Best Kept Secret

Jerry Douglas | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 20, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Koch Records
• ASIN: B000AA4IOY
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,682 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

As further proof that the virtuosity of Jerry Douglas knows no categorical bounds, the biggest surprise on his predominantly instrumental The Best Kept Secret is a revival of the disco-era smash "Back in Love Again," with Alison Krauss supplying as much vocal funk as she can muster. The undisputed master of the shimmering Dobro (and a featured member of Krauss's band Union Station), Douglas also applies his artistry to the jazzy atmospherics of Weather Report's "A Remark You Made," pays homage to Celtic fiddler Aly Bain on the reflective "Sir Aly B," trades licks with guitarist Bill Frisell on the twangy "Lil' Ro Ro," and enlists John Fogerty for guest vocals on "Swing Blues #1." The album additionally showcases Douglas on lap steel, with guitarist Derek Trucks providing rock propulsion on the opening "She Makes Me Want to Sing." A breakdown with banjoist Béla Fleck and mandolinist Sam Bush on "Who's Your Uncle?" finds Douglas on more familiar turf at his bluegrass best. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another chapter in Flux's music book illustrates the creative genius at work, October 25, 2005

By 

J. Ross "a-music_fan" (Roseburg, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Kept Secret (Audio CD)

Playing Time - 52:02 -- Just about two decades ago, Jerry Douglas had already established himself as the premier dobro player on the bluegrass scene. Fine albums on the Rounder, MCA and Sugar Hill labels were one of his legacies from the 1980s and 90s. "Slide Rule" and "Lookout for Hope" were two stupendous releases. Now associated with growing Koch Records, Douglas now appears headed in new electric directions that match up his resophonic guitars, Fender telecaster and lap steel with drums, B-3 organ, violin, guitars, bass, mandolin, banjo, saxophone and piano. Joining him on the journey are a number of friends, including Sam Bush and Bela Fleck who joined Jerry in the band, Strength in Numbers. Other key quests include Alison Krauss, John Fogerty, Bill Frisell, and Derek Trucks.

"The Best Kept Secret" may take a few by surprise. Bluegrass fans expecting a more acoustic or traditional sound will be displeased. On the other hand, fans of progressive country rock will immediately take to the dramatic opening salvo of the 6-minute "She Makes Me Want To Sing," with its driving guitar. The album appears to be a vehicle for Douglas' astonishing creative juices to freely flow, an even the most close-minded traditionalist has to appreciate the hot picking in the upbeat "Who's Your Uncle?" An album of enterprising undertaking, Douglas seems to enjoy the challenge of facing formidable tasks. It's actually pretty cool to hear Alison Krauss getting down and funky on "Back in Love Again." Assuming you like blues and country rock, this is the kind of music that grows on you with repeated listens. On my first few spins of the CD, orchestrated late at night after a long day, I took to the soothing effect of Joe Zawinul's "A Remark You Made" and Bob Willis classic "Swing Blues No. 1," sung by John Fogerty. Guitarist Bill Frisell trading licks on "Lil' RoRo," and Douglas' "Ya Ya etc." are packed with punch and intensity. Musicians appearing on most cuts are Gabe Witcher (violin, B-3), Keith Sewell (guitars), Shannon Forrest (drums, percussion), and Derek Jones (acoustic bass).

While many Nashville artists are getting more country or acoustic and a lot less rock `n' roll, Jerry Douglas is bucking that trend. I won't purport to say that he's going against the grain because he's never had a specific grain to follow. His objective has always been to simply produce stimulating music. With multiple Grammy awards under his belt, Jerry Douglas has the experience and smarts to know exactly what he's doing. His "Best Kept Secret" may be commercial and targeting a younger album-buying demographic. In any case, we know he's come to represent exceptional dobrology with broad influences. His aqueous compositions are full of excitement and energy. It's Playing Time - 52:02 -- Just about two decades ago, Jerry Douglas had already established himself as the premier dobro player on the bluegrass scene. Fine albums on the Rounder, MCA and Sugar Hill labels were one of his legacies from the 1980s and 90s. "Slide Rule" and "Lookout for Hope" were two stupendous releases. Now associated with growing Koch Records, Douglas now appears headed in new electric directions that match up his resophonic guitars, Fender telecaster and lap steel with drums, B-3 organ, violin, guitars, bass, mandolin, banjo, saxophone and piano. Joining him on the journey are a number of friends, including Sam Bush and Bela Fleck who joined Jerry in the band, Strength in Numbers. Other key quests include Alison Krauss, John Fogerty, Bill Frisell, and Derek Trucks.

