As Beautiful as a Smile

Kentucky In The Rain (Blue Circle Records)

Stacy York

By Bob Mitchell

If you enjoy traditional bluegrass, you will love Stacy York. Her soulful vocals and first-rate musical support command attention from the moment the laser hits the disc.

Kentucky in the Rain, an excellent showcase for York's enthusiastic talent, displays a voice as beautiful as her smile. And though it may sound strange, her smile can be heard on every track. York's approach is passionate and firmly rooted in the sounds and style of bluegrass pioneers.

I particularly enjoyed the title track (written by Tom T. and Dixie Hall - with Tom on guitar), her plaintive version of Ralph Stanley's "Remember You in My Dreams," Carter Stanley's "I'll Just Go Away (with her long time harmony co-heart, Joe Isaacs), the cover for Bill Monroe's "Can't You Hear Me Calling." Other notable highlights include another Tom T. and Dixie Hall original, "I Don't See What I Once Saw In You" (with remarkable harmony and mandolin chops from Sonya Isaacs), a lively "I Know What It Means To Be Lonesome" and another Ralph Stanley classic, Trust Each Other" (again with Joe Isaacs).

Musicians: Rebecca Isaacs Bowman (rhythm guitar), Curnie Lee Wilson (lead guitar), Ben Isaacs (acoustic bass), Joe Isaacs (banjo), Jessie Stockman (fiddle) and David Marshall (banjo on "I Don't See What I Once Saw in You.")

For more information go to www.bluecirclerecords.com.