Jerry Douglas – Best Kept Secret

Always a noted and well-respected dobro player, Jerry Douglas shows a different side to his wonderful instrumental style with "The Best Kept Secret." It's an album that doesn't get old or stale. It's truly proof that Jerry Douglas is "The Best Kept Secret" in Nashville, until now.

If one thinks of the Dobro, the word electric typically never comes into the conversation. That is unless you enter Jerry Douglas into the occasion. Jerry Douglas is, without a shadow of doubt, the best Dobro player in the world. A member of many bluegrass bands throughout theyears (including currently being member of "Alison Krauss & Union Station"), Jerry's also played on thousands of recording sessions in Nashville. What many don't know is that Jerry's competent at playing guitar as well as he is at playing the Dobro. He also loves to branch out and try other "styles" of music, like blues rock and funk infused rock.

Leading off "The Best Kept Secret" is a dueling guitars instrumental with Derek Trucks. It's an eye opening blend of bluesy slide guitar and electric dobro that proves Jerry Douglas is the "best kept secret" in Nashville. Other gems on this record include "Who's Your Uncle" with banjo master Bela Fleck, "Back In Love," a funky blues-rock number featuring Alison Krauss and "Swing Blues #1" which features John Fogerty on vocals. Gabe Witcher, the drummer of rock group Eve 6 plays the Banjo on "Gabe."

All in all, "The Best Kept Secret" is different from what I expected to hear (I thought of stuff closer to "Lookout For Hope") but I am pleasantly surprised with this fine record of tunes from dobro master Jerry Douglas. Do yourself a favor and check out a brilliant artist as he spreads his wings into "uncharted waters."