock CA in 1982. I was near the stage and I was blown away. I've seen Steve Morse several times since then and am always on the lookout for the Dregs. Just saw Deep Purple with Morse. Awesome. Now getting tickets for original Dixie Dregs lineup playing at the Coach House in April 2018. Woo hoo!
I would. It would be a great honor, one I would rise to as well as I was able. Even knowing that, at least in my own eyes, I would certainly not shine so brightly in comparison.
Butch and I saw Steve on September 1st, 1984 at the Tralf in Buffalo NY. That was the day after my beautiful 1971 Barracuda got broken into. I decided to move back to Japan because of that. Anyways, Steve was doing the INTRODUCTION Tour. I recorded it on my Sony Walkman Stereo Recorder. Fantastic show to say the least. Oh yeah. Had front row table and took pics
I've been a Dregs fan since 1979, and saw them twice in concert: 1980 & 1982. First time was with Allen Sloan on violin and Mark Parrish on keyboards. Second time was with Mark O'Connor on violin (and occasional guitar) and T Lavitz on keyboards. Sadly, I missed seeing them in this incarnation, with Dave Larue on bass and Jerry Goodman on violin. Morse must have loved that lineup, because Goodman played with the Mahavishnu Orchestra in the '70's, and that band was one of his influences early on.
I swathe Dixie Dregs at the Lincoln Theatre in DC last night. It was special event, even in line waiting to enter. Everyone attending was in a kind of state of happy disbelief that it was really happening. None of us realistically expected to ever see the Dregs in concert again. Perfect strangers became life-long buddies swapping stories about the first track they heard, the first concert attended, and the albums and DVDs they had. During the break I heard one guy say that all the songs were like anthems in his head. It was kind of an old guy kind of crowd, but that also meant a crowd of people who have loved this band for decades. There were literally centuries of Dregs love in that theatre. And the show? The Dregs delivered. Two extended sets of classic tracks, with attention devoted to selections of varied pace and style. I could have died happy hearing Take It Off the Top again. (In a more perfect world, Take It Off the Top would be a society wide classic that most people would recognize within 3 secs.) Yet, somehow the band delivered an even more perfect moment with their signature piece, Cruise Control. Thank you Steve Morse. Thank you Dixie Dregs!
I was at that one as well (one of those old guys :o) , and it was as good a show as I've ever seen them perform. And I've seen them more than any other band. And you're correct, the line outside was a social event extraordinaire. And we all sure got what we came for, and then some. And indeed, thank you!
Steve Morse is a very rare guitarist. He autographed a CD liner for me once, signing it lightning fast, as he was basically in between songs during a set. Later, upon scrutiny, I was amazed to find that he had drawn almost a perfect 4 string guitar in between the names of his signature. Wow!
I attended the Halloween concert at Park West in Chicago the same tour, and was standing literally front and center. All I could see was Steve towering over me, (and he made it look so effortless.) Plus, I couldn't believe how far he pre-stretched his strings, and he had a twin "back-up" too. I think there were only a handful of real Dregs fans there, (everyone else was just partying). I always love waiting on that LaRue bass-line riff, I don't think Jay's audience knew what hit them that night. So sad that T. Lavitz is no longer with us. He was such an incredible musician, and a big inspiration to me as a keyboardist. Thanks, T.
I was there too! Probably standing next to you. I'm a teacher and brought 8 students to the show who stood there slack-jawed in disbelief at how good SM is.
This coincided with me getting into the Dregs. I'd heard about Steve Morse and saw a review of this album in a guitar or keyboard magazine, bought it and was absolutely floored. Every player in this band is like a well tuned track car, going at full tilt.
Lip Synching; Backing Tracks; Dance Troupe'; 'Cute People' = Phoney-ness'. The recipe for mainstream TV, and 'Music Award Shows', the last 30 or so years, running.
I saw the Dregs in a small club in Folly Beach , SC in 1983 , They had just released an album and they pretty much played the whole thing . It was jaw dropping moment ,, Love the Dregs ,, hear they are reforming for a mini tour ,, I hope it gets recorded live ,,,
Eddie Cochran, Lynryd Skynrd, The Knack, etc.... what a brilliant medley. Love this tone on Steve's Music Man... still prefer his tele sound from his early days with the Dixie Dregs.
Saw him with the Dreggs in Asheville, NC. Mid 90s. Great show. I have some good photos of it. Jerry signed the back of my quadraphonic "Birds Of Fire" LP. Have McLaughlin's autograph on the front of it.
i remember this! it's nice to actually hear the guitar, which is the primary melodic instrument in this tune, on a TV broadcast. all players are killer. it's like an homage to skynard and the Knack. #stevemorris
I was lucky to get a Dregs show in a local jazz club in Miami. I sat about two yards away from him. His right hand picking technique is something out of this world.
I can't believe this! You were quick with that remote! Thanks so much for the upload. Love the way people are hollering before Leno can even introduce them. And I always dug how they stuck in Summertime Blues. They'll always win you over with that Southern Charm. Hey did they ever win that grammy?
I will never forget this.I had seen them 2 weeks earlier. I happened to look in the the newspaper tv section. The dixie dregs on the tonight show! Wow! Also tom snyder had them on his show as well.
I have seen Morse almost 50 times now. I loved Andy West but he can't touch the abilities of Dave LaRue and anyone in this string of posts who thinks otherwise has probably never seen LaRue live. No matter who Morse plays with it's bound to be incredible. Morgenstein is a living legend.
lukemanify Jerry Peek is/was great and I believe he was only on two-three Steve Morse releases - "The Introduction" and "Stand Up", as well as playing with Andy West on "High Tension Wires". His playing really shines on "Cruise Missile". Andy West was "The Dregs bassist primarily, Jerry Peek was the bassist on the first few Steve Morse solo releases, and then it has pretty much been Dave LaRue for SMB and Dregs reunion shows. Andy has made some great guest appearances at some of the shows throughout the years. LaRue pretty much has handled responsibilites for bass beginning with "Southern Steel" and moving through "Coast to Coast", "Structural Damage", Stressfest", I should not have said before that West can't hold a candle to LaRue. Truth is that he is a phenomenal bassist. I just get that extra something something when I listen to LaRue. Each of the musicians that Steve plays with is just incredible and the creme of the crop. Really loved and miss the specific lineup from Industry Standard. That was a special time in my own personal musical evolution and that album in particular just was ruined by the time I played it over and over and over. They are all monsters and they focus not only on technicality but more importantly, they are musicians who play together really well and work together to create wonderful compositions.
I saw these guys play an outdoor venue in 1978 at Florida International University (FIU) down in Miami. The best live band I've ever seen perform in any outdoor venue.
This is so fantastic!!! And these guys (most are still alive) are still amazing. Love Steve and Dave together, what a combination and lifelong partnership in music. Steve still has this same kind of sense of humour, and can play absolutely anything. (By the way, I enjoyed hearing those familiar riffs from my younger teenage years!) Magic!
For me, 70's-80's fusion was Chick & RTF, Weather Report, Cobham, Beck, etc. How I missed these guys before Unsung Heroes is a lifelong regret. Tremendous chops and musicality...timeless. btw, check out Got a Match by Gary Foote
Was an instant fan at my first listen to "Free all" in '75. Owned six of their Lp's, incl. the DDL 1/2 sp. re-issue of DotE. Was blessed to enjoy five of their phenomenal performances. Superbly talented crew who brilliantly fused elements of jazz, rock, country, & a dash of classical influence.
was listening to them in the mid to late 70's when guys in high school were really just listening to other, although great in their own right - Bad Company, Boston, Lynyrd Skynrd, Allman Brothers, Santana, Eric Clapton/all legends - but the mainline bands. Dixie Dregs was always a breath of fresh air for a budding guitarist like myself with a bass playing brother!
I said it back in 1980 and I'll say it again: Steve Morse is the best all-around rock/fusion guitarist of that century...a master of all genres and a musical genius.
