How do you pay tribute to a singer, not a writer? To copy the vocal style of a renowned performer would be redundant, yet to ignore it would surely deny the very essence of that which made them great. This is the conundrum facing Remembering Patsy Cline, an album that tries to sidestep the issue by in fact being a tribute to another album; Patsy Cline's 12 Greatest Hits which has sold close to10 million copies. While Patsy could easily take a Jazz or Pop standard and make it Country the reverse is not true of the 'Jazz' singers on this compilation. It gets off to a false start with Natalie Cole's version of I Fall To Pieces that wanders off the mark and Norah Jones, who shines on the Dolly tribute, is hampered by the backing on Why Can't He Be You. The situation is redeemed by Lee Ann Womack who adds a tasty blue note to She's Got You, Terri Clark who puts the right amount of sass into Walkin' After Midnight (featuring excellent work by her touring band) and Martina McBride who shines on Sweet Dreams (of You) with outstanding acapella backing from Take 6. It is 41 years since Patsy died, but in her relatively short recording career she set the standard for many singers to come.

The Louvin Brothers were topping the charts at the same time (late fifties, early sixties) and while they may not be household names today, their influence resounds throughout almost every harmony duo in Country music and beyond. Charlie Louvin and his late brother Ira inspired everyone from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello. Producer Carl Jackson and co-Executive Producer Kathy Louvin (Ira's daughter) found no shortage of major stars queuing to pay homage to the brothers and the respect for their music pervades this set.  Livin', Lovin', Losin' - Songs of the Louvin Brothers scored two well deserved Grammy awards recently: Country Album of the Year and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals - How's The World Treating You by James Taylor & Alison Krauss.  Other outstanding voices on the album include Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Ronnie Dunn, Glen Campbell, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash and, well just check the track listings below. Every cut is a gem, from the weepy waltzes to the glorious Gospel, and all the artists are inspired and in excellent form. Not to be missed!

-BOB HOWE

© 2004 Bob Howe Productions - ShowNet