Sounds of Wood and Steel Part 3 (CD)

While the acoustic guitar remains a cornerstone of so many musical genres, rarely has its dynamic and emotional range been explored within a single collection. On Sounds of Wood and Steel Part 3, every cut finds the instrument and the artist in a new setting. On "Litho Blitho," Dave Matthews' spiraling guitars recall Philip Glass. Robben Ford, known for his electric blues, reveals his jazz side on an atypical read of Louis Armstrong's "St. James Infirmary." Country superstar Kenny Rogers lays back on bass, allowing guitarist Randy Dorman to shine on "Night Winds." The pensive "Jesse's Song" sounds like the backing tracks to a mellow pop hit for Jars Of Clay, but the vocals are never missed. Open chords and a yawning sitar provide the background for Billy Sheehan's bass on "Bombay Doors."