Dark As Dungeon but Beautiful as A Pine-topped Mountain...
The albums UNTASTED HONEY and TIME PASSES BY were always the standard I held Kathy Mattea to, and they are both from a much earlier period in her career. Continuing to buy Mattea's CD's now and then, I had grown resigned that she just couldn't surpass those two high water marks, where folk met country and country met bluegrass and everything was blended beautifully by that powerful voice. She's had some great songs through the years since then, and good records, too, don't get me wrong. But now, finally, Mattea has reached a new career touchstone.
As Patty Loveless and Dolly Parton have done before her, Kathy has returned to her roots, and like them, she has set a new standard for herself. This record is so gorgeous, it's hard to be objective about its dark subject. The instrumentals, singing and song selections reveal themselves quickly, though, leaving no doubt that this is a labor of love. And while I'm gushing, let me also say that Mattea is doing the most sensitive and dynamic singing of her life, and it's brought to life through a very crisp and clear recording that captures her warmth in deep, rich tones. As others have written on these pages, Kathy Mattea comes from coal, and knows her subject deeply. This may also account for the extra emotion that fuels her voice throughout this work. It sounds both effortless and soulful, a hallmark of artistry that has reached full maturity.
Now, depressing as some ot the subject matter is, here, I just can't help but be moved by the beauty of these songs, and Mattea's singing. Many of the songs are associated with other artists and some of the songs are very old. Utah Phillips' "Green Rolling Hills" contains instrumental strains of "Wildwood Flower." Judy Collins recorded "Coal Tattoo" on an early album, and Kathy easily holds her own in comparison, supported by a fiddle-driven arrangement. Mattea speeds up "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive," which Patty Loveless included so perfectly on her MOUNTAIN SOUL album. It's nice that Mattea didn't dry to copy it, but made it her own, and yet respectfully so. Many artists have recorded "Dark As A Dungeon." Merle Travis (its writer), The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Dolly Parton all made some beautiful recordings of the song, and this is the only one on COAL that is bested by those earlier versions. Still, this track bears the grace of Kathy Mattea's unique style. Less atmospheric and folksier, in the early part, than Dolly's arrangement was, it nevertheless grew on me as I listened, and then, there it was: the entire mood, both earthy and ethereal. It's a superb performance from Kathy. "The Coming Of the Roads" was also recorded by Judy Collins and memorably by Peter, Paul & Mary, but here Kathy steals their thunder. What a sweet, sad and perfectly sung piece of folk loveliness! Those godmothers and godfathers of folk would be proud of this performance, if they ever heard it ... as would Jean Ritchie, if she could hear the two songs of hers which start this album off so grippingly.
The CD ends with an appropriate, accapella vocal of Hazel Dickens' "Black Lung," followed by a mournful instrumental, "Coal," put together as one track. This nearly perfect concept album is, after all, about the livelihood, the land (both below and above the ground), and most of all, the humanity of those whose work often, ultimately, kills them. Mattea loves this land and these people, but she does not flinch in the face of reality, showing the bad with the good, and without passing judgment. This shows the true depth of her respect, helping to make listening to this collection a transcendent experience for me. I don't claim to have any firsthand knowledge of that which Mattea sings, but due to her ability to paint these portraits and landscapes with her multi-colored voice, it sure feels as though she has given me a window to see this other world through.
If you are a Kathy Mattea fan, but prefer her more peppy pop hits (no disrespect meant), you should buy this CD with caution. But if you just love Kathy Mattea, period, then you owe yourself a copy of this little gem; it's truly a diamond cut from coal.
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