Damn tootin. I once saw him live and couldn't stop listening to his albums. There hasn't been a master of technique and effects on his level since Hendrix.
I don’t know, there was a lot of competition from the 19th century.
Always my favorite and probably the most original.
Allan Holdsworth and John Mclaughling probably could take that title. What Morse does is that he just plays every genre well. But he is not the king
Absolutely
Here are the songs in the medley, please upvote to keep near the top for reference:
0:15 Take It Off The Top
0:44 Mississippi Queen
0:56 Gimme Some Lovin'
1:14 Summertime Blues
1:39 My Sharona
1:45 Freebird
2:10 Summertime Blues
2:34 Gimme Some Lovin'
2:52 Take It Off The Top
I recognized all of them.
Even My Sharonna was in there . . .
.........but NOT my BALONNA..!!
Actually the person who posted this video should pin this so it stays at the top (no reason not to since it deserves it).
At first I thought Free Bird was we are the champions.
Drummer Rod Morganstein, one of the most unheralded in the business!
Spot on!
Plays in WINGER, great band
@@gfgranja saw Winger on Panama City Beach in ‘93. They had just released the “Pull” album. One of the best shows I’ve ever attended.
@@ctfair Lucky you!
I met Rod back in the '80s. He was a really nice guy. I got to hang out with him and the boys from Winger a few times back then. Good times.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS VIDEO FOOTAGE.. I LOVE MR.STEVE MORSE..
I had the JOY of opening up for them twice!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two of the best nights of my life!!! ADRENALINE
One of my buddy's bands opened for them, and I guitar/bass tech'ed for his band that night. Didn't get to meet Steve, but talked at length to T. Lavitz (RIP). Super nice guy.
Hey, Bobby O, what a coincidence! I got to open for them twice too!!!! HAHA As a matter of fact, I think you were like 5 feet behind me when it happened!
I was pretty close with T Lavitz when I was in high school. Really sweet guy I used to hang out at his house every day
@@jonrobbin170 I was really close to T Lavitz the other day!
I was behind him in line, like practically breathing on his neck, and he said "6 feet, buddy!"
I saw the Steve Morse Band open up for the Dixie Dregs a long time ago. How is that for a double bill? Lol. Steve was doing a double header. Lol.
I have met Steve Morse and Dave Larue twice and they are the most genuine, nice, humble people you will ever meet. They took time to talk after the show, sign autographs and answer questions. Class act. I will continue to have respect for them as some of the best musicians and people in the industry.
Took a few lessons with Dave, an awesome teacher as well.
I got to go to a talk Steve Morse did at our local music store as a kid (so long ago I only know it was early 80's). He was thoughtful, kind and considerate. He answered all questions humbly and honestly, and the overall effect was fun and educational. All truly great artists are sensitive and concerned about others to some degree, but Steve was particularly so. If you want to be a great artist, it starts with being a great person. Because in truth, we can only create from the truth of who we are.
Steve picks every single note played. That's basically unheard of.
It’s all coming back to me,I remember now when musicians were actually talented!!😂😂😂
You need to listen to more new music then. Just like The Dixie Dregs were not hugely popular back then, so the greatest artists of today are not so popular either. The facts are, that musicians of today have had musicians like this to learn from, and many have done exactly that. Yes they are _different_ and perhaps not to your personal tastes, but to assume that no one today is so talented only shows laziness on your part.
Not hating on you at all, in fact quite the opposite. I would hope if anything that this will encourage you to find more music that you will love, for your own benefit. From a fellow fan of great music like The Dixie Dregs: good luck in your search.
Aylbdr Madison and I think you need to look up the definition of sarcasm. They will always be highly talented musicians overlooked by the mainstream,but today it’s much easier to discover them with venues like UA-cam. I admire your feeble attempt at trolling though!!!😂😂😂
@@gwiz9184 I don't know? I think in the past, superior musicianship was far more appreciated in the past then it is these days and it was far more in the forefront. I don't doubt that there are probably a bunch of extremely talented musicians out there today. But the fact that you have to search high and low and scour the internet to find them supports exactly what G Wiz was trying to say (In my opinion, I'm not speaking for him).
