What makes What If by Dixie Dregs notable?

'What If' received critical acclaim for its musicianship, particularly noted for its complex arrangements and virtuosic performances. The album helped establish the Dixie Dregs as a significant act in the progressive rock scene, influencing subsequent bands and contributing to the genre's evolution during the late 1970s. Released in January 1978, 'What If' was the Dixie Dregs' second album, following their debut 'Free Fall.' At this point, the band was solidifying its identity within the progressive rock genre, showcasing a blend of rock, jazz, and classical influences that would define their sound.