"Sounds of Wood and Steel, Vol. 3" (08/05/2003) Gospel Various Artists, Windham Hill RecordsDigitally remasterd using HDCD technology. Personnel: Fred Mollin (guitar, 12-string guitar, keyboards); Chris Proctor (guitar, 12-string guitar); Paul Rodgers (guitar, synthesizer); Brad Wood (guitar, percussion); Doug Pettibone, Doyle Dykes, Duane Eddy, Chris Pelonis, Jimmy Capps, Kathy Mattea, Matt Odmark, Paul Franklin, Phil Keaggy, Randy Dorman, Ricky Harper, Robben Ford, Russ Freeman , Steve Poltz, Susanna Hoffs, Suzy Bogguss, T.J. Baden, Verlon Thompson, Bill Cooley, Billy Sheehan, C. Michael Spriggs (guitar); Dave Matthews (baritone guitar); Pat Perez (saxophone); Charlie Lowell (Fender Rhodes piano, Mellotron); Jeremy Ruckstaetter (drums, percussion); Tim Horsely, Steve Turner , Tom Brechtlein (drums); Billy Pia (shaker); Danny Frankel, Jose Pepe Danza (percussion). Audio Mixers: T.J. Baden; Christopher Flyght; Doug Crider; Mark Ruffolo; Dave Sinco; Patrick Glover; Chris Pelonis; Jimmy Earl; John Hendrickson; Matt Odmark; Mick Conley; Mitch Dane; Pat Regan; Phil Keaggy; Randy Dorman; Seth Horan; Stephen Harris; Billy Oskay; Brad Wood; Brian Nevin. Liner Note Authors: T.J. Baden; Larry Hamby. Photographer: Marshall Harrington. Arrangers: Dave Matthews; Jim Messina; Pat Regan; Randy Dorman; Robben Ford; Billy Sheehan. The third volume of Sounds of Wood & Steel makes it a little less plain that these collections are as much a tribute to Taylor guitars as they are to acoustic music. But if excellent acoustic music played by stellar musicians is your thing, the advertising angle isn't gonna bother you a bit. This set hosts a few less superstars and a few more stunning guitar pickers. Over 17 tracks both material and performances are solid, a solo track by Susanna Hoffs ("I Will Take Care of You") and Jars of Clay's "Jesse's Song." But the bulk is right down the pipe -- Phil Keaggy, Robben Ford, Kathy Mattea with Bill Cooley, Suzy Bogguss, Verlon Thompson, Chris Proctor, Billy Sheehan, Paul Rodgers, and the inimitable "Litho Blitho" by Dave Matthews. Vocals are given, if not equal weight here, at least some, and every effort was made to make these performances as spontaneous as possible. This is a worthy volume in the series, if a little more obscure. ~ Thom Jurek
