The Unbroken Circle:
The Musical Heritage of the Carter Family
(Dualtone)
First Appeared in The Music Box, September 2004, Volume 11, #9
Written by John Metzger
With a mere 15 tracks, The Unbroken Circle doesn’t come close to
scratching the surface of the Carter Family’s astounding legacy, nor do the
artists who participated in the project make a dent in the substantial slate of
those who have been influenced by the ensemble’s Depression-era folk tunes. Even
so, the resulting package is a prime example of how to correctly assemble a
tribute album, simply because it combines equal parts reverence and originality
while shaping its subject’s music into something that is both exciting and new.
In essence, the endeavor sparkles with fresh perspectives that never lose sight
of the Carter Family’s bucolic, back porch ambience. Whether it’s Sheryl Crow’s
twang-y take on No Depression in Heaven or the driving country-rock beat
that John Prine lends to Bear Creek Blues, whether it’s the exquisite
musicianship that permeates the Del McCoury Band’s cover of Rambling Boy
or George Jones’ sprightly, fiddle and steel guitar-drenched rendition of Worried Man Blues, the
collection taps into something that is truly special. By working its magic, it not only conjures the spirits of Maybelle, A.P., and
Sara Carter, but it also allows their music to transcend time and space to
become a spiritual force that is magnificently moving and altogether
unstoppable. 
Unbroken Circle: The Musical Heritage of the Carter Family is
available from Barnes & Noble. To order, Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2004 The Music Box