Search - Maybelle Carter :: Wildwood Pickin

Pure Gold

H. F. Corbin | ATLANTA, GA USA | 09/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is as fine a bluegrass/country/folk CD as you will find. Maybelle Carter fans will be delighted; newcomers-- is there is still anyone who fits into that category--will be overwhelmed. This CD of 22 tracks, all but one of which have never been previously recorded, is vintage Maybelle. The music is taken from her 1963 Newport Folk Festival appearance.Maybelle plays both the guitar and autoharp on this CD and does mostly Original Carter Family songs. She demonstrates her unique "Carter Scratch" guitar playing technique and other examples of her unique playing on both instruments. I suppose that's of interest to people who play those instruments; I frankly don't care how she did it. I'm just so happy she played and sang over a long and apparently very happy life.There isn't a mediocre cut on this CD. Many of the Carter gems are here: "Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow," "The Storms Are On the Ocean," "Gold Watch and Chain" and certainly "Wildwood Flower." On this live recording, Maybelle discusses the songs she sings and thanks the folks for having her in such a sincere way that only the truly great artists can pull off, in my opinion. The liner notes are well written. There is a diagram of how to do the "Carter Scratch."This is a great, great CD that will bring you much joy. Maybelle Carter was one of our best, an American Institution."

Maybelle at the Newport Folk Festival

Philip Westwood | Lichfield, Staffordshire United Kingdom | 07/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an interesting and highly entertaining album - Maybelle Carter recorded live at the Newport Folk Festival back in 1963. The voice is a little shaky, but then, she was 54 years old at the time. However, the technique on guitar is as distinctive and faultless as ever, whilst her autoharp playing is a revelation. There are interviews by Bill Clifton and Mike Seeger, but they are not sufficiently probing. I would have liked to have known more of her actual playing technique, but the surface of this subject is barely scratched. But the playing itself makes up for that; particularly her work on the autoharp. Items range from the Carters' 'Little Darling, Pal of Mine' through the evergreen 'San Antonio Rose' to the then newly popular 'Never on Sunday'; all performed with the consummate skill one would expect from a seasoned veteran such as Maybelle. Recording quality is good, though it is possible to pick up intrusive sounds from what are, presumably, neighbouring concerts. That aside, this is an album well worth adding to the collection of any Carter Family fan, and anyone appreciative of top quality guitar and autoharp playing."

Mother Maybelle picks a wild tune!

Amy Wallace | San Rafael, CA United States | 12/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD as research about the Carter family. I have always been a fan of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, and I wanted to hear more of the Carter family.



I played this CD right after I opened it, and to my surprize, it was some of the best music I have ever heard. Mother Maybelle Carter can play a guitar and autoharp better than anyone I have heard. She is modest, but a strong woman with strong playing techniques. From the first few moments of her first song, Maybelle will capture you with her unique voice and unusual guitar playing. This is an essential CD for anyone who likes the Carter family.



This CD really inspired me to play autoharp, since Maybelle made it sound so beautiful. This collection of songs will certainly sing to you, and Maybelle's introductions on some of the songs will make you appreciate the music even more. At some points, it sounds like there are several guitars playing, not just one. Maybelle changed the face of music, and helped make it what it is today, she is our roots. Let us not forget them."