Published: March 26, 2008 06:51 pm      

The Old South through the eyes of a modern woman

After making her presence known early in the new millennium, Americana artist Caroline Herring happily withdrew from a musician’s life to focus on marriage and motherhood. After a few years away from the spotlight, the alto-voiced powerhouse has returned with her third album, “Lantana,” and what a grand return it is. If you’ve ever wondered where the spirit that graces the songs of artists like Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris has gone, then you are going to fall in love with Herring’s latest work.

Produced by Herring with Rich Brotherton, “Lantana” contains eight original songs and two traditional ones that fit together so brilliantly, you’d believe they were all originals. “Stone Cold World” opens the album with a victoriously Americana sound. Everything about this song screams “honest” and “real.” It sets a wonderful tone that invites you in and always has something interesting to say.

“Lay My Burden Down” and “States of Grace” are also highlight worthy examples of Herring’s gentle touch. Both songs sound as if they would be as comfortable being played in the cool backporch night air as they would be on Mountain Stage. The bluegrass-laden “Fair and Tender Ladies” must not be forgotten, either. Its soft bluegrass style is warming and beautiful, perfect for a bright sunny day.

“Beautiful” is not a word I associate with a lot of music, but the word definitely comes to mind on nearly every track on this album. In her short time in the spotlight, Caroline Herring has perfected how to get across the beauty in and of music. Every song here offers something special, something insightful and something musically impressive. I can’t say enough good things.

Herring’s voice is so strong and so different from what mainstream music lovers are used to hearing and it is both refreshing and sorely needed. The deep roots of the music are very much in the vein of Mary Chapin-Carpenter’s later work, Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris. “Lantana” has a wide reach, as it will appeal to fans of Americana/roots music as well as traditional country enthusiasts and fans of “thinking” music.

Soft-spoken and intelligent, “Lantana” is the story of a modern-day woman in the Old South. It’s a coming-of-age tale and an onto the future overture that never becomes preachy or pretentious. “Lantana” is a rarity, so don’t miss out.

“Lantana” by Caroline Herring is available everywhere now on Signature Sounds.