"Composed of Mike Seeger, Tracy Schwarz (two-thirds of the New Lost City Ramblers), Hazel Dickens, Alice Gerrard, and Lamar Grier, the Strange Creek Singers bring new life to hymnals and old-time country classics. Utilizing a combination of instrumental and vocal talent, the singers perform solo as well as in duets, trios, and quartets to bring a traditional country voice into the cities where four of them grew up. Of particular note is the song “Black Lung,” written and sung by Hazel Dickens and dedicated to her brothers, who were coal miners." - Dave Freeman
Staff Review:
"Released in 1972, the Strange Creek Singers is an album that packs one serious punch! Hazel Dickens, Alice Gerrard, Tracy Schwartz, Mike Seeger and Lamar Grier create a winning combination that offers youthful energy, stylistic depth, and above all, a beautifully varied album. The record kicks off with a striking a capella hymn sung in four part harmony and ends with a Hazel Dickens original ballad that will bring tears to your eyes. In between, the Strange Creek Singers explore a wide range of the best that American traditional music has to offer, including powerfully unadorned vocals, brother duets, excellent female bluegrass harmonies, light hearted songs, emotional numbers and the best dang rendition of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" you’ve ever heard (or at least since the Carter Family)! Beautiful arrangements and tasteful instrumental breaks provide nice variation throughout while always serving the song, as this album undoubtedly features the fine singing of Hazel, Alice, Mike, and Tracy first and foremost!" - Ashlee
Track Listing:
When I Can Read My Titles Clear
In the Pines
Sunny Side of Life
Poor Old Dirt Farmer
Sally Ann
I Truly Understand That You Love Another Man
Old Black Choo Choo
Today Has Been a Lonesome Day
No Never No
New River Train
Get Acquainted Waltz
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Black Lung
Difficult Run Part 2
