Artist description Doug Smith is a nationally recognized acoustic guitarist who weaves together folk, classical, jazz and contemporary forms into a unique, flowing fingerpicking style recalling the playing of Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, and Alex de Grassi.Doug's music has been heard on radio and T.V. stations throughout the country, including The Discovery Channel, CNN, TNN, ESPN, and Encore. He also played guitar on the soundtracks for the recent movies "Moll Flanders" and "Twister".Doug Smith is a well traveled performer, serving as the opening act for such musicians as Liz Story, David Lanz, Strunz & Farah, and Richard Elliot, as well as performing solo in various venues and festivals around the country. He's also an accomplished vocalist, including music from David Wilcox, Dan Fogelberg, Gordon Lightfoot and Richard Thompson.

Music Style Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar

Musical Influences John Renbourn, Michael Hedges, Alex de Grassi, Chet Atkins, James Taylor, Harry Chapin, Don McClean, Gordon Lightfoot, Beatles

Similar Artists Michael Hedges, Alex de Grassi, Michael Gulezian, Ed Gerhard, Pierre Bensusan

Artist History Around 1989, John Archer of American Gramiphone Records, heard a demo tape of Doug and signed him to record. Doug completed two albums with American Gramiphone: "Order of Magnitude" and "Labyrinth". Besides his solo albums with AGR, Doug has contributed to several of American Gramiphone's popular DayParts series: "Sunday Morning Coffee", "Dinner", "Romance", and "Sunday Morning Coffee II." In addition, Doug has been featured on KINK-FM's Light's Out III & IV, a benefit for the Oregon Food Bank. He has also been featured on the nationally sindicated radio shows "Echoes" and "River City Folk" on National Public Radio (NPR).Doug later recorded "Deep Heart" with Honest Records and at the same time Honest published the "Best of Doug Smith" album. Doug has most recently (8/98) put out his latest CD on Solid Air Records (AMR), "Alone at Last" which finally features Doug in an entirely solo acoustic setting. This album is co-produced by Lawrence Juber, fellow acoustic guitarist and former lead guitarist of Paul McCartney's band Wings.

Group Members Doug Smith

Instruments Acoustic Guitar

Albums Order of Magnitude, Labyrinth, Deep Heart, The Best of Doug Smith, Alone at Last

Press Reviews On Order of Magnitude: "Doug Smith is not just another guitarist. His style is uniquely his own and is very impressive. Bruce Becvar fans will be impressed as well. This recording features 4 solo guitar cuts, and 7 others with additional instrumentation such as keyboard, flute, congas, violin and bass." -- MusD"This talented guitarist regards his instrument as "an orchestra in a box," as he applies symphonic leanings to his intricate compositions. On Labyrinth, his second release, he manages to extend the tonal nuances of the steel string guitar, displaying an acoustic artistry that is catchy and refreshing. The use of skilled sidemen such as violinist Darol Anger, flutist Steve Kujala and percussionist Mike Spiro adds to a few tracks. The production by Checkfield's John Archer brings a multi-dimensionality to the project. Some of the cuts are portraits of pensive moods, like "Lost in the Here and Now." Others celebrate the joyous discovery of newfound expression and possibilities, such as the appropriately named "When the Walls Fell." "Blueskies Mt. Hood" is vast and spacious, while the title track has a chamber-like feel. Described as a combination of Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges, Doug Smith has laid down an amazing hybrid he calls Labyrinth, worthy of further exploration and hours of pleasurable listening for guitar aficionados from any musical direction." -- Backroads Music/Heartbeats"Acoustic guitar enthusiasts have another reason to celebrate this month as Doug Smith brings his strong-picked technique to a range of styles on Deep Heart (Honest Entertainment HON CD 1011; 43:37). Utilizing sparse arrangements highlighting percussion, Smith plays with strong dynamics on originals like the tapping folk-inspired "Two Handed Paradox" and "The Rose and the Pearl," a resonant piece of musical storytelling which for all its exploration keeps a main anchoring hook throughout. Smith's best work digs deeply into traditional forms-the Irish flavor of "The Jig is Up" moves forward with a dark undertone, showing an impressive range of feeling, for example. "Mystic Morning" swathes a heavy, almost tribal drumbeat in hard-played folk chords for a majestic cadence. Smith proves adept at song reinvention as well, as his intricate picked background envelops the haunting melody "I Only Have Eyes for You." --Hilarie Grey, Jazz Times "This acoustic guitarist's warm-hearted, intricate yet simple, complex yet accessible debut should be the textbook example of how to produce a big sound with minimal instrumentation and without the need for synthesized trickery. Much like Tuck Andress or Stanley Jordan, who could build a musical fortress out of six strings, Smith begins with a limber double fisted rhythm and melody approach on his acoustic. Often, that and little whims are all he needs to create an utterly hypnotic effect. But on occasion, he'll toss in some reverb on Duncan Moore's drum or extend Chris Vitas' violin for an atmosphere that extends beyond a small chamber. Ronn Satterfield's keyboard enhancements come in handy at times as well. But more often than not, Smith keeps the attention focused on his almost circular string style, which expands upon original melodies with a jazzy-folk flair. His original compositions will grow on you, but till they do, it is easiest to focus on his arrangements of a perfect choice of covers, "Nights in White Satin, " "Ebb Tide, " "I Swear" and "I Only Have Eyes For You". If simplicity with a big sound was what Smith was after, he succeeds. On the other hand, the sparseness may take some getting used to for casual listeners who need a familar drum program, sax or soundscape to gain full enjoyment of their contemporary jazz." -- Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

Additional Info Order of Magnitude and Labyrinth just re-issued by Solid Air Records March 2000!

Location Portland, OR - USA

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