VA - Sounds of Wood & Steel CD1+CD2+CD3 [1998 - 2003]

WINDHAM HILL

VA - Sounds of Wood & Steel CD1+CD2+CD3 [1998 - 2003]

"Sounds of Wood & Steel 1" was conceived as a tribute to Taylor guitars, this recording manages to transcend any stereotypes of projects dedicated to the advancement of a business principle or product. That's due to the quality of the performers, the pieces they play, and the passion they bring to them. There's really not a misstep in the bunch. Guitar slingers from Russ Freeman to Leo Kottke, Steve Stevens and Billy Joe Walker are joined by singers such as Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea, Amy Grant and Joe Lynn Turner who eschew voice in favor of guitar. Of particular note is "Java Man" by Michael Hedges. This was the last recording Hedges made before his untimely death in an automobile accident, and Windham Hill founder William Ackerman speaks to his legacy in moving liner notes. These are so outstanding (AllMusic Review by Ross Boissoneau)

Boasting even more star power than its predecessor, Sounds of Wood & Steel, Vol. 2 again celebrates Taylor guitars with an impressive lineup including Clint Black, Nanci Griffith, Rodney Crowell, and Richie Sambora; the consistently excellent fretwork aside, the collection is also notable for featuring the first new collaboration from Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina in over two decades.  (AllMusic Review by Raymond McKinney)

The third volume of Sounds of Wood & Steel makes it a little less plain that these collections are as much a tribute to Taylor guitars as they are to acoustic music. But if excellent acoustic music played by stellar musicians is your thing, the advertising angle isn't gonna bother you a bit. This set hosts a few less superstars and a few more stunning guitar pickers. Over 17 tracks both material and performances are solid, a solo track by Susanna Hoffs ("I Will Take Care of You") and Jars of Clay's "Jesse's Song." But the bulk is right down the pipe -- Phil Keaggy, Robben Ford, Kathy Mattea with Bill Cooley, Suzy Bogguss, Verlon Thompson, Chris Proctor, Billy Sheehan, Paul Rodgers, and the inimitable "Litho Blitho" by Dave Matthews. Vocals are given, if not equal weight here, at least some, and every effort was made to make these performances as spontaneous as possible. This is a worthy volume in the series, if a little more obscure. (AllMusic Review by Thom Jurek)

All three CD's are wonderful.

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VA - Sounds of Wood & Steel, Vol. 01 [1998]
https://www41.zippyshare.com/v/oS9Qlj1n/file.html

VA - Sounds of Wood & Steel, Vol. 02 [1999]
https://www41.zippyshare.com/v/b11OnyaL/file.html

VA - Sounds Of Wood & Steel, Vol. 03 [2003]
https://www41.zippyshare.com/v/8xeoBPfq/file.html

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Track lists

Sounds of Wood & Steel, Vol. 01

1    Russ Freeman    Larry's World    2:29
2    Doyle Dykes    Nothing's Too Good (For A Friend)    4:44
3    Clint Black    The Claw    2:00
4    Michael Hedges    Java Man    3:45
5    Amy Grant & Vince Gill    How Great Thou Art    3:52
6    Bill Cooley with Kathy Mattea    Into The Night    3:13
7    Snuffy Walden    Who Lives Up There    3:47
8    Will Ackerman    Processional    4:33
9    Skip Ewing & Billy Joe Walker, Jr.    Marina    3:19
10    Steve Stevens    Sadhana    4:39
11    Laurence Juber    Liquid Amber    4:16
12    T. J. Baden    Surreal    2:56
13    Stuart Smith and Joe Lynn Turner    Alma D' Alma    4:47
14    Leo Kottke    Jesus Maria    2:24
15    Larry Stewart and Greg Jennings    The Last Mile Home    4:09

Sounds of Wood & Steel, Vol. 02

1    Nanci Griffith    Year Down In New Orleans    2:05
2    Jars Of Clay    Wicker Baskets    2:51
3    Clint Black    Something That We Do    2:51
4    Doyle Dykes    The Wings Of The Morning    3:46
5    Elliot Easton    Caroline, No    4:09
6    Richie Sambora    Ava's Eyes    4:50
7    Jim Messina & Led Kaapana w/Kenny Logggins    The Island    3:28
8    Steve Lukather    Naima    3:16
9    T. J. Baden    Opportunity    3:49
10    Victor L. Wooten    Liz & Opie    5:02
11    Dan Crary w/ Cephas & Wiggins    Rusticity    3:56
12    Bob Taylor    After The Goldrush    3:17
13    Rodney Crowell    Taylor Willobee    4:20

Sounds of Wood & Steel, Vol. 03

1    Russ Freeman    Guitar Land    3:49
2    Susanna Hoffs    I Will Take Care of You    3:35
3    Phil Keaggy    Cajon Pass    6:09
4    Chris Proctor    Ozymandias    4:42
5    C Michael Spriggs    Trio    6:26
6    T. J. Baden    Sleep on it Tonight    2:48
7    Bill Cooley With Kathy Mattea    Butter Fingers    3:27
8    Doyle Dykes    Three Little Miracles    4:55
9    Steve Poltz    Chinese Checkers    2:46
10    Suzy Bogguss    Ain't Misbehavin'    3:26
11    Randy Dorman    Night Winds    3:03
12    Robben Ford    St. James Infirmary    5:14
13    Fred Mollin    You Just Missed Me    4:49
14    Jars of Clay    Jesse's Song    3:30
15    Dave Matthews    Litho Blitho    2:08
16    Paul Rodgers    Cynthia's Place    4:04
17    Billy Sheehan    Bombay Doors    5:06

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