The success of Doug’s Alone at Last solo CD prompted this new collection of succulent solo acoustic instrumentals. This new CD is not just a new bunch of tunes: it also represents Doug’s finest hour. This is arguably Doug’s finest outing to date. And it’s totally Doug Smith: Doug not only wrote and played all the tunes, he served as producer as well. As you listen, you can’t help but be amazed and touched. This a rare type of music that’s full of warmth, humor and beauty.

“Inviting melodies…stunning fingerpicking.”

 ~ Billboard

One of the best-kept secrets of the music world is a magically talented  fingerpicker with the oh-so-common name of Doug Smith. Sounds like the boy  next door, right? Well, this Doug Smith doesn't sound like any boys I grew  up next to. Smith is a weaver of beautiful melodies who plays as clean as anyone recording guitar today, and based on his previous recordings, shouldn't enjoy such anonymity.

"Alone Again" is Smith's sixth release. He  has done great duo work with Paul Chasman and Mark Hanson, but this is his first record featuring just him and one guitar. His compositional strengths - belying a classical guitar background - come through on every one of the 12 tracks of the CD.

The opener, "Beyond the Clouds" shows Smith's ability  to dance over a melody line while developing multiple voices. Fingers flash  on "Out of the Darkness", but as he drives us through, his touch is never out of control, so he keeps us with him for the entire ride. His playing jumps easily from Celtic-tinged pieces like "Dance of the Gnomes" to the tapping of "Millennium Force" to the Travis-picking "South Run". He paints a wonderful version of Turlough O'Carolan's "The Right Reverend John Hart", agonizing over the melancholy yet sweet tune. Sometimes, you're left wondering if you're hearing just one guitar; other times you're glad it's  just one. Doug Smith may not be the boy next door, but hopefully he'll soon be as well known.

 ©Kirk Albrecht/Minor 7th.com

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