WHAT IF

What If finds Dixie Dregs concentrating a bit more on the rock side compared to their previous effort, which had a ton of different styles. In this regard it is more of a progressive rock album. Regardless, the same musicianship and songwriting skill is present here.

You have your classic rockers in 'Take It Off the Top,' 'Odyssey' and 'Travel Tunes,' all of which have some heavy, but catchy riffs. They still embrace jazz with the funky 'Ice Cake.' The title track, 'Little Kids' and 'Night Meets Light' are all dominated by violin and have a slightly more melancholic atmosphere compared to their more up-tempo songs. 'Gina Lola Breakdown' is a bluegrass/hoedown-like tune which has a fun main melody.

Overall, this is a better effort than their previous if only because of the more concentrated prog rock sound. Still, these guys play an eclectic array of music, and this is a must have for a jazz-rock collection.

9/10