Clouds Over Carolina

has always held tighter to tradition than his brother , even when he's singing more contemporary material like 's Perhaps that's why , as opposed to , released . It's a good fit. , as is his habit, unfurls his songs at a relaxed, easygoing pace. His vocal style on a song like is so calm that one might think of it as "mellow grass." 's distinctive style also allows him to put his stamp on a familiar favorite like and the Unlike a number of hybrids, however, 's mellow style never forgets its roots. He's careful to never over-polish his material, meaning that songs like and retain a rustic edge. The mandolin/banjo/Dobro/guitar arrangements keep things simple, and mandolinist is joined by solid pickers like banjoist , fiddler , and guitarist . Add to this a good mix of originals, a couple of classics, and a great instrumental ( ), and listeners are left with an album that offers a fresh turn on tradition. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.