Art Menius REGULAR REVIEW

Jack Lawrence’s first solo CD was good. His second, I Don’t Need the Whiskey Anymore, proves outstanding -- adventurous, star packed, and featuring far more bluegrass content. The project places Jack in a variety of settings as lead singer and guitarist. The title cut, one of four originals by Roger Rasnake which Jack credits with inspiring the album, is half of a pair placing Lawrence in front of the complete Del McCoury Band. Most of the remaining songs feature the remarkable bass of Hillsborough, North Carolina genius Robbie Link. Other artists include Jim Mills, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Don Lewis, and Tony and Gary Williamson. Doc Watson, whom Jack has accompanied for twenty years, appears on a live version of "Florida Blues."

Perhaps half of I Don’t Need the Whiskey Anymore could be described as bluegrass. This ranges from the Rasnake’s "This Old Train" rendered in fine traditional fashion with Mills, Tony Williamson, and Douglas to Lawrence’s glorious guitar work on "McKinley Blues" with Bush and Flux to surprisingly rich trio workout on Dicky Betts’ "Blue Sky." The rest of the material ranges from primarily blues ("Velma"), country ("Eight More Miles to Louisville"), folk (a version of Norman Blake’s "When the Fields Are White with Daises" with just his guitar and the harmony vocals of Gary Williamson and Jim Watson), and flatpicking ("Dad’s Medley" demonstrates well Jack’s taste).

The album showcases how strong Jack can be as leader, but still demonstrates how good he can make others sound. His fabulous guitar and low-keyed vocals complement and knit together the work of the many contributors. Those unfamiliar with Lawrence’s lead guitar playing will have a revelatory experience listening to I Don’t Need the Whiskey Anymore. Jack’s playing remains delightfully economical, to the point, and melodically satisfying. Jack’s voice, however, won’t appeal to those interested only in the "high, lonesome sound." The rest of this magazine’s readers will enjoy repeated listenings to Jack Lawrence’s I Don’t Need the Whiskey Anymore.

(G-Run Records; PO Box 1053; Harrisburg, NC 28075) AM