Jerry Douglas Restless On The Farm CD

"The Ride" was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance.

Like Bela Fleck and Mark O'Connor, Jerry Douglas is a grassroots instrumentalist of undeniable prowess. A master of the dobro and lap steel guitar, Douglas is one of the most in-demand session musicians in Nashville. RESTLESS ON THE FARM is a testament to his musical virtuosity. Guest stars abound, with Steve Earle, Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck and Maura O'Connell contributing to many of the 11 tracks. Throughout the conglomeration of styles on this album, however, the focus is on Douglas' distinctive glissando and tasty steel picking.

From the very traditional bluegrass opening of "Things In Life," the musical bar is set at a high mark. Stylistically, however, things begin to change rather quickly. The dark, diminished sound of "Turkish Taffee" brings to mind images of it's namesake. Later, a sparse cover of the Johnny Cash classic "Don't Take Your Guns To Town," with Steve Earle, is a standout change of pace. A touch of the Irish is presented on the beautiful "A Tribute To Peador O'Donnell." Rounding out the rest of the disc are a swinging read of Erroll Garner's "Like It Is," "The Ride," a unique duet with Bela Fleck, and the comic "The TV Doctor."

Principally recorded at Masterlink Studio, Nashville, Tennessee.

Personnel: Jerry Douglas (guitar, lap steel guitar, dobro); John Cowan, Maura O'Connell, Tim O'Brien (vocals); Russ Barenberg, Bryan Sutton (guitar); Sonny Landreth (slide guitar, dobro); Béla Fleck (banjo); Sam Bush (mandolin); John Gardner (drums, percussion).

Audio Mixers: Jerry Douglas ; Bil VornDick.

Recording information: Béla's; Masterlink Studio, Nashville, TN; Trace Sound.

Illustrator: Sue Meyer.

Photographer: Senor McGuire.

Personnel: Jerry Douglas (dobro, lap steel guitar, Weissenborn guitar); Steve Earle (vocals, guitar); John Cowan, Tim O'Brien, Maura O'Connell (vocals); Bryan Sutton, Russ Barenberg (guitar); Sonny Landreth (dobro, slide guitar); Bela Fleck (banjo); Sam Bush (mandolin); Edgar Meyer, Viktor Krauss (bass); John Gardner (drums, percussion).