Dedicated to a traditional sound presented with charisma & c
J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 12/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Playing Time - 31:03 -- I listen to a ton of bluegrass, and there just aren't many albums that I put on and listen to four times in a row. Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road's "A Stop in South Port Towne" is one that earned four spin fame on my CD player. The group is clearly one of the "most happening" today. Their emergent stardom is largely a result of their hard work, dedication to a traditional sound, and an ability to present it with charisma and conviction. Their timing is impeccable, and they chose material that keeps the toe tapping throughout. For this project, their inspiration came from another North Carolina band - The Bass Mountain Boys. Recording some of the good clean, fan-friendly songs that they arranged and made popular, Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road acknowledge these mentors. Known for their varied vocal arrangements, as well as instrumental prowess, the band's only fault is that this set doesn't run for more than about a half hour.
Lorraine is very proud of their traditional music foundation. Songs from Bill Monroe and Carter Stanley reinforce that respect. At the same time, they cover songs like "Tupelo County Jail" and "A Beautiful River of Live" with more contemporary style and slant. The latter comes from the pens of Tom T. and Dixie Hall, who now have this band on their new record label's roster. Perhaps what really makes me sit up and tune in are the five masterfully-crafted originals from mandolininst/vocalist Lorraine Jordan and guitarist/vocalist David Guthrie. "Picking with the Boys" has a tongue-in-cheek hook about picking bluegrass instead of being "home banging on pots and pans." Her heartwarming "Mays' Store" is another sentiment related to the delight of front-porch pickin' every Saturday night.
The title cut has a similar tempo, is also sung by Tim Hall in a warm story-teller's fashion, and even has a few riffs in harmony. David Guthrie's "My Hearts Cry" closes the project with his tenor voice climbing sky-high into the clouds just as it does earlier on "Cry, Cry Darling." The band knows what it takes to achieve that high, lonesome sound. Bassist Tim Hall is credited with playing bass guitar, while guest Zack McLamb is listed for acoustic bass. Consummate banjo-player Ben Greene (formerly with The James King Band) provides a crisp snap to their drive, and he also lays in a nice baritone harmony when needed. Liner notes could've been a little clearer on who is singing when. With Josh Goforth fiddling and singing too, the group's got a complete, jam-packed sound that is guaranteed to satiate every audience's bluegrass craving. This band is on the rise! The multiple award winners' hard work is paying off. "A Stop in Southport Towne" is but one more milestone along their ascending journey to even greater acclaim. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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Track Listings (12) - Disc #1