This is a very special album. It’s a tribute to the versatility of an instrument—the acoustic guitar. It’s also a lineup of songs where you swear whatever track is currently playing is your favorite. That is, until the next track plays. I was not prepared to be so thoroughly entertained, included, and comforted at the same time.

The album is Playing Out the String, the 20th solo album (and fifth all-acoustic release) from legendary guitar artist Arlen Roth. This guy has quite a gift or two—his vocals are a perfect fit for each tune. Looking up his previous engagements reveals that Mr. Roth has been part of some of the great musical moments of our time. He has recorded and/or toured with Simon and Garfunkel, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Bee Gees, Phoebe Snow, Levon Helm, Janis Ian, and many more.

The selection of songs chosen for this album are yet more evidence of Arlen Roth’s reach in the music industry. Every track is a precise rendition of the full experience you might be more familiar with. The playing of these songs is interpretive, yet uncluttered. Each note is necessary and delivered with the fingers of one of the greatest musical storytellers around. It’s like being at a very intimate concert where the lineup is all by request, and every song ends up being your favorite.

Produced By Arlen Roth and Alex Salzman
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Alex Salzman
All guitars (acoustic) and vocals by Arlen Roth
Keyboards by Alex Salzman

1. Walk Right In (Gus Cannon)
2. Church Street Blues (Norman Blake)
3. Blue Bayou (Roy Orbison)
4. Randall Collins (Norman Blake)
5. Gonna Move Across the River (Bill Pinkney)
6. Pancho and Lefty (Townes Van Zandt)
7. Everybody’s Talkin’ (Fred Neil)
8. You Can’t Get That Stuff No More (Sam Theard)
9. Java (Allen Toussaint)
10. Diddy Wah Diddy (Blind Blake)
11. Playing Out the String (Arlen Roth)