StarVista Music is set to drop an historic project in June called Voices from the Ridge: The Final Sessions, which consists of the last, never-before-released recordings by The Carter Sisters. A debut single is available now, their concluding cut of Foggy Mountain Top, featuring Helen Carter, Anita Carter, and June Carter Cash.
The tracks were cut in March and April of 1993, with the three sisters reuniting in the studio, along with John Carter Cash and Lori Davis Bennett. Helen and Anita played guitar, with June adding autoharp as her mother had once done.
These sessions were produced by Pat Holt, Ken Little, and Mike Daniel in ’93, and though they offer some thoughts on the music, no explanation has been given for why they have let these recordings lie fallow for so many years.
Holt shared of the experience…
“When June Carter first called me to do an album of the Carter Sisters’ favorite family songs, I knew it was going to be something very special. I never imagined how special it would turn out. They poured their hearts and souls into what would turn out to be the last recordings of the sisters together. It was spiritual to work with the three of them, playing the very instruments Mother Maybelle first introduced at the dawn of country music. I have never been more moved or pleased as a producer.”
… while Little volunteered as follows:
“Country music blossomed when the Carter Family first came on scene. As the Carter Sisters carried the family legacy forward, the unmistakable vocal blends of the three sisters opened yet another chapter of country music history.
I was immediately struck with how genuine their voices and playing felt as they laid down the tracks for this record. The blends were incredible. The simplicity in the songs was underscored by an intense musical complexity that only comes from years of bonding. It was such a great honor to be a part of this record. I’m anxious for the world to hear it.”
Have a listen to this 1993 cut of Foggy Mountain Top.
Foggy Mountain Top from Voices from the Ridge: The Final Sessions is available now from popular download and streaming services online. The album is set to release on June 5.
