Meet this Cordova Bay/Ragged Pup Records Artist...

- Doug Cox

One of North America's premiere dobro and slide guitar players. Life Is So Peculiar is the title of Doug Cox's latest recording and his first on the Ragged Pup label. The 1999 release heralded a new approach to music for Doug as an artist.

Life Is So Peculiar was recorded at Beta Sound Studio in Edmonton, Alberta in January 1999 and combines both Doug's substantial talents as a guitar player with his unique vocal approach to the songs. The album boasts stellar performances not only by Doug but also by Amos Garrett (who joins Doug in a wonderful duet on the title track), Rick Fines, Shannon Johnson, Ron Casat, Mike Lent and Phil Wipper. The project was produced by Rick Fenton (Jo-el Sonier, Captain Tractor, Bill Bourne (rpr) and Luann Kowalek (rpr).

1999 was a busy year for Doug with, in addition to Life Is So Peculiar, the release of his second guitar instructional book by Centerstream Publications. His first release was the successful Blues Dobro guide.

From his Vancouver Island home Doug founded his own record label, Malahat Mountain Music . He developed his own distinctive "voice" on the dobro which can be heard on Canadian Borderline, his 1993 CD and on his 1997 release, Bone Bottle Brass or Steel. In addition, he has hosted a television show, teaches guitar and hosts many successful slide guitar workshops at festivals all over Canada, recently working with the likes of Bob Brozman, Jerry Douglas, and Kim Deschamps (Blue Rodeo). Doug also works full time as a front person or sideman with a diversity of groups including: Travels With Charley, Cox, Bartley & Clifford, duos with: Ken Hamm, Tammy Fassaert, David Gogo, Diamond Joe White, Chuck Brodsky and David Essig. As one of Canada's premiere dobro players he has recorded and performed with the likes of Tony Trischka, Slavik Hanzlik, Long John Baldry and Ellen McIlwaine.

Life is peculiar and Doug Cox thoroughly understands what that means. He continues to surprise everyone who knows him, as well as strangers, as he grows and stretches both musically and personally. We are certain that his fans and new listeners will agree that Doug Cox is "...full of wondrous surprises."

• Life Is So Peculiar