Picking With the Boys

Carolina Road (Blue Circle Records)

Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road

By Bob Mitchell

That hard-working woman with a mandolin is at it again. Determined to demonstrate she can "pick with the boys," Jordan has released another first-rate project. Engineered by Steve Dilling, outstanding banjo player for IIIrd Tyme Out, fans can be assured of great sound and traditional bluegrass.

Newest band member Jerry Butler adds heightened excitement with sincere lead vocals and his solid guitar especially on the title cut (from the prolific pens of Tom T. and Dixie Hall) and a satisfying cover of Don Reno's "Maybe You Will Change Your Mind." Other members include veteran Ben Greene with his exhilarating banjo, Todd Meade (bass) and Josh Goforth with his exceptional fiddle in particular on "Run Little Fox." Goforth also contributes several lead vocals, notably, "Jesus Said Go." Guesting on this project is Kim Gardner (Dobro).

Musical highlights include Jordan's original pedal-to-the-metal "Carolina Hurricane," her bouncy "Which Way To Go," and "Run Little Fox;" Tom T. and Dixie's "Come and See Me" (with pleasing fiddle and mandolin work) and "When You're Looking Up" (with some satisfying harmony lines).

Carolina Road is an excellent collection of songs packed with appeal. The liner notes by Tom T. and Dixie Hall say, "We feel this project has everything a music lover would want to listen to."

For more information go to www.bluecirclerecords.com