@@gwiz9184 They weren't trolling. You may have been joking but plenty of people actually think like that so it's not a stretch for them to assume you were serious
Truth!
The enthusiam, the energy, the arrangments are all fresh and palpable. One of their best performances.
Wow, excellent rendition of some classics with the excellent participation of violinist Jerry Goodman from mahavishnu orchestra fame.
what???
ARE YOU SAYING THAT'S JERRY GOODMAN OF M.O. ON THE VIOLIN HERE?????
Yes exactly
Steve Morse & The Dregs are more or less the only rock (in only the broadest sense) guitar instrumental artist that I can listen too without getting bored because he's composing music in a very classical way and is very melodic rather than the usual shredders who just basically wank without rhyme or reason
The Shadows also were very melodic and didn't shred either.
listen to the first two Mahavishnu Orchestra records, dude!
(Even MORSE says they are HIS gods!)
as far as shredders go, I agree with you. Maybe check out GREG HOWE's first record. He's got twice the chops of Morse, but GH he throws in loads of jazz / chromaticisms / musicality / etc that NONE of the other guitar shredders have. (Even Vai bores me to tears 90% of the time!)
ALSO CHECK OUT ASH RA (1970s Germany space-rockers) and their guitar spin-off records. Some wild guitar instrumental stuff that's MUSICAL.
JEFF BECK FANS HERE HEAR..!! Alvin Lee Jimi Hendrix Ritchie Blackmore Jimmy Page George Lynch Dicky Betts
JEFF BECK!!
I always loved watching Rod Morgenstein and Steve Morse because they look like they're having so much fun playing. Of course, it must be fun to be that good!
They used to come jam on Sundays at my boyfriend's house along with lots of other local musicians. Fun times. Loved the 70s. Saw them at Augusta College when they were still Dixie Grit. Still get goosebumps!
Have friend from N. Augusta that played in a band with Steve when he was going to Richmond Academy High School. Henry is 75 and still plays guitar when he is not doing art.
@@Gamerooster51 Henry W is a good musician and had a pet monkey in his teen years. That was a cool thing in the 60s!!
@@mbt1955 I have heard a few stories but did not know him then. Met at Uncle Tom's Farm concert in late 80s. The most artistic person I have ever known. Great at music and drawing.
@@Gamerooster51 He is a very nice guy, his son plays with him in a local group called "The Two Henrys".
@@mbt1955 Yes. I was at his house Friday playing some guitar with him.
Steve Morse is amazing. He never ages a bit, and he still blows my mind every time I see him in concert.
Have you seen him lately?!
@@Wizardofgosz Uh...why are you asking that? I'm afraid. Been a few years since he's been in NY. I think I last saw him at the Iridium for a Les Paul tribute event. Of course he's aging. I have mirrors in my house too. I'll be 60 this year. It ain't pretty. Something wrong with Steve now?
@@Besokool dude above me said Steve never ages a bit. Every time I see him was uncombed hair he looks like he's aged 15 more years.
@Wizardofgosz I'm very sorry to say this, Steve has been dealing with arthritis these past few years. His right (picking) hand is particularly painful. There's a recent interview with Rick Beato on Rick's youtube channel. Saw the Dregs a few times in the 70's and early 80's and every time I left with my jaw dropping to the floor! 😮 Absolutely amazing!
I saw these guys in 1977 at a radio promo show in Chattanooga - small venue south side of town. Radio station was 94 FM and concert was 94 cents!! Best bargain ever on a great show. Morse is a sorcerer and Morgenstein is a total beast.
I used to play with Dave back in 72 when we were in high school just messing around
matianshoes, don't know if you're still watching this, but I saw them in 1978 at the Greater Chattanooga Music Hall, next to the Market Street bridge. And yeah, I remember" WSIM, Stereo 94, Red Bank".
I saw 'em in Tucson.
