Various Artists Trouble in the Fields An Artists' Tribute to Nanci Griffith 2012 (Paradiddle) Reviewed by Lee Zimmerman After a career that spans more than a quarter of a century, Nanci Griffith's reputation as one of the queens of contemporary country is not only well deserved, but growing more assured with every new album. While other artists like Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Shawn Colvin and Patty Griffin may draw more references, Griffin's recorded catalogue remains the envy of her contemporaries, thanks to sentimental narratives and winsome ballads that are both expressive and introspective practically in the same breath. If Griffith's still something of a hidden treasure when it comes to the world at large - her massive popularity in Ireland, the U.K. and her native Texas notwithstanding - this tender tribute offered by friends and contemporaries ought to go a long way towards illuminating her precious story songs. Not surprisingly, these covers don't diverge from Griffith's template; sung with a similar sensitivity and emotional insight, the material adapts well to the contributors' own MO while staying true to the sentiments conveyed through the songs. The range is remarkable, from fellow Texan Sara Hickman's upbeat take on Listen to the Radio and the rich resolve Jerry Jeff Walker gives Talk to Me While I'm Listening, to the gentle caress found in Caroline Doctorow's version of Trouble in the Fields and the folk finesse imbued in Edwina Hayes' read of It's a Hard Life Wherever You Go. Credit executive producers Pete and Maura Kennedy, longtime members of Griffith's backing band, with assembling such an all-star cast, one that also includes the late John Stewart, Red Molly, Carolyn Hester, Stacy Earle, Mark Stuart, Amy Rigby, Tom Russell, Julie Gold and Eric Brace among the contributors. What a remarkable tribute and such a compelling collection at that. --Country Standard TimeFundraising album launched as tribute to Grammy Star Mines Advisory Group's picture Submitted by Mines Advisory Group(5) Member Wed, 10/31/2012 - 3:48pm  Trouble in the Fields - a tribute to Nanci Griffith Award-winning artists have recorded a tribute album for Grammy-scooping singer and activist Nanci Griffith, supporting her work against the use of landmines. Trouble in the Fields, set to be released on 6 November 2012, features 14 songs performed by an eclectic array of artists, from 60s folk revivalists, John Stewart and Carolyn Hester, to contemporary folk rockers, The Kennedys. Texas singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith has been recording since 1978. Her most recent CD, Intersection, was released this year. Describing her style as, "folkabilly", Griffith is well known for her interpretations of other songwriters' material. Several of these same artists, including Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Russell, John Stewart, and Julie Gold, repay the favour on this new tribute. Known for tackling political and social issues in her work, the album salutes Griffith s long-standing affiliation with Nobel Peace Prize winners MAG (Mines Advisory Group), a lainesndmine clearance charity that helps save lives all over the globe. "I support MAG because they risk and sacrifice their lives every day to clear this world of deadly weapons which kill and maim innocent people," said Nancy. Raising funds for the charity, the album forms part of MAG s ongoing campaign Music Beats Mines, previously supported by artists including David Bowie, Elbow and The Foo Fighters.  Nanci has been supporting MAG for the last decade, helping us to make some noise for peace, said MAG s Ingrid Turner.  Her music endures because she so brilliantly captures the joy and struggles of men, women and children all over the world. We at MAG are deeply grateful to this wonderful musician and to all of the artists who have contributed to this project."Long-term collaborators and executive producers, Pete and Maura Kennedy, added: If Trouble in the Fields brings the world closer to a safe, landmine free environment for the next generation, this will be the most fruitful collaboration of all. --The Grateful Web