Reviewed by Tony Cummings

What a surprise! Previously albums in the Smoky Mountain series - though they have proven immensely popular Stateside -have sounded a shade dull to these ears. 'Formulaic' is a word attached to many Brentwood Music albums and the Smoky Mountain series, despite the pleasure in hearing hammered dulcimers, nimbly-picked banjos et al, were seemingly stuck in a conveyer belt rut where Nashville session men would recreate Apalachian folkiness with instrumental versions of well loved hymns. But suddenly the series has leapt from tedium to brilliance. For the vocals here are nothing short of magnificent. The piece de resistance is Claire Lynch's poignant rendering of "Wayfaring Stranger" but almost as good is the stunning acapella rendition of "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" by Alan O'Bryant and an old timey quartet and Shelton Feazell's gnarled countrification of "What A Friend We Have In Jesus". If you're into bluegrass/old timey rather than the sophisticated pop-tinged sounds of New Country, this outstanding album will bless your heart.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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