Jefferson Ross - Southern Currency (2022)

This collection could’ve been even better had Jefferson (guitars/lead vocals) dipped swampier into a Cajun, Delta & American Gothic fount. A little more Tony Joe White-Guy Clark. Maybe next time. But, hell, this one’s indeed dug in deep into Southern soil sufficiently to be satisfying. I’m not surprised. If you like the rural richness of The Band – you’ll enjoy Ross.

This 11-cut Southern Currency (Drops March 18–Independent) is primarily fiddle-mandolin driven & the lead-off “Alabama Is a Winding Road,” possesses sharp imaginary with some tragic tales. Its gratifying melody & brilliant silky backup vocals are instantly likable. Ross has lost none of his storytelling charms.

There are tunes laid out in a more Appalachian tradition (“Two Kentucky Brothers”), a Civil War tale about 2 brothers who wore uniforms of opposite colors. Dixieland swing (“Baptize The Gumbo”) & blues (“King of Mississippi”). While the majority aren’t earth-shaking the quality is woven throughout with fine musicianship & Jefferson is wise enough to avoid the pitfalls of novelty, corniness, & too much country angst. He chooses his subjects wisely. His voice is so impressively expressive & sentimental with eloquent pastoral tones.

On this CD Jefferson composed songs that focus on individual Southern states. There’s a William Faulkner quality that runs through this homeland narrative. The musical paint comes in rich bold strokes on “Down In Macon, Georgia,” as Ross bases some of this music reminiscent of Gary U.S. Bonds’ classic radio-friendly “New Orleans.” But this Ross arrangement is performed so well it’s immaterial.