Masters Of Slide: Spider Sessions
Mountain Home, 2021
9/10
Listen to Masters Of Slide: Spider Sessions
A compilation that tips it hat to a similar record from Jerry Douglas way back in 1994, the always impressive Phil Leadbetter culls some of today’s stars of the resonator guitar (aka Dobro) for a diverse and exciting display of just how versatile this instrument can be.
Andy Hall takes focus on the opener “Caught Steelin’”, where his hypnotic and intricate guitar work emits some classic rock nods in its bluegrass template, and “If You Could Read My Mind”, fueled by Fred Travers, trims the pace back with moody fiddle complementing the reflective guitar tone.
There’s 23 songs present, and each one is carefully crafted, including the bouncy and infectious “Pig Dog Boogie”, where Jimmy Heffernan plants some timeless rock’n’roll flavor into the picked fun, while “Jule’s Tide” benefits much from precise guitar and meticulous steel pans in Billy Cardine’s presence. “Shenandoah”, a truly gorgeous track, then moves with much emotion in its dreamy delivery as Michael Witcher pulls off an incredible performance with both guitar and lap steel.
Landing near the end, the rhythmic and textured “Pickin’ In Holland” showcases Leroy Mack’s exception skills in a fiddle and mandolin friendly climate, and “Eden State”, with Bruce Bouton”, exits the listen with him handling both guitar and lap steel as Neil Williams contributes keyboards.
Although it’s bluegrass heavy, you’ll also spot rock, pop, jazz and blues here, where vocals are present but sparing in the very timeless and well thought out collection of some of best to ever handle a resonator guitar.
Travels well with: The Alex Leach Band- I’m The Happiest When I’m Moving; Steve Gulley & Tim Stafford- Still Here