Reviews

"....the sleeve notes [for Dick Dale's boxed set on Rhino Records, Better Shred Than Dead, reviewed in the same issue] were written by another underrated guitarist, Greg Douglass. For those of you that need reminding, Douglass has played with numerous bands including Hot Tuna, Terry & the Pirates, Greg Kihn, Steve Miller and many more.

"Douglass has been keeping a low profile and spends much of his time teaching guitar. He does, however, have a new cassette release, The Natives Are Restless. This nine-track set, as the sleeve proclaims, is 100 per cent solo guitar, no over dubs, and is the best thing Douglass has released. There are three live and six studio cuts in this superb, mostly acoustic collection.

"Douglass dazzles with the intricate Garcia's Last Gig, while his slide playing in Key to the Highway and the superb Breather is simply mesmerizing. But it is the title cut, an adventurous, effects-laden piece, that is the real standout and shows the scope of Douglass's playing. Welcome back! Highly recommended."

— Mick Skidmore, RELIX Magazine, Vol. 24, No. 6, December 1997

"Before closing this column, I have to mention guitarist Greg Douglass's new album, The Natives Are Restless. I was aware that Douglass had toured with Steve Miller and Greg Kihn, worked with Duane Eddy and Link Wray. But my only direct traffic with him had been as a word jockey for Outre' over the past two years. So I really wasn't prepared for what I was about to hear. After keying up this self-produced, all-instro album in the player, I found myself staring at the speakers in amazement as the sound of his guitar filled the room. Unconsciously, I started back-pedalling toward the closest easy chair, possessed as though, if I looked away, I might miss a note. Enthrallment. Surprise. Admiration.

"As the final cut echoed off into reverb heaven, I shook my head a couple of times to clear out the cobwebs of daydream ecstasy that had left me transcendent. Then I got up and hit the replay button.

"This is music that vibrates within the listener's head with multi-layered craftsmanship and, more importantly, honest emotion. Happy/sad. Sunrise/sunset. Earthy blues/electric dreams. A lifetime of experience and invention.

"Douglass power-shifts between musical styles as easily as changing picks. Notes dance from his fingers like electrons dancing inside the eye of a storm. One hand plays like two, sometimes sounding like three, creating multiple melodies on both the top and bottom of the six-string register. '100% solo guitar. No over dubs.' Of the nine tunes (one is a two-song Irish medley), three were recorded live at the Hill St. Coffee House in Oceanside, CA. The remainder are studio cuts. All are as pure as steel-wound honey. 'Nuff said."

— Michael Stein, OUTRE' Magazine, Number 10, December 1997

"Speed, technique, mastery of the instrument are all there. But what is most compelling is the heart present within the lightning licks or slow blues slide. Chops for miles, few players are left at this level. Listen for the feel and compassion that a 30 year plus veteran still has hidden (maybe too well) in the tracks. That's where the tasty treat lies. After your amazement fades - look for the soul. It satisfies a lot longer than the chops and invites the replays."

— Kary Jacobsen, 5 star review on amazon.com

"What a beautiful recording. I was really impressed with Greg's fingerpicking. Garcia's Last Gig sets the pace for this great listening experience. Two songs were recorded "live" in Oceanside, Ca. at a coffee house. Greg has played with musicians like Steve Miller , Van Morrison, and Tom Johnston to name a few. He even has time to teach guitar with his busy schedule. Buy this c.d. It's money well spent."

— Ken Carter, 5 star review on amazon.com

"Like fine wine, Greg only gets better with age! I've been listening to Greg play for over 20 years years (Steve Miller, Hot Tuna, Greg Kihn and many others) and this CD surprised even me with his great finger picking work. The songs are all instrumentals and recorded without overdubs and are not unlike some of Leo Kottke's work. Garcia's Last Gig, A Minor Problem and Breather are standouts, but there isn't a bad cut on the CD. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD, you won't be disappointed."

— brad372, 5 star review on amazon.com

"Greg has a texture and ambiance on this disc that is peaceful and very festive. He's a mix of every guitar player in the last 50 years, from Chet Atkins on down. If you like acoustic guitar- buy Greg's CD now. He gives you 12 of the all time favorites, and the sound is great. Everyone will like it!"

— Tom. M

"I just got an incredible CD of all my favorite Christmas songs, played and arranged by Greg Douglass. It is truly beautiful and I will play it through the season here in my store and at home. I especially loved the choice of photos for the front and back covers; it must say a lot about Greg's personality!"

— Sue H.

"Thank you so much for this incredible CD. I love it! It's playing all over my house now. It even has "Greensleeves", my all time favorite song! Greg is so talented. There are true emotions in his work, a loving heart. It comes right through in the music."

— Andrea M.

"The CD is simply lovely! A true relaxer for the time of year that can be so un-relaxing!"

— Joe B.