“Behind the Scenes,” Darrell Webb’s second solo album, showcases his multifaceted talents as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter in the bluegrass genre. Released on April 12, 2005, by Lonesome Day Records (catalog LDR006), the 12-track project spans 37 minutes and was recorded primarily in the years leading up to its launch, following Webb’s tenure with J.D. Crowe and the New South. This timeframe reflects Webb’s transition from sideman roles—touring with Crowe, contributing to Wildfire, and sessions for artists like Dolly Parton and Phil Leadbetter—to a confident solo artist delivering a clean, streamlined sound influenced by traditional bluegrass masters.

The album was co-produced by Darrell Webb, Randall Deaton, Ron Stewart, and Shawn Brock, with engineering handled by Deaton and Stewart. Mixing and mastering were expertly done by Stewart, ensuring a dynamic, unified polish that avoids flash in favor of tasteful arrangements. Recording took place at Lonesome Day Studio and Stage Right Studio (for track 3), with overdubs at The Sleepy Valley Barn and Slackkey Studio. Mastering and mixing occurred at The Sleepy Valley Barn and Lonesome Day Studio, creating an intimate yet professional acoustic landscape.

Musically, Webb leads on mandolin and lead vocals across all tracks, with additional guitar on several. Ron Stewart shines as a secret weapon on banjo (all tracks), fiddle (multiple), bass (track 3), and guitar (select), bringing rare touch and versatility. Bass duties are shared by Harold Nixon (most tracks) and Beth Lawrence (tracks 4,7). Fiddle contributions come from Michael Cleveland (tracks 5,6,8,11), Angela Oudean (track 3), and Stewart. Guitarists include Richard Bennett (tracks 2,4,6), Megan McCormick (track 3), and Webb. Resonator guitar (Dobro) is provided by Phil Leadbetter (tracks 4,5,7,10,11). Harmony vocals enrich the project: tenor from Dwight McCall (tracks 2,8,9), Keisha Gillis (track 3), Randy Kohrs (track 5), and Webb; baritone from Shannon Slaughter (multiple), Webb, Stewart, and Becky Sparks (high on track 7). Guest Dolly Parton duets on her own “Cold,” appearing courtesy of Blue Eye Records.

The repertoire blends four Webb originals like the title track (co-written with Jeff Barbra) and “Get On The Path” (with Amanda Webb) with covers such as A.P. Carter’s “Lover’s Lane” and Eric Anderson’s “Close The Door Lightly.” Critically, Country Standard Time praises the album’s confident, uncluttered modern bluegrass, highlighting Webb’s crisp mandolin, clear vocals, and smart song choices. Reviewer notes Stewart’s exceptional fiddle and banjo, the stellar cast including Parton, Kohrs, Cleveland, McCall, Bennett, and Leadbetter, and the dynamic unity, calling it a strong showcase of Webb’s versatility beyond “behind the scenes” roles.