Big Dog 3 - Al Perkins' Big Dog 3

Big Dog 3 is the sound of the great steel guitarist Al Perkins having just the best fun imaginable.

After years spent as a sideman or as an honorary or full member of bands, including the Rolling Stones and The Flying Burrito Brothers, Al gets to do as he pleases, with Chris B Donohue in support on bass and keyboards and Brady Blade, on drums. Both have played with Emmylou Harris.

The result is a genial collection of covers and Perkins originals. An inevitable highpoint is the Buck Owens pastiche Flat Out Of Love, with long-time Perkins collaborator Jim Lauderdale taking over lead vocals and Jerry Salley on harmony.

From the moment Jim opens with a Buck-style surprised 'O!' (as if he might be thinking 'Crikey! sounds just like Buck Owens!') you know they are going to make it work.

 There are harmonies from Emmylou on the sweet, poignant You And Me and Brigitte de Meyer takes over for a charming rendition of the Flatt and Scruggs classic Head Over Heels.

Al, of course, showcases his own virtuosity, playing electric guitar on a highly entertaining version of Fleetwood Mac's Oh Well, dobro on Head Over Heels and bringing an Hawaiian flavour to the album with Sleepwalk.

A lovely album, this sounds like it was made with pure enjoyment. If you have never seen this modest, gentlemanly genius of the steel guitar play - take that opportunity next time he's in your town. ~ Janet Aspley (Country Music People)

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1. Born To Believe
2. w/ Kristine Arnold & Phil Madeira
3. You And Me w/ Emmylou Harris
4. Oh Well
5. Head Over Heels w/ Brigitte DeMeyer
6. Wailin' Man w/ TJ Klay
7. Flat Out Of Love w/ Jim Lauderdale & Jerry Salley
8. Runnin' To Win
9. Sleepwalk
10. She Came Along w/ Kristine Arnold & Jacky Dustin
11. Coming Home