Slide Show (Silver Shot, 2004)

A four-time Grammy award winner for her work with Asleep at the Wheel, slide and Dobro guitarist Cindy Cashdollar has crafted a sonic masterpiece of a debut. Largely instrumental, the 12-tune set features brilliant execution from the star and guest players, a creative mixing of roots genres and evocative mood pieces at every juncture.

The smart, second line New Orleans rhythm of Marcia Ball ("Something I Can't Do") and Delta Blues feel provided by Joe Nicholas ("Milk Cow Blues) set the stage for some much appreciated vocal interludes. That said, the instrumentals are just flat out tasteful and awe-inspiring. Whether picking out happy jug band ditties with Steve James ("Slide Show"), cowboy jazz with Herb Remington ("Midnight in Amarillo," "Twin Guitar Special") or Bob Wills swing with Mike Auldridge ("The Other Woman in My Life"), Cashdollar and crew effortlessly conjure the respective atmospheres of bygone eras.

Nicely sequenced, Cashdollar's disc also balances danceable old-timey country ("Keep My Heart") with eerie, reflective New Age sensibilities ("Sliding Home," "Living in the Moment," "Locust Grove") to complete a remarkable aural portrait that any movie soundtrack would love to contain. Highly recommended.