DIRK POWELL, TIM O'BRIEN & JOHN HERRMAN
Songs From The Mountain (Sugar Hill)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Inspired by Charles Frazier's novel "Cold Mountain," the trio of Dirk Powell, Tim O'Brien and John Herrman collected 18 tracks from the Civil War era and created a soundtrack for the book, and a remarkable document of American music. If there'd been recording technology available in the Carolina hills in the 1860's, it's easy to imagine that the microphones would have picked up something very much like this.

With the growing interest in Bluegrass and 20th century Appalachian music, this is a terrific way for new fans to get in touch with real Old Time music, the traditional ballads and dance tunes that have survived in recognizable, if not entirely original, form for over a hundred years, and in some cases much longer than that. No better musicians could have been chosen to present the material, either. Powell, O'Brien and Herrman not only have a wealth of experience performing Old Time music and other Americana and Appalachian styles, but they also display a palpable affection for these age old favorites.

These are some of American music's deepest roots, and this disc should be widely heard.

Track List:

Mountain Air/Washington's March/Bonaparte's Retreat * Cluck Old Hen * Raleigh And Spencer * The Blackest Crow * Stobrod's Tune * When I Die I'll Live Again * The Drunkard's Hiccups (Jack Of Diamonds) * Backstep Cindy * Wayfarin' Stranger * Skillet Good And Greasy * Mule In The Ground * Clair Dechutes * Cherokee Trail/Glory In The Meeting House * Bow Down * Lonesome John * Fair Margaret And Sweet William * Hard Times * Angel Band

© 2002 - Shaun Dale