Doug Smith, "Six-String Paradox," Solid Air Records 2012

Often, the sum of an artistic endeavor is greater than its parts. I would argue that both sum and parts of "Six-String Paradox" offer a glimpse (or listen) into Doug Smith's enormous talent, sonic heart and expressive soul. These parts include five new originals, two new stripped down interpretations of previously released tunes (one original, one arrangement), new classical gems, a spot-on duet of Debussy's "Clair De Lune" featuring Smith and himself, an arrangement from a Mark Mancina film score, plus a medley of television themes songs from American TV of the 1960s... including the "Theme from Mr. Ed" for pity's sake! Consider track three, "Magic Serenade" from American Composer Bryan Johanson. It is a study in paradox in and of itself. Smith teases with a delicate oriental-tinged intro before drifting into a lilting and enchanting melody that is infused with what feels like the delightful dancing of woodland fairies before settling into a medieval-esque mood, revisiting those teasing open lines, and eventually resolving into a crescendo of deft fretwork that is at once magical and mystical. It is seemingly absurd that these astutely played phrases and melodies could hang together as a whole, but they do with such enchanting grace. Smith's powerful groove-laden redo of "Two-Handed Paradox" which follows pulls us in an entirely different direction with a force that counterbalances the delicateness of track three. My favorite tracks are Smith's baroque flavored "The Blue Duchess Of Orange" and Fernando Bustamante's oft-performed "Misionera"; the latter is a testament to Smith's impeccable speed, touch and accuracy. He reminds us of just how mesmerizing this melody can be. Smith doesn't shy away from influences or pieces that are standard repertoire for studied guitarists, and offers them juxtaposed with decidedly eclectic and incongruent works embracing all and endowing them with his superlative execution, touch and sense of tone. It is this convergence of eclecticism and artistry that makes "Six-String Paradox" an utterly enjoyable listening adventure from Doug Smith the paradox-ician!
© James Filkins MINOR 7TH.com