Guitar tech'ed for a buddy about this time in history, his band opened for The Dregs in Houston. Wanted to meet Steve, but he stayed in the green room. T came down because a girl who was an old friend asked for him. T was the nicest guy this side of Michael Anthony, and that's saying a lot. Super dude, I was very sad to hear of his passing.
This was a GREAT incarnation of the band, especially with Dave LaRue on bass and T Lavitz on keys. Original violinist, Allen Sloan, was busy with medical school and residency in anesthesiology, but took time off to tour and record “Bring ‘Em Back Alive”
Laurie is awesome. Huron River is still one of my favorites
THAT IS ROCK AND ROLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These Guys, Steve Morse, Rod Morganstien, and T. Lavitz, et all. were technically brilliant, and Mr. Morse, who wrote and produced the lions share of the tunes, is where he seemingly always wanted to be. With his Dregs. This gentleman's musical prowess was way ahead of it's time, lyrical w/o the lyrics, and absolutely wonderful with beautiful sweeping hooks and melodies, off time sigs, and a raw talent only Morse can pull off. The guy picks just about every note and with dutiful speed. Man!
No one dislikes Dixie Dregs....
Parts of the band....before they were the Dregs practiced in my Dads shop behind our house. Used to listen them. Mark Parrish lived directly across the street on Anne st. ( on the South Side) My brother was the best drummer at Butler and they all practice together. Miss those days.
I can only imagine I used to sit many a day in Dave's room just passing around guitars and shooting the s***fun times
These guys used to come to Nashville several times a year to play at the Exit/In. I remember one time the announcer asked how many guitar players were in the crowd and 90% of the crowd whooped. They were all there to see Steve Morse. Best/tightest live band I ever heard and I saw most of the greats in the early 70s.
Words can not convey the love that I have for the man first of all.
And his compassion for everyone.
As a musician he should be mentioned amongst the greatest to ever play a guitar!
Right now I am watching Dixie Dregs - Tonight Show - 01/07/1993 - Medley (Take it Off
He was nominated for six awards and never won.
What does anyone know about music?
We know and Steve Morse is so humble that he doesn’t care about the spotlight.
Increíble!
Steve in his prime amongst some of the best musicians. What a performance...but then, Steve and co. always brought the heat. A true musician in every sense of the word.
I met Steve Morse at a local bar in Athens, Ga. He was heading to Atlanta to eventually join up with Kansas. He stopped by the bar and played some tunes (solo) during the early evening and I so happened to be there. I talked to him after a short set....super nice and gave me full attention....back in the 80s.
Aways amazing and perfect!
Steve Morse is incredible and Dixie Dregs is unbelievable!
I got to see Morse at a Sam Ash clinic in Long Island and 3 hours afterwards they played at the Ritz in New York City. Back on the bring them back alive tour... I was 16. It's still the best concert I've ever fucking seen in my life... What a night.
I love that Steve smiles so much and makes his music so fun!
Blackmore: "I'm just glad they (Deep Purple) found a guitar player to carry on because I thought I was going to be shackled to this band for the rest of my life. It was like a ball-and-chain thing, and luckily they said, 'Well, we found someone.' 'Thank God I can get out!' I haven't listened much, I just know that Joe Satriani and Steve Morse are brilliant players. I remember Steve Morse with the Dixie Dregs, they're fantastic."
Saw this tour in Baltimore in 92. Still have the CD. Their of Kasmir is wicked. They always get back every few years and tour.
A great band that few people today are aware of. The Dregs I saw live at the University of Arizona old student center and they rocked a room of several hundred for 2 hours. This was probably 1979 or 1980 and to this day I remember the energy they brought to the stage.
I saw them for the first time as a 21 year old at a dive bar called The Club in Turlock CA in 1982. I was near the stage and I was blown away. I've seen Steve Morse several times since then and am always on the lookout for the Dregs. Just saw Deep Purple with Morse. Awesome. Now getting tickets for original Dixie Dregs lineup playing at the Coach House in April 2018. Woo hoo!
I wouldn't have wanted to be the Tonight Show Band after that (on this particular night).
I would. It would be a great honor, one I would rise to as well as I was able. Even knowing that, at least in my own eyes, I would certainly not shine so brightly in comparison.
