The Dixie Dregs are at it again but how long they last this go-‘round is, as usual, an open question. If anything provides momentum for a return to at least semi-regular action, the reunited group’s recent 25-date U.S. concert tour reaffirmed its uniquely infectious instrumental prowess. The officially dubbed “Dawn of the Dregs” tour that seemed to pop out of nowhere after the band’s last lineup played live in 2007 actually was a year in development. Initiated by management with impetus from Rod Morgenstein (drums) and Andy West (bass), events aligned to reconvene a vintage cast from the Free Fall album sessions of 1977. One factor was an easing of guitarist Steve Morse’s commitments to the retirement-bound Deep Purple. Another was a “now-or-never-again” sense of urgency prompted by the deaths of keyboardists T. Lavitz (2010) and Mark Parrish, who served separate stints with the Dregs both live and in-studio.

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