Delicate, dependably pretty work by a master
David J. Loftus | Portland, OR USA | 10/17/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Doug Smith has had a terrific ride in the last couple of years, sharing a Grammy for the all-acoustic Henry Mancini tribute, "Pink Guitar" in 2005, then winning the International Fingerstyle Guitar Competition at the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in Winfield, Kansas the following year. This year he also did a two-CD instrumental collection of Elton John hits and a second Christmas album.
But this is his latest "straight" disc of the stuff he does best. It's characteristically pleasant and good-humored, with perhaps a lighter touch than some of his earlier albums -- there are no barn-burning romps on the order of "Crest of the Revolution" or "Millennium Force."
Standout cuts include "Gentle Giant," a Renaissance-flavored canter with an occasional phrase that reminds me of Steve Howe's "Mood for a Day." There's a gorgeous medley of Schubert's "Ave Maria" and the Peretti/Weiss song made famous by Elvis Presley, "Can't Help Falling in Love." They work together perfectly. An arrangement of Debussy's "Arabesque #1" for two guitars (Smith is double-tracked for this one) is also a winner. "Night of the Raccoons" is a humorously slinky piece composed by fellow guitarist Paul Chasman. Smith does a sweetly rousing rendition of Elmer Bernstein's theme from "The Magnificent Seven."
The disc is titled "Guitar Parts" because the guitarist resurrected a collection of compositions he originally did on commission for Chip Davis's American Gramaphone label -- the "Dayparts" series -- some years ago. The perennial favorite "Sunday Sonata," which has appeared on at least a half dozen albums, is here. "Waltz for Sara" is a lovely piece. "Gentle Giant" was renamed after a favorite 1970s British progressive rock band from its original name, "The Charitable Charlatan." Other cuts from his American Gramaphone days include the upbeat "Ante Up," the limpid "Your Valentine," "Saturday Sunrise," "At the Boardwalk."
Altogether, perhaps not his absolute best collection, but dependably calming and beautiful when you need a break from your Death Metal."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1