Search - Front Porch String Band :: Lines & Traces

Neglected Classic

Mark Ritchie | Wylie, TX United States | 06/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a shame there is no customer review for this CD, so here is one. Perhaps this album is neglected because it is not identified as a Claire Lynch album. She is the main vocalist here, along with husband Larry Lynch. Claire is now one of the true geniuses of bluegrass, but this earlier album also consistently rises to the top of our collection. The song "Where Dear Friends Will Never Part" is worth owning the CD, and was indeed the reason I originally bought it. But the whole album is a gem. Claire Lynch simply has one of the greatest voices currently singing American music."

Another masterpiece from Claire and the band

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 03/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Claire Lynch has long been my favorite bluegrass singer and this yet another example of her brilliance. Mostly, she records under her own name but sometimes she records as a member of the Front porch string band (as on this album), although her band musicians often appear on her solo albums anyway. The other band members - Larry Lynch (husband, multi-instrumentalist and backing vocalist), Andy Meginniss (vocalist) and Herb Trotman (banjo and guitar) provide excellent support.The set opens with the traditional Hard times, sung in a traditional style adapted to bluegrass. Fans of Dolly Parton may recognize this song because Dolly re-interpreted the song, called it Hush-a-bye hard times and included it on her 9 to 5 album in 1981. The two versions of the song are very different but excellent in their own way. Another wonderful version can be found on Appalachian journey, a curious but fascinating album of classical music with country influences.Several of the other songs are also covers but none are especially well known. There's an instrumental medley of three Bill Emerson tunes (the medley is titled New York to Dixie), a Michael Johnson song (In your eyes) and a Delmore brothers song (Will you be lonesome too).Elsewhere, Kennesaw line tells the true story of a Confederate soldier. Train songs remain popular despite their peak years being long gone. One is included here - How much does it cost to ride this train.If you enjoy modern bluegrass, you'll love this. Claire does not get the same attention that is lavished on Alison Krauss or Rhonda Vincent, two other wonderful bluegrass ladies, but if you enjoy their music you'll surely like Claire too."