Search - Lynn Morris :: Shape of a Tear

Not New, But Not Bad, Either

Gianmarco Manzione | Tampa, FL USA | 07/19/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"With a three-time IMBA female Vocalist of the Year, the IMBA Fiddle Player of the Year who, interestingly, is sought after even more for his prowess on banjo, and a mandolin player whose contributions to Michael Cleveland's album, Flamekeeper, helped propel it to IMBA Instrumental Recording of the Year honors in 2002, The Lynn Morris Band might easily be considered the dream team of bluegrass. In an interview with Jon Weisberger, Morris quotes Loretta Lynn's assertion that "to succeed in this business, you've got to either be first, great or different." While Lynn Morris undeniably has a great band behind her, the group's latest effort, Shape of a Tear, is neither the first of its kind nor different, but still resounds with unusual clarity and precision. Though one may wonder whether Lynn and her band ought to try getting their hands dirty a bit more, as with David Olney's demon-haunted "Deeper Well" or Dock Boggs's famously furious "Sugar Baby," no one can say that The Lynn Morris band doesn't know how to cover familiar musical terrain with aplomb and passion, rivaling even the likes of Bill Monroe on the delightfully frenetic instrumental, "Road Rage," three jam-packed minutes of banjo and fiddle virtuosity. Similarly, the adept cover of Hank Williams's great "Move it on Over" tends to gloss over the original's elusive pathos, but, like the rest of the album, hardly suffers from a lack of conviction.Unlike other vocalists of a similar musical stripe such as Neko Case or Emmylou Harris, Lynn Morris's voice is softer than a down quilt and often more patiently effective than the aforementioned talents, favoring the gradual simmer over the quick sting. Her vocal performances throughout are of a uniform croon that drifts like a feather over an impassioned soundscape of the familiar accoutrements-banjos, bass, mandolins, fiddles, and the occasional burst of a chorus that even a school of birds warbling on a wire might have difficulty matching. Morris notes that one ingredient Loretta Lynn leaves conspicuously out of her recipe for success is "a great band." Another thing Loretta might have considered is the possibility of a band that isn't necessarily breaking ground, but is just too damn good at doing what many predecessors have done to not at least merit a listen."

Delivers the goods w/ heartfelt emotion & soulful sentiment

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 06/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally from Texas, Lynn Morris now calls Virginia home. She learned to play guitar at age 12 from the same man who taught Buddy Holly. Morris took up banjo while attending school in Colorado, and she won the national banjo championship at Winfield, Kansas twice (1974, 1981) while a member of the Denver-based group "City Limits Bluegrass." She was the first person to win the Winfield contest twice. (Tony Furtado was the second.) From 1980-1986, Lynn performed with the Pennsylvania-based band called Whetstone Run. Her husband, Marshall Wilborn, also played in that band. In 1988, she and Marshall formed the The Lynn Morris Band. On "Shape of a Tear," Lynn Morris is all entangled in love and loneliness, as she sings about the good and the bad. This album starts with three cuts about good love, before Morris warns us about those nasty, bad blues. A three-time IBMA female vocalist of the year, Lynn Morris delivers the goods with heartfelt emotion and soulful sentiment, as well as playing guitar and her trademark clawhammer banjo (on one cut). I wouldn't have minded a couple more cuts featuring her expert banjo playing.She is ably assisted by her regular band members Ron Stewart, Marshall Wilborn, and Jesse Brock. Other guests include Junior Brown (pedal steel and harmony vocal on one cut), Rob Ickes (dobro on two cuts), and Dudley Connell (harmony on two cuts). Ron Steward's "Road Rage" is a hard-driving, ripping rouser. Marshall Wilborn sings lead on his composition, "I'll Take Them With Me," and Hank Williams' swingy "Move it on Over." When Morris travels Lonesome Highway, her blueitis is apparent. But don't get too sullen or glumpy. The next cut, Dallas Frazier's "Shoulder to Shoulder," is a great, fast pick-me-up. "Don't Neglect the Rose" is a love song with some excellent and timeless advice. The album closes with Dudley Connell and Lynn Morris singing the Louvin Brothers' "I Know What You're Talking About" in reference to old-time religion.A bonus cut, "Spay Your Pet," is a public service jingle which reinforces Lynn's commitment to animal welfare. This is my first album that ends with a cat purring, but in reality the entire project is the cat's meow. And, a message to all you big artists and labels...it wouldn't have hurt to add a couple more tracks, as this first-rate album is over much too quickly. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)"

"this could be 10 stars ~ it's that great"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 03/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lynn Morris and her Band are brilliant singers and loaded with multi-talent in the musician department. You can feel the emotion that comes from the heart. Every album they've released is worth having in your collection. And this one "Shape of a Tear" is no exception. The Band consists of Lynn Morris (rhythm guitar/vocal/clawhammer banjo/lead guitar/lead guitar kickoff), Marshall Wilborn (bass/vocals), Jesse Brock (mandolin), Ron Stewart (banjo/lead guitar/mandolin) each arrangement is original and appealing. My favorite on this album is "I WISH IT WOULD RAIN", a Nanci Griffith tune that leaves you face clean, as the lyrics go on and on with a happy memory of the last rain. Less we not forget the Buck Owens song "GONNA HAVE LOVE", as we relive "Hee Haw", this highlight of my baby's coming back and we're gonna have love one more time. Must make mention of the special guests: Junior Brown (pedal steel/harmony vocal), Rob Ickes (dobro) and Dudley Connell (harmony vocal) makes this a package not to be missed. Lynn Morris Band compliments each other, if you like Bluegrass...you'll love this album.

Total Time: 36:54 on 13 Tracks ~ Rounder 116-610-509-2 ~ (3/11/2003)"