SING OUT MAGAZINE
SING OUT MAGAZINE
Review of “Im Torn” (Lonesome Day Records)
This is high-powered contemporary bluegrass (or even “light country”) that kicks off strong with the title cut. The driving tune sets the pace for the remaining 10 songs. Although he is a multi-instrumentalist, Kohrs is primarily known for his Dobro playing. He is joined here by a host of versatile players, including Dolly Parton who duets with Kohrs on “It Looked Good on Paper.” Written by Carl Jackson and Pam Tillis, this is one of only two songs on the album in which Kohrs did not have a hand composing. Many will recognize Kohrs from his previous performance work with Parton.Among the dozen and a half musicians who rotate lending their talents are guitarist Cody Kilby, banjo picker Scott Vestal, Josh Williams on mandolin and fiddlers Tim Crouch and Shaunna Larkin-Kohrs, the latter of whom also contributes viola work and some harmony vocals. Other guest vocalists are Carl Jackson and Don Rigsby.There is not a dull cut here; this is a lively CD that swings on the up side of the music. “Handmade Nails and Homemade Love” adds novel lyrics to an age-old theme. The up-tempo “Hurry Back Jesus” is an innovative “moving and shaking” Gospel number that is another album highlight; Kohrs co-wrote the song with Susan Hill, who collaborated with him to write several of the cuts. The mood takes a turn at slow and nostalgic on “Fifty Good Years,” while “That’s What I’ve Learned (from Lovin’ You)” should be a contender for steady airplay.I’m Torn, demonstrates with knowledge, flair and confidence the expertise of Randy Kohrs. Not only is he at the center of all as lead performer and primary contributing composer, he produced the recording and rode shotgun on the engineering and mixing. A splendid job all told.
