On this, their second album, the Williams and Clark Expedition seems to be following the theory that lesser recognition is often the path to wider recognition. If that sounds too zen-like, think of it like this; if a band finds new or obscure songs they can make their own, they’ll draw more attention than if crowds love them because they actually love the standard songs themselves.

As openers go, then, the Expedition could hardly have chosen better than Alton Delmore’s “Standin’ On The Mountain.” Propelled by some of banjoist Blake Williams’ best work on the album and by a buoyant rhythm, “Mountain” is identifiable enough to capture attention quickly and yet fresh enough to avoid ready comparison. This is followed two songs later by ”Across The Blue Ridge Mountain,” the only true standard in sight, though you’d hardly recognize the tune. Here it has been transformed into a lullaby of sorts, all fingerpicked guitar, dreamy fiddle from guest Tim Crouch, bowed bass and wistful lead voice from Wayne Southards. I may not be able to go back to the original; the slow tempo actually creates a more compelling mood.

Later come two original instrumentals and seven varied songs, most of them making their bluegrass debuts. Several are standouts. “West Texas Again,” sung by bassist Kimberly Williams, in a style reminiscent of Jill Snider’s work with Wild and Blue, is a wish list paean with a terrific chorus, while “No End Of Love,” a catchy love song, comes from John Hartford by way of Dillard-Hartford-Dillard and carries with it strong pop hooks that the Expedition make the most of. Additionally, I was impressed by the precise unison lines and drive of mandolinist Bobby Clark’s instrumental, “Trigger Happy,” and by the cover of Dixie Hall’s gospel number, “Let Me Fly Low.”

So will this approach mean greater things ahead for Williams and Clark Expedition? “Born To Roam” makes the case that they will accomplish this goal.

-Bill Wagner, c. 2003 Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine