A Tribute to Tradition

Performer: Various Artists
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Producers include: Vince Gill, Chet Atkins, Trace Adkins, Collin Raye, Joe Diffie. Engineers include: Rodney Good, Julian King, Chuck Ainlay. Includes liner notes by Robert K. Oermann. All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology. "Same Old Train" won the 1999 Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals. Personnel: Martie Seidel (vocals, fiddle); Alison Krauss (vocals, strings); Collin Raye, Emily Robison, Joe Diffie, Natalie Maines, Trace Adkins (vocals); Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner, Vince Gill (guitar, electric guitar); Mark Knopfler (guitar, background vocals); Marty Stuart (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin); Billy Joe Walker, Jr. (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Dan Tyminski, Mark Casstevens, Paul Worley, Paul Yandell, Randy Scruggs, Ron Block, B. James Lowry, Biff Watson, Brad Davis (acoustic guitar); Wade Hayes (electric guitar, background vocals); George Marinelli, Larry Byrom, Scott Neubert, J.T. Corenflos, Steve Gibson, Brent Mason (electric guitar); Jerry Douglas (dobro); Earl Scruggs (banjo); Stuart Duncan (fiddle, viola); Glen Duncan, Larry Franklin, Aubrey Haynie, Joe Spivey (fiddle); John Barlow Jarvis, Matt Rollings, Hargus "Pig" Robbins (piano, keyboards); Jerry Abbott, Steve Nathan (piano); Ernie Sykes, Glenn Worf, Barry Bales (upright bass); Greg Morrow, Larry Atamanuik, Lonnie Wilson, Eddie Bayers, Paul Leim, Bob Mummert, Chad Cromwell (drums); Cindy Walker, Curtis Young, Dawn Sears, Deryl Dodd, Gene Miller, Monica Stiles, Jeff White, John Wesley Ryles, Kenny Beard, Martina McBride, Liana Manis (background vocals). Audio Mixers: Chuck Ainlay; Clarke Schleicher; Gary Paczosa; Jamie Tate; John Guess; Marshall Morgan; Ricky Cobble. Liner Note Author: Robert K. Oermann. Recording information: Loud Recording, Nashville, TN; Schnee; Seventeen Grand Recording, Nashville, TN; Sound Stage Studios, Nashville, TN. Photographers: Jeff Kravitz; Rollow Welch; Bret Lopez; Norman Seeff; Alan Messer; Harry Langdon; Lester Cohen. There are too many artists here who are matched up with songs beyond their ability or apparent understanding. Certainly the most glaring example of this is Mary Chapin Carpenter's version of Don Gibson's classic hit "Oh Lonesome Me." Another glaring mismatch is the Collin Raye/Joe Diffie cover of the Billy Joe Shaver rebel rouser "Honky Tonk Heroes (Like Me)," the rallying cry of the outlaw country movement during the '70s. However, there are some marvelous moments, and the project, dedicated to Tammy Wynette, should be lauded for donating a portion of the proceeds to the development of a much-needed Country Music Retirement Center. Highlights include the work of Patty Loveless on "Wine, Women and Song" and Trace Adkins doing Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors." Just as good are the contributions of the Dixie Chicks, who lead off with Wynette's "Stand by Your Man," and Randy Travis and Alison Krauss singing "The Three Bells." Wade Hayes performs an outstanding version of "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)," a Gary Stewart honky tonk hit from 1975 that shows what Hayes is really made of. The grand finale, an original tune penned by Marty Stuart called "Same Old Train," is a nice ending since living legend Merle Haggard joins Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Travis Tritt, Earl Scruggs and others. Touted as a project that pays homage to the founders of traditional country music, it is a nice sentiment. ~ Jana Pendragon Now here's a concept for an album--get today's biggest country stars to record their favorite songs by legendary country artists, and donate a portion of the proceeds to a proposed Country Music Retirement Center for those artists. That's the idea behind TRIBUTE TO TRADITION, and it works pretty well. Fans who'd never pick up a Lefty Frizzell album will be exposed to some great songs, and classic country fans can appreciate new takes on old favorites. Patty Loveless is a natural to record her cousin Loretta Lynn's "Wine, Women and Song," and Wade Hayes' version of Gary Stewart's "She's Acting Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)" is terrific. Joe Diffie does a fine version of Charlie Rich's salacious hit "Behind Closed Doors," and Randy Travis makes Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried" his own. The late Tammy Wynette is honored twice: the Dixie Chicks do "Stand By Your Man" and Martina McBride takes on "'Til I Can Make It On My Own." But it's the closing track, "Same Old Train," that's worth the price of admission. Written by country music's resident historian, Marty Stuart, it features 13 artists, from Clint Black to Emmylou Harris to Merle Haggard, trading verses that salute the rich history of country music.

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