Cold Virginia Night, released on Rebel in 1994, is an early showcase for Ronnie Bowman, the baritone then fronting the Lonesome River Band. Bowman draws on a remarkable supporting cast — Tony Rice's guitar, Dan Tyminski and Sammy Shelor from his own band's circle, plus Rickie Simpkins and Barry Bales — for a set that balances original songs with traditional material like 'Nine Pound Hammer.' What distinguishes the record is restraint: Bowman's interpretive instinct runs toward understatement, letting the warmth and ache of his voice carry the melancholy that suits it best. 'Drifting With the Tide' and the title track exemplify that approach. Arriving at the height of the Lonesome River Band's influence, the album confirmed Bowman as a singer whose work away from the group carried the same care and song sense he brought to it.
Tracklist
- 1 Will You Be Lonesome Too alt version 2:27
- 2 Cold Virginia Night Source Recording 2:32
- 3 The Healing Kind 3:06
- 4 Drifting With the Tide Source Recording 2:31
- 5 Sweet Marie 2:35
- 6 Lead Us Safely 2:21
- 7 I'm Nowhere Bound 2:44
- 8 I'm Over You 2:51
- 9 You Don’t Love Me Anymore Source Recording 2:11
- 10 Always A Lady 3:47
- 11 If It's Only Pretend 3:13
- 12 Nine Pound Hammer Source Recording 2:39