Butch and I saw Steve on September 1st, 1984 at the Tralf in Buffalo NY. That was the day after my beautiful 1971 Barracuda got broken into. I decided to move back to Japan because of that. Anyways, Steve was doing the INTRODUCTION Tour. I recorded it on my Sony Walkman Stereo Recorder. Fantastic show to say the least. Oh yeah. Had front row table and took pics
Rod looks like he’s absolutely loving it at the start!
I've been a Dregs fan since 1979, and saw them twice in concert: 1980 & 1982. First time was with Allen Sloan on violin and Mark Parrish on keyboards. Second time was with Mark O'Connor on violin (and occasional guitar) and T Lavitz on keyboards. Sadly, I missed seeing them in this incarnation, with Dave Larue on bass and Jerry Goodman on violin. Morse must have loved that lineup, because Goodman played with the Mahavishnu Orchestra in the '70's, and that band was one of his influences early on.
When The Dixie Dregs chose to tour, they were one of the best bands on the planet....
I swathe Dixie Dregs at the Lincoln Theatre in DC last night. It was special event, even in line waiting to enter. Everyone attending was in a kind of state of happy disbelief that it was really happening. None of us realistically expected to ever see the Dregs in concert again. Perfect strangers became life-long buddies swapping stories about the first track they heard, the first concert attended, and the albums and DVDs they had. During the break I heard one guy say that all the songs were like anthems in his head. It was kind of an old guy kind of crowd, but that also meant a crowd of people who have loved this band for decades. There were literally centuries of Dregs love in that theatre.
And the show? The Dregs delivered. Two extended sets of classic tracks, with attention devoted to selections of varied pace and style. I could have died happy hearing Take It Off the Top again. (In a more perfect world, Take It Off the Top would be a society wide classic that most people would recognize within 3 secs.) Yet, somehow the band delivered an even more perfect moment with their signature piece, Cruise Control.
Thank you Steve Morse. Thank you Dixie Dregs!
I was at that one as well (one of those old guys :o) , and it was as good a show as I've ever seen them perform. And I've seen them more than any other band. And you're correct, the line outside was a social event extraordinaire. And we all sure got what we came for, and then some. And indeed, thank you!
Saw em at the bottom line,the Ritz and some club in NY state. Always awesome.
Not many talk show performances could top this, and none come to mind. They ROCKED THE HOUSE!
I got to see these guys at the Fox in Atlanta way back when with Santana. They were making their 1st stage debut! Magical night.
Wow! Wish I would of seen this back in the day!
Amazing to watch someone like Steve have total mastery and control over the instrument very satisfying.
Steve Morse is a very rare guitarist. He autographed a CD liner for me once, signing it lightning fast, as he was basically in between songs during a set. Later, upon scrutiny, I was amazed to find that he had drawn almost a perfect 4 string guitar in between the names of his signature. Wow!
I attended the Halloween concert at Park West in Chicago the same tour, and was standing literally front and center. All I could see was Steve towering over me, (and he made it look so effortless.) Plus, I couldn't believe how far he pre-stretched his strings, and he had a twin "back-up" too. I think there were only a handful of real Dregs fans there, (everyone else was just partying). I always love waiting on that LaRue bass-line riff, I don't think Jay's audience knew what hit them that night. So sad that T. Lavitz is no longer with us. He was such an incredible musician, and a big inspiration to me as a keyboardist. Thanks, T.
Excellent thoughts, Edwin!
I was there too! Probably standing next to you. I'm a teacher and brought 8 students to the show who stood there slack-jawed in disbelief at how good SM is.
For the most part, the audience was Totally clueless as to what they were watching - let alone about any of the Dregs' original stuff!
I was there!
Friday Night Rock Show with the late Tommy Vance . Best radio show ever. Take it from the Top was the signature track.
I saw them in 1982 at Washington and Lee. Fantastic band; ran into Steve at a late night Kroger run and asked him to sign my ticket stub..
After all these years, they are still my favorite!!!
