Andy West: The Complete 1978 Dixie Dregs Interview

[JasO]

In the late 1970s, Capricorn recording artists the Dixie Dregs were on the cutting edge of American fusion. Guitarist extraordinaire Steve Morse wrote and orchestrated almost everything the band played, and Andy West, his pal since high school, provided the muscular bass lines. In 1978, during the Dixie Dregs’ “What If” tour, I had the opportunity to interview Steve, Andy, and their road manager, Twiggs Lyndon.

I’ve just finished transcribing the complete Andy West interview, which is gear-intensive from the get-go. Andy had a lot to say about playing his Alembic through an Oberheim synthesizer and a staggering array of effects devices. He also goes into the elaborate pedalboard he constructed with Twiggs, the benefits of certain types of bass strings, playing with a pick vs. fingers, and other techniques. He had fond recollections of close encounters with Jaco Pastorius, and explained what it was like working with Steve Morse. If you’re interested, I’ve posted the conversation here: http://jasobrecht.com/andy-west-complete-1978-dixie-dregs-interview/

[Strat335]

Another great interview. Thanks Jas.