SONS OF THE SOUTH

SONS OF THE SOUTH
STORIES & TRADITIONS: OUR SONGS OUR WAY

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It has been over 50 years since Sons Of The South was formed in Piedmont Western North Carolina, and founder and banjo player Michael Souther has been there since the beginning, having inherited the band from his father. He’s kept the band’s traditional sound and style despite many personnel changes over the years. Souther is also a songwriter and contributed “Love’s Great Pain” to this project of mostly original material.

The primary contributor of songs is mandolinist Connor Lambert who penned six of the selections here. Also, in the group are Gary Isenhour (guitar), Rick Lowe (fiddle), and Franklin Rash (bass). The songs written by Lambert include the Civil War tune “Jackets Of Grey,” the gospel “The Maker’s Mark,” the love song “You’re The One For Me,” the breakup song “You Did Me Wrong,” and “Melatonin Gummies” for those who can’t sleep. There are also really nice versions of George Jones’ “Walk Through This World With Me” and Gordon Lightfoot’s “Redwood Hill.”

The band has a tightness that demonstrates their commitment to traditional bluegrass, while still being capable of stretching out into other styles. (www.sonsofthesouthbluegrassband.com)BF