This coincided with me getting into the Dregs. I'd heard about Steve Morse and saw a review of this album in a guitar or keyboard magazine, bought it and was absolutely floored. Every player in this band is like a well tuned track car, going at full tilt.
The legendary Jerry Goodman, from the Mahavishnu Orchestra on Violin!
TV on the radio.
Well hello there, my name's Tommy Vance and this is The Friday Rock Show.
Awesome!
Nobby Nolevel - Damn, where have the last 30 years gone???
Totally awesome! Glad I found this upload. What a powerhouse!
(RIP T Lavitz)
Awesome, and unbelievable musicanship
The Dregs ROCK!
This was my first Dixie Dregs exposure, from TV. It certainly inspired me to see them over a dozen times live. Magical band.
Absolutely Killah!!!!!!
Incredible band. I have seen them more than any other band. Morse is awesome, and that has not changed for 30 years.
You'd never see something like this on any form of national tv now. If it ain't kiddie pop, it gets no play.
+Cath Ridge You took the words right out of my mouth
Lip Synching; Backing Tracks; Dance Troupe'; 'Cute People' = Phoney-ness'. The recipe for mainstream TV, and 'Music Award Shows', the last 30 or so years, running.
I saw these guys a few times years ago. Amazing band.
me and the boys in the 80s..used to cruise with over the top ...and a few pop ...great to hear it again tks!
Possibly the best concert I ever went to. Such talent. Over the top!
What a band!! followed them for years ,Bass Player is well,.. Tits onna Ritz! Saw Steve at Namm maybe 8 to 10 ago..Insane player!
I heard this on an Atlanta radio station when BEBA was released. I was floored. I knew Morse from his solo stuff, but I wasn't prepared for the Dregs.
Nice job! The band was so great its hard to capture how great they really were in 10 min.
Damn. Steve Morse, man. That guy is GOOD.
The best thing about this? How happy they all look.
This is cool 😎 Didn't realize these guys were such Who fans!
I Saw Steve Morse play with deep purple when I was twelve, it was my first ever concert. Hearing His guitar playing at that concert changed my life
I saw the Dregs in a small club in Folly Beach , SC in 1983 , They had just released an album and they pretty much played the whole thing . It was jaw dropping moment ,, Love the Dregs ,, hear they are reforming for a mini tour ,, I hope it gets recorded live ,,,
Saw them in NYC on that tour with all original members. Amazing !!!!
Eddie Cochran, Lynryd Skynrd, The Knack, etc.... what a brilliant medley. Love this tone on Steve's Music Man... still prefer his tele sound from his early days with the Dixie Dregs.
Brutally amazing. Loved them since the early 70's. Unbelievable treat for that audience.
Wow !! I think that's Jerry Goodman on violin.
yup!
Saw him with the Dreggs in Asheville, NC. Mid 90s. Great show. I have some good photos of it. Jerry signed the back of my quadraphonic "Birds Of Fire" LP. Have McLaughlin's autograph on the front of it.
i remember this! it's nice to actually hear the guitar, which is the primary melodic instrument in this tune, on a TV broadcast. all players are killer. it's like an homage to skynard and the Knack. #stevemorris
Probably some in the audience thinking (whining) to themselves, " But where's the singer?"
I was lucky to get a Dregs show in a local jazz club in Miami. I sat about two yards away from him. His right hand picking technique is something out of this world.
I can't believe this! You were quick with that remote! Thanks so much for the upload.
Love the way people are hollering before Leno can even introduce them. And I always dug how they stuck in Summertime Blues.
They'll always win you over with that Southern Charm. Hey did they ever win that grammy?
Incomprehensible
Masterful talent on display here.....the Dregs are/were phenomenal.
I will never forget this.I had seen them 2 weeks earlier. I happened to look in the the newspaper tv section. The dixie dregs on the tonight show! Wow! Also tom snyder had them on his show as well.
I have seen Morse almost 50 times now. I loved Andy West but he can't touch the abilities of Dave LaRue and anyone in this string of posts who thinks otherwise has probably never seen LaRue live. No matter who Morse plays with it's bound to be incredible. Morgenstein is a living legend.
spot on. LaRue is a beast. And i don't even have to say anything about Mr Morse.
