When I heard Lorraine Jordan's solo debut, "Mandolin Rose," many years ago, I concluded that this consummate performer and songwriter was ready for emergence into the national bluegrass spotlight. Sure enough it's happened. She has the necessary skill, personality, energy and charisma to go far. "Road Trip for the Lord" is a very pleasant bluegrass gospel project that presents a large body of new material in an old-styled way. "The Soldier's Farewell" recalls the days of brother duets like the Blue Sky Boys, and "He's My Rock" incorporates some tasty fingerpicked guitar into the arrangement. "Jesus Hold My Hand" has the gospel feeling and spirit that will surely elicit a rousing crowd response in live performance. Their leisurely, yet masterful, approach to bluegrass gospel music may best be captured in the band's quartet rendition of "I Like the Old Time Way." Even Lorraine's notes about this song emphasize, "I like the old time worship of the Lord and the old time songs." 

Half of the songs on this album were penned or co-penned by Jordan, an accomplished songwriter. The title cut is a slow song of longing for home and family but reinforcing her desire to be out on the road picking and singing for the Lord. "Jesus Teach Me To Pray" is a ¾-time song written after 9-11. "Lessons of the Book" was gospel winner at Merlefest's Chris Austin songwriters contest. 

Hailing from North Carolina, Jordan formed the band Carolina Road in 1998 that was nominated for an IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year Award. The band was also a finalist for Vocal Group of the Year and Entertaining Group of the Year at SPBGMA. On this album, mandolinist/vocalist Jordan is very ably assisted by Tim Massey (guitar, bass, vocals), Dale Perry (banjo, vocals), Kim Gardner (dobro), Dewey Brown (fiddle), and Jamie Dailey (vocals). The playing and singing are first-rate. 

There's plenty on this inspired and inspiring album to enthuse fans of old-style bluegrass gospel who also like a few new twists. The set is a nice combination of old favorites and new originals. Lorraine and her band would be great to hear on a Sunday morning gospel show. (Joe Ross)