Tribute albums can be a dangerous thing. They can be so reverential that they miss the whole reason for the tribute. Sometimes they're good if one band provides backup for the variety of soloists. Sometimes they're better if lesser known musicians take part because the superstars sound uncomfortable and out of place. But sometimes, and Dualtone seems to be able to accomplish this, sometimes they really work. Everything fits together. Song selection. Artist participation. Production. Design. Everything just works. The Unbroken Circle is one of those times, and...sure enough...it's on Dualtone!
John Carter Cash (son of Johnny and June) is the producer who ties this one all together. John Carter Cash is also the grandson of Mother Maybelle Carter, who along with A.P. Carter, her brother-in-law, and his wife Sara comprised the original Carter Family from 1926 through 1943. Imagine a group that existed over half a century ago having the impact on music that the Carter Family has! Musicians like Jerry Garcia, Keith Richards, Doc Watson, Johnny Cash, and many more credit the Carter Family, and especially Maybelle, as an influence. Her unique guitar-strumming style is named after her (Carter-style) and if "Wildwood Flower" was the only song she ever did, she would be in the history books. The Unbroken Circle brings together generations of other fans to pay tribute to that inspiration and influence.
John Carter Cash is quoted in the liner notes as saying "the songs of the Carter Family are as relevant and as close to our lives today as when they were first recorded." I would heartily agree, both from the perspective of what they say, and how they sound. Mr. Cash has done a remarkable job in pulling together the sounds on this tribute album. George Jones begins with a fine take on "Worried Man Blues," with some nice acoustic guitar breaks by Pete Wade, and fiddle from John's wife Laura Cash. Sheryl Crow finds her country roots with a beautiful version of "No Depression in Heaven." This is an important song...after all...they named a magazine after it. Larry Campbell plays fiddle and guitar, Tim Smith plays bass, and Peter Stroud adds guitar. Emmylou Harris is backed by the plaintive vocals of the Peasall Sisters on a moving rendition of "On the Sea of Galilee."
Johnny Cash's unmistakeable voice appears on "Engine One-Forty-Three," another train song...for the king of train songs. Randy Scruggs helps out on acoustic guitar and Pat McLaughlin adds mandolin. "Never Let the Devil Get the Upper Hand of You" is given a full treatment by Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. I can't think of any more superlatives to add. This is country, folks! Other performers appearing to pay tribute to the Carter Family include Wille Nelson (a stripped down "You Are My Flower"); Janette & Joe Carter (children of A.P. and Sara) sing "Little Moses;" Norman and Nancy Blake show how well they've assimilated the lessons from the Carters with their rendition of "Black Jack David." John Prine sounds like...well...John Prine singing the "Bear Creek Blues." The Whites, Rosanne Cash, the Del McCoury Band, and June Carter Cash all take part. And there's a fine conclusion by Kris Kristoferson with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on "Gold Watch and Chain."
Dualtone manages to do a fabulous job, with help from all participants, and nifty packaging...to pay homage to this formative and vital music. Okay...my bifocals were working overtime to read some of the fine print, but the music is as clear as a bell. The circle remains unbroken.
