What you have here is the combination of a songwriter honing her craft and a singer increasing her repertoire. Since Floramay Holliday is both the songwriter and the singer, the end result is an authentic musical exposé straight from her Texas (by way of South Carolina) heart. It helps that she has talent because not many people can do both...or either for that matter.

Floramay wrote or co-wrote every song but one on Trouble and A Truer Sound. She’s a country girl for the most part and the CD reflects that. Even though, she could easily be a lounge singer in Manhattan or Vegas if she wanted. Listen to “Getaway” and you’ll hear for yourself what I mean.

“Baby’s Back In Texas” is a nice shuffle and a solid country duet with Ray Benson that could get play on any honky-tonk jukebox. “New Sun Rise” also is easy to dance to and features a subtle blues groove complimented by a Hammond B-3 organ.

Guy Clark wrote a nice love song in “Anyhow, I Love You” and Floramay helps bring it to life and give it some passion. It’s the kind of song that would make the Grand Ol’ Opry proud – reminiscent of Porter and Dolly.
The ladies will easily identify with “Tall Song” and “Destiny” – no doubt. My guess is that “Carolina Cowgirl” will be another favorite for chicks and cross-dressing truckers. It might be just me but the campy, feel-good song “My Friend” draws pictures of college girls singing together as they cruise down the highway in daddy’s convertible. Woooo-Hoooo!

I’m not a country aficionado but no need to be in order to recognize good songwriting and solid vocal chops. This CD has ‘em both. After listening to this CD, her second release, I do believe Floramay should have a bumper sticker that says “Songstress by birth, southern by the Grace of God.”

(Anthony Bates is a guest writer for 2 Walls Webzine and Music Director for Moozikoo.com)