Doug Smith, "Guitar Hymnal," Solid Air Records 2010

Doug Smith is in the top echelon of modern fingerstyle players. His past recorded output mixes originals and covers of popular music, but, on this CD, he applies his masterful arranging skills to a selection of beloved hymns. The set begins with "Faith of Our Fathers," in which Smith plays the melody over pulsing drone before switching to counterpoint in the second section. "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" features tapping on the bass strings, which Smith uses to intensify the piece's rhythm. He begins "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" in a classical setting, then modulates to a new key and plays the tune over an alternating bass, throwing in some jazzy chords that evoke Merle Travis and Chet Atkins. "Holy, Holy, Holy" is one of two duets between Smith and his wife, flautist Judy Koch Smith. His "Shaker Suite" medley includes octave playing, a jig, and a tune in a minor key before concluding with the perennial favorite, "Simple Gifts." Every piece bears Smith's personal touch, from the displaced melody that ends "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," to presenting a melody alternately in the bass and treble registers, as he does in "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." The CD concludes with a beautiful rendition of "In the Garden." In his approach to sacred music, Smith resembles another great fingerstyle player, El McMeen, e.g., choosing primarily American hymns and using altered chords to add emotional weight. Smith plays a bit more forcefully than McMeen and reaps dividends with a more studied approach, in contrast to the other guitarist's more folksy arranging. But why bother with comparisons when you can listen to both of them? Guitar Hymnal is a devotional statement that offers wonderful listening and plenty of fodder for guitarists. It could easily become his most popular album. A companion instructional book/DVD is forthcoming.
© Patrick Ragains