JANET BEAZLEY 5 South Backcountry Music BY DAVE BAGDADE Janet Beazley is best known as the banjoist for Chris Stuart and Backcountry, and she also produces the band's records. 5 South is theoretically her solo debut, but it's actually a somewhat expanded Backcountry album featuring Beazley's banjo and clear pleasant voice in the lead role. The 12 tracks are divided evenly between originals (three each by Beazley and Stuart) and public domain material, much of it hundred years old. Essentially, this is a bluegrass record with occasional diversions into much older music. Some standout tracks are Stuart's Julia Belle, the instrumental title track and the beautiful shape note singing on White and Sweet Prospect. Beazley reaches back to the 17th century for Rufty Tufty, a duet between Beazley's banjo and tin whistles, while the closing Silver Swan is a feast of multi-tracked Renaissance instruments, all played by Beazley. However, 5 South is centered mostly around the bluegrass tracks, all of which are well sung and played by Beazley, Stuart, Backcountry bassist Mason Tuttle and assorted guests. Those who enjoyed Mojave River, the excellent Chris Stuart and Backcountry album, will find much to appreciate here. Songs include Julia Bell, Run Away Sally Ann, Same Old Song, 5 South, Sweet Prospect, Rose of Allandale, You'll Never Care, Rufty Tufty, White (Long Time Travelin') Sad Rainy Day, and The Silver Swan. BMP User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-S