Jazz Articles about Jerry Douglas

Bela Fleck: Rhapsody In Blue

by Doug Collette
February 12, 2024

It's a long way from India to Broadway, but Bela Fleck makes the journey in high style for Rhapsody in Blue. It follows the altogether exotic As We Speak (Thirty Tigers, 2023), the combination of which further a case for the banjoist/composer/bandleader as an eclectic musical explorer comparable to Pat Metheny. Beginning in the slow-but-sure, occasionally fitful way this album's concept came together, “Rhapsody in Blue (grass)" features seemingly conventional banjo voicings alternated with George Gershwin's inimitable progressions. ...

John Hiatt with The Jerry Douglas Band: Leftover Feelings

by Doug Collette
May 22, 2021

Leftover Feelings is not the first such group collaboration in John Hiatt's varied and lengthy career—-the North Mississippi Allstars were integral to Master of Disaster (New West Records, 2005). But there's an even more unusual kinship in play here between this gifted songwriter and The Jerry Douglas Band, if only because this LP is even more deeply steeped in bluegrass style(s) than the comparably acoustic-based Crossing Muddy Waters (Vanguard, 2000). Perhaps due to his early experience working as ...

Shemekia Copeland: Uncivil War

by Paul Rauch
February 11, 2021

Blues vocalist Shemekia Copeland has firmly established herself as one of the most important modern blues artists. Though born in Harlem and raised in New Jersey, her sound has always clearly shouted Texas, reflecting her family ties to the music through her father, Texas bluesman Johnny Copeland. Her albums have called attention to her powerful instrument and natural penchant to find the inner soul of the material she chooses. On Uncivil War (Alligator, 2020), she plays above the rim, teaming ...

Jerry Douglas: Lookout For Hope

by Glenn Astarita
July 13, 2002

Where do we begin? He’s widely hailed as the “dobro king.” He’s won nine “Academy of Country Music Awards”, several “Dobro Player Of The Year Awards,” and six “Grammys.” Besides gracing albums by artists such as, Bruce Hornsby, Dolly Parton, and many others, Jerry Douglas has also recorded with avant/jazz-based guitar hero, Bill Frisell.

Lately, the artist has been performing and touring with Alison Krauss’ popular “Union Station” band. However, with this release, Douglas crosses genres by ...