Clinch Mountain Echo

Barter Theatre Presents: Man Of Constant Sorrow

(Original Cast Recording)

(Barter Theatre 1440) 2005


Barter Theatre Presents: Man Of Constant Sorrow
Rear Cover CD Tray Inner CD Tray

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As the CD title says... this is a recording from the "Man Of Constant Sorrow" play about the Stanley Brothers, that was premiered at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va on 25th Aug 2005 and had a grand opening on the 28th, when Ralph and family attended.[1] It is a fictionalised account, rather than 100% historically accurate, and Ralph later commented: "... they played me pretty dumb in that play, made me more backwards than I ever was. The writers told me they done that to sell more tickets, and I can understand it, because in a play you can make your story any way you want. It was a good play, I enjoyed it, but it really wasn't me up on that stage".[2]

Ralph must have thought the play was ok though, as he added an additional day to his 'Hills Of Home' festival, just so the play could be performed there in 2006.[3]

As cover versions / imitations / tributes go, the CD is enjoyable. It's best listened to in conjunction with reading the liner notes, as they give an overview of the play, putting the musical sequence into context. Sections of the spoken word link the songs together in places, and the recording was made live with the cast going through the show as they did on stage.

In a way it's a shame that all of the dialogue couldn't be included (which would have required a 2xCD set), but you can still get the gist of what's going on, especially if you've read some of the books about Ralph and the Stanley Brothers.

The "CMB" line-up musician's included in the cast were:-

Also featured are: Amelia Ampuero as Ralph's wife Jimmie Stanley (nee Crabtree); and Kimberley Mays as Ralph & Carter's mother Lucy Stanley. In addition to their roles in the band, Ed Snodderly also plays Syd Nathan (King label boss) and Orderley / Bus Driver; Buddy Woodward likewise doubles as the preacher and WCYB Station Manager.

PS: It looks like Ralph missed an opportunity to get some publicity on this one for his 'Stanleytone' banjos... Gill Braswell uses a Gold Tone 250-AT arch top...

Track:
Title:
CD:
(53:13)
Act I
 
1
Man Of Constant Sorrow

R.D. Burnett
2
How Mountain Girls Can Love

Ruby Rakes
3
"The Preacher's Introduction"

N/A
4
Amazing Grace

John Newton
5
Finger Poppin' Time

Hank Ballard
6
The Fields Have Turned Brown

C. Stanley
7
Little Maggie

P.D.
8
Precious Memories

Johnnie Wright
9
Shout Little Lulie / White Dove

P.D. / C. Stanley
10
WCYB Radio Theme Song

??
11
"A Pig and a Banjo"

N/A
12
Pig In A Pen

P.D. or Arthur Smith?
13
O Death

P.D.
14
Drifting Too Far From The Shore

Charles E. Moody
15
Harbor Of Love

C. Stanley
Act II
 
16
The Old Home

C. Stanley
17
"Carter's Dream"

N/A
18
Rank Stranger

Albert E. Brumley
19
Shouting On The Hills Of Glory / I Only Exist

E.M. Bartlett - Joyce Morris / Jimmie Stanley
20
I Only Exist

Joyce Morris / Jimmie Stanley
21
I'll Fly Away

Albert E. Brumley
22
Mountain Dew

Bascom Lamar Lunsford / Scotty Wiseman
23
"Carter speaks"

N/A
24
Let Me Rest

R. Stanley / C. Stanley
25
Angel Band

Jefferson Hascall / William B. Bradbury
26
Mary, Merry Christmas

C. Stanley
27
"Ralph remembers Carter"

N/A
28
Gloryland

P.D.
29
Clinch Mountain Backstep

Ruby Rakes
30
God Gave You To Me

R. Stanley
31
Man Of Constant Sorrow

R.D. Burnett

 


Go To Top Of Page [1] http://www.cmt.com/news/1508303/stanley-brothers-play-opening-in-virginia/
[2] Ralph Stanley and Eddie Dean's book "Man Of Constant Sorrow" (p.13)
[3] The 'General Store' section of the April 2006 edition of 'Bluegrass Unlimited' reporteed that Ralph added an extra day so that the play could be performed at his festival on 24th May 2006. (p. 12)