A Stop In South Port Towne

It would be easy to get the impression, with a title like A Stop in South Port Towne, that Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road had released an album of traditional seafaring songs. But make no mistake about it: both parities are knee-deep in bluegrass and proud of it. While neither Jordan nor Carolina Road sound as high and lonesome as Bill Monroe, they nonetheless cultivate a traditional sound. This is as evident on the upbeat, easy flowing opener, "Tupelo County Jail," as it is on the group's cover of Carter Stanley's lonesome "I Just Think I'll Go Away." The instrumental lineup and arrangements also run true to bluegrass form: Jordan plays mandolin, David McKenzie Guthrie guitar, Benny Greene banjo, Josh Goforth fiddle, and Tim Hall bass. Jordan and the band each handle the lead vocals, while everyone pitches in on harmony. Indeed, the harmony on songs like "Take Me Back to Kentucky" is fantastic. The instrumental work is likewise handled well, though the emphasis is placed on the songs themselves, not on lots of fancy solos (call them short pithy solos). A Stop in South Port Towne is a solid album sure to please old and new fans alike. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi