John Carter Cash, son of the legendary Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, continues his musical journey with Pilgrimage To a Rising Fawn, a captivating country-bluegrass album. This record, featuring collaborations with bluegrass icon Norman Blake and other notable musicians like Jamey Johnson, Jerry Douglas, Jamie Hartford, and Carlene Carter, offers a refreshing take on traditional sounds. Recorded at Norman Blake’s home in Rising Fawn, Georgia, just over the Tennessee border, the album exudes a raw, authentic charm, free from excessive production.
This homegrown project captures a vibrant and intimate musical experience. The pristine vocals and crystal-clear instrumentation highlight the precision and clarity of the performances. Despite its roots in an age-old genre, Pilgrimage To a Rising Fawn feels remarkably fresh and energetic. The recording quality is exceptional, creating a sense of presence that makes you feel like you’re in the room with these talented musicians. The deep bass and distinct acoustic instruments provide a rich backdrop for the individual vocal styles, enhancing each performance.
John Carter Cash performing on stage at a music venue
Pilgrimage To a Rising Fawn (released August 2nd on Avondale Records) features ten compelling tracks that include snippets of dialogue between the musicians, adding a personal and intimate dimension to the listening experience. Produced by John Carter Cash himself, the album includes both familiar tunes passed down through generations and original compositions. The youthful energy of the younger musicians involved breathes new life into these classic melodies, demonstrating how traditional music can remain relevant and vibrant when approached with fresh perspectives.
The songs on this album don’t sound dated; instead, they are revitalized and full of life. The musicianship is top-notch, with each artist contributing their unique talents to create a cohesive and engaging sound. Just as a seemingly dormant plant can bloom again with the right conditions, Pilgrimage To a Rising Fawn rejuvenates the bluegrass genre, proving its enduring appeal. Musical gardeners like Norman Blake and John Carter Cash cultivate these timeless songs, ensuring they continue to flourish. Bluegrass, once considered a fleeting trend, much like early rock n’ roll, has persevered and evolved. This album stands as a testament to its resilience, showcasing the genre’s continued relevance through the passion and skill of both established and emerging artists, many of whom are the children of musical legends. This is a project that all involved can be truly proud of.
Album cover for Pilgrimage To a Rising Fawn featuring John Carter Cash and Norman Blake
Album highlights include stand-out tracks such as “Mystery of Life,” the lively “Hi-Eenktum Daddy-O,” and the classic “Shady Grove.” “Give My Love To Rose” is another notable mention, alongside an extraordinary rendition of “Life’s Railway To Heaven,” featuring the harmonies of Carlene Carter and John Carter Cash. Adding another layer of richness, Jamey Johnson delivers a beautiful vocal performance on Hoagy Carmichael’s timeless song, “Georgia On My Mind.” Pilgrimage To a Rising Fawn is available on CD at Elusive Disc and Amazon, and further information can be found at https://www.johncartercash.com/.
