A coherent and compelling musical portrait of modern America, while drawing inspiration from legendary musicians - Robert Johnson, The Carter Family, Woody Guthrie - who became icons of their own difficult times. 16 cuts and over an hour of music.
I started noodling around with the slide during intermission at a concert at my brother-in-law’s house, and the next morning over breakfast started playing around with the original lyrics to this song. As I dabbled and experimented, I realized with a lyrical update this offered a new context to our modern American experience. May we leave this crossroads wiser, more humbly and more worldly than we arrived.
As the Iraq and Afghanistan wars linger, some gave all, many gave some, and most of the rest of us have given very little. In honor of all of those who have worn the uniform for all of us, and for the holes they leave behind.
AM – tenor vocal
Pamela Temple, Randy Barrett – harmony vocals
Since the Revolution young Appalachians join the armed forces in disproportionate numbers relative to other parts of the country. Perhaps it is to escape, perhaps for adventure. As a new parent myself, this is an acknowledgement of all the mountaineers, and all the families who hold their breath and say their prayers when their children go off to war to protect the things we cherish.
AM – vocals, acoustic guitar
Chance McCoy – banjo, fiddle
Jim Baird - bass
Pamela Temple – harmony vocal
The fields of cedar trees I pass in northern Virginia identify the land that is no longer farmed, and the subdivisions and suburbs that are already planned to come.
AM – vocals, acoustic and electric guitars
Chance McCoy – fiddle
Jim Baird – bass
Jesse Shultzaberger – drums
Pamela Temple – harmony vocal
I learned this tune from a Harvey Reid record many years ago, and have often performed it solo in a bluegrass style. My dad used to play guitar before I was born, and I found out from an old friend of his that this was a staple of his repertoire, but I never knew he knew it. The talking blues lullaby style was Chance’s idea – as the commercial says – “Brilliant!”
AM – vocals, acoustic guitar (dropped D)
Chance McCoy – banjo
Jim Baird – bass
Stephanie Thompson – harmony vocal