The big LaRue moment is in the Steve Morse Band when they play Vista Grande,
Jerry Meek?
lukemanify Jerry Peek is/was great and I believe he was only on two-three Steve Morse releases - "The Introduction" and "Stand Up", as well as playing with Andy West on "High Tension Wires". His playing really shines on "Cruise Missile". Andy West was "The Dregs bassist primarily, Jerry Peek was the bassist on the first few Steve Morse solo releases, and then it has pretty much been Dave LaRue for SMB and Dregs reunion shows. Andy has made some great guest appearances at some of the shows throughout the years. LaRue pretty much has handled responsibilites for bass beginning with "Southern Steel" and moving through "Coast to Coast", "Structural Damage", Stressfest", I should not have said before that West can't hold a candle to LaRue. Truth is that he is a phenomenal bassist. I just get that extra something something when I listen to LaRue. Each of the musicians that Steve plays with is just incredible and the creme of the crop. Really loved and miss the specific lineup from Industry Standard. That was a special time in my own personal musical evolution and that album in particular just was ruined by the time I played it over and over and over.
They are all monsters and they focus not only on technicality but more importantly, they are musicians who play together really well and work together to create wonderful compositions.
For all things Morse and Dregs, check out facebook.com/groups/stevemorse
I saw them on this tour in Tampa Florida! As a long time fan thanx for uploading this, very cool! Love the "My Sharona" bit in the middle!
Was the club The Agora? Saw them.
I recorded this on VHS too that night, but lost all my tapes in a move. Thanks for posting this.
Smokin' HOT ! I continue to be a lifelong fan . Sadly , Terry " T " Lavitz passed away in 2010 . A huge loss . He will be missed .
Holy Shit!! How could this possibly have 9 "thumbs-down"?!?!?!?! This is fucking REMARKABLE!!!!
Saw them at the Blue Onion in Norman OK about 1978, and they totally took it off the top. Tiny venue, unforgettable.
I saw these guys play an outdoor venue in 1978 at Florida International University (FIU) down in Miami. The best live band I've ever seen perform in any outdoor venue.
Saw them in Tampa fall of '78. Probably the same tour.
Jawdropping talent & musicianship :-000
Saw them just before this lp was released. Damn. They played in a circle...twisted my brain. Steve Morse.
This is so fantastic!!! And these guys (most are still alive) are still amazing. Love Steve and Dave together, what a combination and lifelong partnership in music. Steve still has this same kind of sense of humour, and can play absolutely anything. (By the way, I enjoyed hearing those familiar riffs from my younger teenage years!) Magic!
This was ass kickingly good... cool :)
For me, 70's-80's fusion was Chick & RTF, Weather Report, Cobham, Beck, etc. How I missed these guys before Unsung Heroes is a lifelong regret. Tremendous chops and musicality...timeless.
btw, check out Got a Match by Gary Foote
That vibrato tho... Steve is amazing
Was an instant fan at my first listen to "Free all" in '75. Owned six of their Lp's, incl. the DDL 1/2 sp. re-issue of DotE. Was blessed to enjoy five of their phenomenal performances. Superbly talented crew who brilliantly fused elements of jazz, rock, country, & a dash of classical influence.
thanks for this sharing. Became more aware of Morse via Purple. Wish British talk shows did more of this!!! Brilliant
Ahhhh, the Friday Rock Show. 😁
was listening to them in the mid to late 70's when guys in high school were really just listening to other, although great in their own right - Bad Company, Boston, Lynyrd Skynrd, Allman Brothers, Santana, Eric Clapton/all legends - but the mainline bands. Dixie Dregs was always a breath of fresh air for a budding guitarist like myself with a bass playing brother!
R.I.P T Lavitz U ROCKED !!
Brilliant.
Thanks for sharing!
Hard to believe this is now almost 20 years ago... Saw them on tour in Asheville, NC. They were awesome.