If you haven't heard of The Recipe, then listen up: This fantastic band from Morgantown is the biggest thing on the jam-rock scene these days all up and down the Mid-Atlantic region. Self described as "primal-acoustic roots rock," their live success has only been bolstered by the recent release of their second album, Night of the Porch People. Even though The Recipe is a band whose strength lies in their rich, energetic live performances, this new CD showcases their best elements beautifully.
     Night of the Porch People offers listeners a colorful spectrum of infectious good time grooves. This eclectic seven-some have created 13 songs that are dripping with energy and fantasy. This CD will leave you smiling and craving more.
     NOTPP contains many tried and true live favorites which fans beg for at every show. The first track is the infamous "Affected Specimen," or the "alien abduction" song. This song is usually the encore of every show and has already become a cult classic.
     Track three is an outstandingly emotional ballad called "A Little Yellow Pepper," written in most part by diva Kristen Wolverton. This song showcases her immense vocal talent and song-writing creativity, as well as some spectacular percussion segments.
     Another classic immortalized on this album is "World Swirl." This addictingly happy love song is one of the most popular live songs. You are encouraged to yell out loud "it's so f**king big" while listening at home; if your neighbors are Recipe fans, they'll understand.
     One of my all time favorites is also on this CD. "Duke of Stealey" is one of those songs you can't get out of your head, with its soothing, inviting guitar riff and emotional lyrics sung from the heart by duo Wolverton and Joe Prichard.
     Ending NOTPP is yet another old-time crowd classic "Whiskey Pickle," a song all about the eccentricities and excesses of Morgantown. This song, live and recorded, is a real get-you-groovin' tune.
     The truth is that all the songs on NOTPP are guaranteed to take you on a true musical journey. The Recipe's sound is creative, unique, fun, catchy and brilliant. The band, full of talent, has two real musical gems. First is the vocal pair of Wolverton and Prichard. This appealing mesh of soulful singing often shines as the centerpiece of the music. Second is the high-energy, addicting quality of Mark Rapson's fiddle, which weaves throughout the other musical elements like a songbird.
     Even though NOTPP is a must-have, it can never take the place of or contain the energy of a live Recipe show. But this release certainly reflects a more mature, seasoned group of musicians whose music has only grown stronger in the two years since their last CD.