Search - Carter Family :: Longing For Old Virginia: Their Complete Victor Recordings - 1934

Blow Away Those East Virginia Blues

Philip Westwood | Lichfield, Staffordshire United Kingdom | 07/06/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album draws its material from the Carters' two 1934 sessions - May 8 and December 11. Both sessions were held in the accoustically fine converted church that was Victor's Camden, New Jersey, studio. So the original sound quality is good, and has been further enhanced by modern remastering techniques. The trio used more original material than at previous sessions, with less reliance on traditional and Victorian sources. Though such items are still there. Max Witt's 'My Heart's Tonight in Texas' and Cook and Roland's 'Are You Tired of Me, My Darling?' are fine examples of the polished professionalism that the trio had achieved in the seven years that had elapsed since the start of their recording career. Religious numbers are also well represented. Noteworthy is 'Hello Central, Give Me Heaven', written around 1901 by Charles K Harris, who is best known for 'After The Ball'. Among the A.P. originals are the title track, and the well known 'March Winds Gonna Blow My Blues All Away'. There is some dispute as to whether A.P. or Maybelle was responsible for 'Cowboy's Wild Song to his Herd'. But no matter. The result is another typically fine Carter recording. Incidentally, Skip Gorman turned in a first rate version of this number, which provided the title track of his 1999 Rounder album. For me, the stand out track is 'East Virginia Blues', put together by A.P. from various mountain verses. It's a track that has influenced countless musicians over the years, not least of whom was Woody Guthrie. But this is not surprising when one listens to the strong harmonies and fine musicianship. Also well worth a listen is another A.P. original, 'It'll Aggravate Your Soul'. The wryly humorous lyric is given additional charm by A.P.'s tremulous solo. Overall, an excellent album from an innovative and groundbreaking group."

The Gospel of Country, Pt. 8

Philip Westwood | 02/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another fine collection in this series. Aside from a couple of sharp contemporary numbers (particularly the wonderful "Are You Tired Of Me, My Darling?") the best songs here are the gospel work (the terrific "There's No Hiding Place Down There" stands out), all a little different and thought-provoking. A note: this stuff is crying out for modern interpretations. I spent a period of time a couple of years back happily cherry-picking through this nine-volume series for my own cassettes (along with the other Carter volumes available; apparently A.P.Carter had an inexhaustable supply of fresh material, he did'nt often repeat}. I came up with 3 CD's worth with good material left over. Some enterprising and reasonably talented musician with a little diligence and patience could make a landmark album with these songs that would win lots of awards and make lots of money. Think about it."