Murder On Music Row
Larry Cordle's power derives from the masterful, subtle way he combines the best elements of traditional bluegrass and honky-tonk. Cordle possesses a supple, resonant slip-note voice in theGeorge Jones-Lefty Frizzelltradition. On a fine love lament like "I'm Not the First," a wise honky-tonk ballad like "Jesus and Bartenders," and a warm reminiscence like "Black Diamond Strings," all original songs, his voice works magic when backed by the stalwart bluegrass harmonies and hot instrumental licks of longtime associates Lonesome Standard Time. Best of all (and hilariously illustrated by some incredibly clever CD cover photos) is the title tune--another sterling Cordle composition--a scathing, tongue-in-cheek commentary on the general decline of tradition and good taste in Nashville. Cordle puts an even finer point on his putdown with his own consistently great taste and his own wonderfully inspired reverence for honky-tonk and bluegrass traditions alike.--Bob Allen