Tresa Jordan

Tresa Jordan kicks off her self-titled debut with the fun, free-rolling "Country High," a country song with real dobro, fiddle, and mandolin. This exuberant beginning offers the promise of country music with a bit of grit, but not the kind that would be confused with its alternative cousin. Jordan slows things down for "Angels Cry," a gentle ballad with another fine country-flavored arrangement. The sad lyric also gives Jordan an opportunity to show off her vocal prowess, and she acquits herself admirably, filling the song with emotion. Arrangement after arrangement features a nice mixture of acoustic guitars, mandolins, fiddles, and dobros, while heavy bass and drums add a contemporary edge. The production is slightly too bright in places, and this is especially noticeable on the vocals. There's also a tendency, in some of these songs, for the lyrics to overdo the metaphors (as with "Dancin' on Daddy's Feet"). This leaves the impression that Jordan, while seeking a rootsy country sound, still wants a commercial edge. The set list is solid, with enjoyable tracks like "Sweetwater Road" showing up deep in the album. Jordan and friends have put together an enjoyable country album that should appeal to anyone who appreciates tuneful songs and a bright acoustic sound. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi