Album Review of
Bill Monroe’s Ol’ Mandolin

Label: Pinecastle

Genres: Bluegrass

Styles: Bluegrass, Traditional Bluegrass, Contemporary Bluegrass


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Written by Joe Ross
August 10, 2020 - 10:52pm EDT
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Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road is a hardworking and prolific bluegrass band, based in North Carolina, that has released many albums since their formation in 1998. Now associated with Pinecastle records since about 2012, this is their fourth album for that label. The band continues to present a signature traditional sound with plenty of contemporary charm. Bluegrass fans always appreciate songs about their favorite music and instruments. Numbers like “Bill Monroe’s Ol’ Mandolin,” “They Call It Bluegrass,” “Cherokee Fiddle,” and “Boogie Grass Band.” The band’s unique flair also emphasizes fresh bluegrass remakes of songs from the likes of Eddy Raven (“Thank God For Kids”) and Michael Martin Murphy (“Lost River”). Mandolinist Lorraine Jordan demonstrates her skills as a solid songwriter with “Mama Can You Hear That Train” and “Living Like I’m Dying.” Ben Greene’s banjo and Matt Hooper’s fiddle add a lot to the band’s cohesive strength and drive. Besides featuring the band’s six talented members, this album is complemented with seven special guests. The band’s underlying depth is that they have eclectic tastes and the ability to appeal to their large following of fans who like new material presented in an old-styled way. Besides instrumental prowess, the album features three lead singers (Allen Dyer, Lorraine Jordan and Randy Graham). I’ve always enjoyed this band’s seamless mix of unique and roots-oriented bluegrass panache. I think you will too!  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)