"The Best Kept Secret" may take a few by surprise. Bluegrass fans expecting a more acoustic or traditional sound will be displeased. On the other hand, fans of progressive country rock will immediately take to the dramatic opening salvo of the 6-minute "She Makes Me Want To Sing," with its driving guitar. The album appears to be a vehicle for Douglas' astonishing creative juices to freely flow, an even the most close-minded traditionalist has to appreciate the hot picking in the upbeat "Who's Your Uncle?" An album of enterprising undertaking, Douglas seems to enjoy the challenge of facing formidable tasks. It's actually pretty cool to hear Alison Krauss getting down and funky on "Back in Love Again." Assuming you like blues and country rock, this is the kind of music that grows on you with repeated listens. On my first few spins of the CD, orchestrated late at night after a long day, I took to the soothing effect of Joe Zawinul's "A Remark You Made" and Bob Willis classic "Swing Blues No. 1," sung by John Fogerty. Guitarist Bill Frisell trading licks on "Lil' RoRo," and Douglas' "Ya Ya etc." are packed with punch and intensity. Musicians appearing on most cuts are Gabe Witcher (violin, B-3), Keith Sewell (guitars), Shannon Forrest (drums, percussion), and Derek Jones (acoustic bass).

While many Nashville artists are getting more country or acoustic and a lot less rock `n' roll, Jerry Douglas is bucking that trend. I won't purport to say that he's going against the grain because he's never had a specific grain to follow. His objective has always been to simply produce stimulating music. With multiple Grammy awards under his belt, Jerry Douglas has the experience and smarts to know exactly what he's doing. His "Best Kept Secret" may be commercial and targeting a younger album-buying demographic. In any case, we know he's come to represent exceptional dobrology with broad influences. His aqueous compositions are full of excitement and energy. It's another chapter in Flux's music book that illustrates the creative genius at work. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeping it fresh, November 6, 2005

By 

twangmon (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best Kept Secret (Audio CD)

Known for playing wicked bluegrass Dobro with Alison Krauss & Union Station, and adding vibey squareneck holler to hundreds of country albums, resonator king Jerry Douglas reveals exciting new sides of his musical persona on his latest solo record. Whether picking vocoder-drenched lap steel, trading hot licks with Derek Trucks, probing spacey blues with Bill Frisell, paying tribute to Weather Report with Joe Zawinul's "A Remark You Made," or tearing through hi-octane, new-acoustic riffage with Sam Bush and Béla Fleck, Douglas pushes his Tipton bar into fresh, adventurous realms. His fat, squishy electric tones contrast beautifully with his taut acoustic colors, and, as always, his intonation is perfect -- even at synapse-frying tempos. Krauss and John Fogerty each provide guest vocals (Krauss tackles L.T.D.'s funky 1977 hit "Back in Love Again," a real departure for her), but otherwise the album is an instrumental affair. The Best Kept Secret sets a new benchmark for lap slide virtuosity.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Master at work, February 21, 2006

By 

Michael Wheeler "Stratocaster" (Las Vegas, Nevada United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Kept Secret (Audio CD)

Jerry Douglas first caught my attention as the dobro player for Allison Krauss and Union Station. He has been called the Jimi Hendrix of the dobro.
Jerry is always in demand and has played with a list of artists too numerous to name.
I was at my local record store and saw this in the Bluegrass section. I was hesitant to buy this at first but decided, what the heck and bought it.
What I heard was not quite what I expected, but is none the less caught my attention.
Jerry has assembled Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Allison Krauss and the legandary Rocker John Fogerty to sing and play on this album. You also hear Derek Trucks who is with the Allman Brothers and is on tour with Eric Clapton. Trucks is a killer slide guitar player.

You not only hear great acoustic dobro, you also hear Blues slide guitar, and a little Rock as well, and even a talk box.
The song with John Fogerty to me is the best song on the CD.
I love the blues and Jerry plays blues dobro as Fogerty sings.
If you want a pleasanst surprise and want to hear a leganary musician as well, this is an album to consider. From time to time everyone takes a chance and buys an album that resonates, and they totally enjoy it. This is one of those albums.
I would recommend this CD to anyone, you wont be sorry.