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 The only
restraint needed when listening to Temperance Road is that to resist the urge to
jump to one's feet and start flat-footing to their lively bluegrass. The Perry
Family from Franklin, KY. formed the band in 2001 and took its name from the
road on which five of the group's original members live on. Temperance Road has
released three previous albums, but this is their first with their new lineup
since 2003 consisting of Laura Perry (bass), her daughter Sydni Perry (fiddle),
James Hunter (dobro), Bernie Sullivan (mandolin), and Erik Sullivan (guitar).
Laura's husband, Richard, is the rhythm guitarist with the group.
Temperance Road builds much of their presentation around young Sydni who has
been singing since she turned nine in 2001. She handles the lead vocals on five
cuts, and harmony to her mother's lead on a couple others. Sydni's voice coach,
Buzzy Orange, also penned the instrumental "Autumn Bridge." Sydni's fiddling is
also coming along. Bernie Sullivan has been performing bluegrass since the
mid-sixties and has played with The Dusty Road Boys. Erik Sullivan played for
many years with his dad's group in California and has recorded several
instrumental albums. James Hunter has been playing music for about forty years
including stints with the Hee Haw Gang and The Everly Brothers reunion. Richard
and Laura Perry have only been playing bluegrass music for a couple years,
although the music has been in Richard's family for a couple generations. It was
his father's desire to make an album of originals, and he convinced them to dust
off their instruments.
While some may miss the 5-string banjo in their sound, Temperance Road's dobro,
guitar, mandolin and fiddle keep them driving in the right direction. My main
suggestion to this regional group would be for them to add a few vocal trios or
quartets on their next album. Their material is sufficiently diverse to hold the
interest of listeners with varied tastes. Sydni chooses songs to cover from
Dolly Parton ("Jolene"), Patsy Montana ("I Want to be a Cowboy's Sweetheart"),
Rebe Gosdin ("Don't Laugh"), and Grandpa Jones ("Are You From Dixie?"). Her mom
sings lead on "Big Black Train" and "Oh Lonesome You." Sydni and Laura each sing
an original - "Goin' Down" and "Nothing Else to Think About," respectively. A
couple instrumentals, "Pickaway" and "Backup and Push" round out the set.
More than just a novelty act, Temperance Road has the musical energy and
showmanship that are sure to entertain. With their continued growth and
maturity, this group is sure to build a loyal fan base. And be sure to keep an
eye out for Sydni Perry. This young lady is already planning to make a career in
music. What better way to get the experience and climb the learning curve than
right on stage in professional settings with her parents and others to guide and
teach her! (Joe Ross)
TEMPERANCE ROAD - Repaved
1500 Temperance Road, Franklin, KY. 42134
WEB: www.temperanceroad.com
TEL. (270)586-1627 or 222-0242
Playing Time - 32:00
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