Tracy Grammer - Flower Of Avalon

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 6 / 7 / 2005

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Review

Following on from the self released EP, ‘The Verdant Mile’, Grammer releases her first solo album since the unexpected death of her musical partner Dave Carter in July 2002 when at just 42 years old the critically acclaimed singer songwriter suffered a fatal heart attack. In the four years they performed together Grammer and Carter released three albums and built up a solid following from live performances across North America. On the cusp of commercial success when Carter was taken away, Grammer decided to pay tribute to her late partner by recording nine unrecorded Carter compositions and one song by Bill Joliff, ‘Laughlin Boy’, which Carter loved and the duo had played at their shows. The production by Grammer with John Jennings (best known for his work with Mary Chapin Carpenter who also lends vocals to a couple of songs here) actually expands the sound heard on the duo’s previous albums and will surely help get the names of Grammer and Carter out to the larger audience that they were on the verge of capturing prior to Carter’s sad passing. These songs sound like they were written for Grammer to sing. While contributing her trademark violin plus guitar and banjo to the songs it’s Grammer’s vocals which shine through. Think of the purest voices in the folk/alt. country genre; Alison Krauss, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Emmylou Harris and listen to ‘Mother, I Climbed’, on which Chapin Carpenter contributes vocals, and marvel at a voice so pure, full of grace and just so perfect for these songs. Grammer touches all bases here; from the upbeat bluegrass sounds of the aforementioned ‘Laughin Boy’ through the haunting folk inspired opening song, ‘Shadows Of Evangeline’ to the roots rock of ‘Gypsy Rose’ a typical gorgeous Carter melody with outstanding guitar by both producer Jennings and Jim Henry and with excellent backing vocals by Jennings. The touches of Hammond B3 before and during the last touching verse of this tale of a love lost through death make a poignant song even more effecting. Not just the best song on the album but one of the best songs of the year so far. ‘Hard To Make It’, conjures up images of Emmylou fronting The Cowboy Junkies, ‘Phantom Doll’ has a showtune feel about it and ‘Preston Miller’ recalls Dylan. Carter always wrote strong, poetic lyrics and he was a master with melodies, one listen to ‘Winter When He Goes’ confirms this, but again it’s Grammer’s vocals which steal the show. It couldn’t have been easy for Grammer to make this album, but if there were any worries that she could do the songs justice without their composer at her side then they must have disappeared quickly, for this is such an accomplished collection of songs, superbly performed by all who took part and Grammer’s vocals have never been stronger. Apparently another collection of Dave Carter songs is in the pipeline. Basically a re-recording of Carter’s first solo album, ‘Snake Handlin’ Man’ plus a few new songs, if it just touches on the brilliance of ‘Flower Of Avalon’ it will be worth the wait. Absolutely stunning.

Track Listing:-

1 Shadows of Evangeline
2 Gypsy Rose
3 Laughlin Boy
4 Hard to Make It
5 Hey Ho
6 Mother, I Climbed
7 Preston Miller
8 Winter When He Goes
9 Phantom Doll
10 Any Way I Do