The Civil War: The Nashville Sessions (1998 Studio Cast)
This is the initial volume of a triple-CD release ofThe Civil Warsoundtrack, and it's hard to think that the other two could equal this first installment.The Nashville Sessionsevokes images of pitched tents and cannons very well. Bookended with narration by the great casting of Charlie Daniels, the compilation is filled by low-key, solemn tracks. "Old Gray Coat," starts out bleak, then kicks into a nice little country-pop song, but the lyrics uncannily convey images of a war few of us really know much about. The best song on the compilation--the lone contribution by an African American--is BeBe Winans's "River Jordan," narrated from the perspective of the black soldiers called upon to fight in the war. It's a touching, powerful gospel number that really breaks loose at the end. Other standouts include the piano ballad "Tell My Father" by Kevin Sharp and "Missing You (My Bill)" by Deana Carter.--Aaron Tassano