FOLK MUSIC Releases capture essence of Carter tradition

A tribute features Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow and others.
By WAYNE BLEDSOE
SCRIPPS HOWARD
The Carter Family was more than the "First Family of Country Music." The group's influence resonates through singer-songwriters and musicians of all stripes. The group preserved folk songs that were common in the Appalachians and composed originals that have endured as classics.
The trio was made up of A.P. Carter, his wife, Sara (the two were divorced during the group's run), and Maybelle Carter (a cousin to Sara and sister-in-law to A.P.).
With a new compilation of the Carters, a new all-star tribute and a long-overdue re-release of one of the best Carter tribute discs, there's no better time to celebrate the music of the group.
Start with: "RCA Country Legends" (RCA) -- 16 of the Carters' most essential recordings, including "Wildwood Flower," "Keep on the Sunny Side," "Little Darling Pal of Mine," "Worried Man Blues" and "I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes."
About the music
The group's music is sweet and simple and captures the fears, faith and philosophies of rural people in the early 20th century -- much of which applies just as well today. And, although the sound quality is lacking (the tracks are taken from vintage 78-rpm discs), the new compilation remedies the irritating, high-pitched hiss that marred some earlier transfers of the music to CD.
"The Unbroken Circle: The Musical Heritage of the Carter Family" (Dualtone) features John Prine, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, the Del McCoury Band and others in a fine and respectful tribute to the Carters.
The most touching contributions, though, come from those with true Carter connections. John Carter Cash, the son of Maybelle's daughter June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash, produced the disc. In some of their last recordings (both died in 2003), Johnny covers "Engine One-Forty Three" and June performs "Hold Fast to the Right."
A.P. and Sara's children, Janette and Joe Carter, perform "Little Moses." All three performances are filled with a dignity and grace that comes only from aged voices. And Rosanne Cash (Johnny's daughter from an earlier marriage) delivers a gorgeous version of "The Winding Stream."
Modest, but better
Yet, the stars assembled cannot top the more modest "Meeting in the Air: Songs of the Carter Family Played and Sung by Jim Watson, Tommy Thompson and Mike Craver of the Red Clay Ramblers" (Barker/Sapsucker).
The disc, originally released in 1980, bristles with life and captures the sweetness and fun of the Carters' songs. Jim Watson, (the late) Tommy Thompson and Mike Craver were in folk music's most vibrantly eclectic band, the Red Clay Ramblers, at the time this was recorded, and the energy of the Ramblers helps to bring these songs back to life. The membership's banjos, guitars, autoharps, piano and other acoustic accouterments sparkle; Thompson's voice is as friendly as an old buddy's handshake, while Watson provides a twangy contrast. And Craver's take on the lament "Are You Tired of Me, My Darling" is delicate and beautiful.
The Carter Family's treasures have never been in better hands.
X"Meeting in the Air" may be difficult to find in stores. To order online, visit: www.mikecraver.com.