Personnel: Tom Russell (vocals, guitar); Tom Russell; Michael Martin (guitar, guitars, mandolin); Eliza Gilkyson (vocals, background vocals); Redd Volkaert (electric guitar); Stephen Belans (vibraphone); Rick Richards (drums); Mark Hallman (percussion, background vocals).
Recording information: The Congress House Studios, Austin, TX.
Author: Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
Although Tom Russell remains a cult act, the folk-based singer-songwriter has had many well-known admirers. WOUNDED HEART OF AMERICA is a well-chosen compilation of covers of Russell's songs, including performances by Johnny Cash, Joe Ely, Iris DeMent, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nanci Griffith, and Dave Van Ronk. Highlights include a spoken-word reading of Russell's "Stealing Electricity" by the renowned beat poet Lawrence Ferlingheti and four previously unreleased tracks by Russell himself.
Professional Reviews
Uncut (p.106) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[I]t's Dave Van Ronk's scarifying 'The Outcaste' and Ramblin'' Jack Elliott's 'The Sky Above And The Mud Below' that capture the sad, vivid realism of his best work."
