California Screamin' captures the Dregs live, doing their unique mix of Southern-fried Rock-Jazz-Funk. These tracks were culled from the best bits from 3 nights at the Roxy Theatre in L.A. in the summer of '99. As usual, the center piece to this adrenalized tossed salad of music styles is guitar virtuoso Steve Morse, who's fluid, evocative playing sets the stage for this ensemble of great musicians.

Longtime fans will eat this collection up as it covers virtually the entire career of the Dregs going as far back as the now out of print "The Great Spectacular" and includes some other gems such as Frank Zappa's "Peaches en Regalia" and a smokin' cover of The Allman Bros. "Jessica". Pulling out a few surprises as well, they show their Southern roots with revved up versions of "Wabash Cannonball", "Rocky Top" and "Dixie". At times it starts to meander a bit but all in all it's a solid set done in the virtuoso style Dregs fans have come to expect.

While not breaking any new ground the Dregs deliver the goods that their fans have come to expect, solid musicianship and great songs done in their own unique style. . This disc would also be a great introduction to newcomers not familiar with the Dregs.

Shred Pick: "Ionized" (3:49)

Reviewed by Bruce Rusk

Visit the Dixie Dregs' website at www.thedregs.com.

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