Ice Cakes

The Zoo Crew is spinning the funky, jazz-infused track "Ice Cakes" by Dixie Dregs from their 1978 album What If, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its intricate grooves. This song, a standout on the album, kicks off with Steve Morse’s signature chicken-pickin’ guitar riffs layered over Rod Morgenstein’s linear funk drumming, complete with audible grunts that add a raw, human touch to the recording. According to reviews from ClassicRockHistory.com, the track features a dynamic interplay where the synthesizer and violin trade blows after Morse’s blistering solo, returning to the main theme with that funky drumbeat anchoring it all. Fans on ProgArchives.com have praised "Ice Cakes" as a concert favorite, highlighting its energetic fusion of jazz, rock, and funk, with Morgenstein’s drumming stealing the show. While specific interviews about the song are scarce, Steve Morse has mentioned in broader discussions that the band aimed to push boundaries with What If, working with producer Ken Scott, known for his work with Mahavishnu Orchestra, to capture their live energy in the studio.

Another tidbit about "Ice Cakes" comes from its place in the What If album’s diverse tracklist. The album itself is considered the most progressive of Dixie Dregs’ discography, with "Ice Cakes" showcasing their ability to blend complex rhythms with accessible grooves. Fan discussions on The Dixie Dregs Fan Page often highlight how the song’s funkier rhythms set it apart from the more classical or jazz-leaning tracks like "Odyssey" or "Little Kids." Some fans speculate that the title "Ice Cakes" might be a playful nod to the band’s Southern roots, evoking quirky imagery, though no official explanation from the band has confirmed this. The track’s live performances, as noted in reviews, brought out its raw power, with Morgenstein’s grunting becoming a crowd-pleasing moment that Zoo Freaks would likely eat up during a radio spin.

Dixie Dregs, hailing from Augusta, Georgia, formed in 1970, initially as a high school band called Dixie Grit. Led by virtuoso guitarist Steve Morse, the group fused rock, jazz, country, and classical influences into a sound that defied easy categorization. According to their bio on AllMusic, Morse, alongside violinist Allen Sloan, bassist Andy West, drummer Rod Morgenstein, and keyboardist Steve Davidowski, started jamming in college, blending their diverse influences. Their big break came in 1975 when they recorded a demo album, The Great Spectacular, which caught the attention of Capricorn Records. Signing in 1976, they released their debut Free Fall in 1977, followed by the critically acclaimed What If. The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring, from Georgia to California, building a cult following through their electrifying live shows, as noted on Wikipedia.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. After Capricorn Records went bankrupt in 1979, they signed with Arista Records, releasing more albums and earning multiple Grammy nominations, including one for Night of the Living Dregs. By 1983, after experimenting with vocals on Industry Standard, the band disbanded, with members pursuing solo projects or joining other acts like Deep Purple (Morse) and Winger (Morgenstein). Reunions since 1988 have kept their legacy alive, with fans still active on platforms like Dixie Dregs’ official Facebook. You can follow their updates on Instagram and X, though their official website, stevemorse.com/dixie-dregs, primarily focuses on Morse’s broader career. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, the Dixie Dregs Fan Page on Facebook is a lively hub for sharing memories and discussing tracks like "Ice Cakes."