The archtop guitar is—in my opinion—the most beautiful sounding of the acoustic guitar selections. It has a fantastic depth to its tone that some classical and western acoustic guitars lack. Not only are they easier to hear, they are in many ways sweeter and far more appeasing to the sensibilities of the listener. An archtop played well is a treat!

Thus it was with a solid measure of enthusiasm that I opened Garden in the Rain and popped it in the CD player. Not only does Jerry present a fascinating trip through what can be done with a properly miked archtop, but the neighbor (according to the liner notes he lives only 60 miles southeast of me) has put together a collection of pieces that keep your attention. With renditions of such classics as "What a Wonderful World","Georgia On My Mind" and the title cut, to original pieces such as "Whitney," Jerry has shown both the beauty of the instrument and his mastery of it.