But Douglas is also a solo artist who often delves into jazzier realms. On Lookout for Hope, Douglas takes an eclectic approach. He duets with himself on Duane Allman's "Little Martha," which proves a good vehicle for Douglas's improvisational flights of fancy. Then he quickens the pace considerably on the self-penned "Patrick Meets the Brickbats," a bluegrass number featuring guitarist Bryan Sutton, fiddler Stuart Duncan, mandolinist Sam Bush, bassist Barry Bales and drummer Larry Atamanuik. "Footsteps Fall," sung by sweet-voiced Irish balladeer Maura O'Connell, demonstrates why Douglas has always been in such demand for backup. The traditional hymn "In the Sweet By and By" becomes a soulful wonder in Douglas's able hands.
It's the jazz numbers on Lookout for Hope that leave something to be desired. The title tune, by guitarist Bill Frisell, runs more than ten minutes and features a meandering solo by Phish's Trey Anastasio. Frankly, it's boring. Ditto for "The Sinking Ship," with saxophonist Jeff Coffin, of Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, which strays dangerously close to Kenny G. territory.
Douglas closes the album with a maudlin number called "The Suit," written by Nashville veteran Hugh Prestwood and sung by James Taylor. The song isn't much to write home about, but Douglas's superb accompaniment -- on dobro and lap steel -- proves that despite his penchant for solo work, Douglas is at his best as a backup musician playing wonderfully sympathetic harmony notes behind great singers.
