The Color of Roses (CD - 2002)

Personnel includes: Lorrie Morgan (vocals); Randy Flowers (guitar, background vocals); Jarvis Green (guitar); Joshua Motohashi (steel guitar, dobro); Alan Johnson (mandolin, fiddle); Mark Oliverius (keyboards, background vocals); Kyle Tullis (bass); Greg Stocki (drums); Wendy Hicks, Brittany Allyn (background vocals).

Recorded live at The Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, Tennessee on September 1, 2001.

Lorrie Morgan says that she has always wanted to do a live album, but it wasn't until 2001 until the opportunity "arose," no pun intended. The Color of Roses, released in March 2002, encapsulates Morgan's remarkable career while celebrating her ability to move live audiences with her music. Most of the singer's hits are bundled in the package, including an emotional performance of "Something in Red," the uplifting "I Didn't Know My Own Strength," and the sassy "Watch Me." One hit that would have perfectly rounded the collection, "Heart Over Mind," is conspicuously absent, however. Still, the album offers enough nostalgia to satisfy longtime Lorrie Morgan fans, yet opens the door to build new bridges with songs such as the title cut and a classy version of "My Favorite Things." No one can deny that Lorrie Morgan is one of the foundations of modern country music. It is one thing to be top-notch recording artist, but quite another to be able to connect with an audience. Morgan can do both. It's high time people stop the chatter about Morgan's personal life and put an ear to the music. ~ Rick Cohoon minimize