Album Review: 'The Winding Stream' (Various Artists)

Courtesy Omnivore Recordings

Maces Spring, Virginia was the place where A.P. Carter, his wife Sara and his sister-in-law Maybelle began their careers and made their mark on the history of music as the Carter Family. Beth Harrington’s documentary about this family, The Winding Stream — The Carters, The Cashes and the Course of Country Music, has played festivals and won awards all over the world. The soundtrack to the film will be released on Omnivore Recordings, October 16th. With songs from the original Carter Family, performed by them as well as George Jones, Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash and others, The Winding Stream takes listeners on a journey through the origins of country music.

According to director Harrington: “The story of the Carter Family is one about gleaning the best of American roots music and passing it on. That’s what the Carters did with their song collecting and writing and that’s what happened with their music down through the generations of family music-makers as well as other musicians. This soundtrack to the film is in that tradition, highlighting the work of the Carters themselves as well as a variety of family and friends interpreting that music. It’s exciting to have it out there on Omnivore.”

What can be said about a compilation that includes esteemed artists honoring these beloved paragons of country music? Only that you would be remiss if you did not at least give it a listen. If you love these iconic artists, want to hear wonderful music, or delve into the genre’s origins, then jump into The Winding Stream. Just don’t forget to look at the photographs and read the liner notes that start you off with an introductory history lesson and leave you wanting to learn more.

Track Listing:

Bear Creek Blues – John Prine
Lord, I’m in Your Care – Grey Delisle & Murry Hammond
Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow Tree – The Original Carter Family
Single Girl, Married Girl – The Original Carter Family
Worried Man Blues – George Jones
Hello Stranger – Carolina Chocolate Drops
Keep on the Sunny Side – The Original Carter Family
Cannon Ball Blues – The Original Carter Family
I’m Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes – The Original Carter Family
Wildwood Flower – Mother Maybelle & the Carter Sisters
Will the Circle Be Unbroken – Johnny Cash & the Carter Sisters
In the Shadow of Clinch Mountain – Murry Hammond
Sweet Fern – Maybelle & Sara Carter
Gold Watch and Chain – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band With Kris Kristofferson
Step Light Ladies – Home Folks, Joe Carter & John McCutcheon
The Winding Stream – Rosanne Cash

Order The Winding Stream here
The film will be in theaters around the country this fall. Screenings in select cities will feature local artists performing Carter Family music. Check ArgotPictures.com for details. 

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