Carry Me Across the Mountain

• Artist: Dan Tyminski
• Rating:
• Release Date: June 27, 2000
• Genre: Country

Review

Just before his star exploded as a result of his amazing lead vocal on the hit version of "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" off the soundtrack to the Coen Brothers' Great Depression farce O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Dan Tyminski recorded his brief but fantastic debut solo album, Carry Me Across the Mountain, while on sabbatical from Union Station. He gets the expected help from Union Station alumni past and present (Alison Krauss, Adam Steffey, Ron Block, and Barry Bales), and also gathered together some of his other favorite players and influences, who just happen to be prominent members of the bluegrass elite (Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice, etc.). It is Tyminski's gorgeous, graceful, toasty lead vocals, though, that carry the day. As opposed to his full-time combo's more irreverent, progressive take on the genre, Tyminski explores more traditional bluegrass territory (ballads, mountain songs, spirituals, an instrumental), but through mostly original material, closer to his previous unit, the Lonesome River Band. He chimes in with a trio of his own co-written tunes while offering spotlight contributions from Block ("Be Assured") and former Union Station member Tim Stafford. And although each song is a highlight, the title track is perhaps the most exciting performance and lays the blueprint for Tyminski's O Brother contribution. The crack band also whips through a couple old country ("I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair," "Sunny Side of the Mountain") and bluegrass (the Louvin Brothers' "Tiny Broken Heart") classics with exhilarating, down-homey results. The mood is both elegantly unembellished and joyous, a throwback but wholly pristine and fresh. It is a superb addition to the already strong discographies of both Union Station and the Lonesome River Band, and a lovely little first effort as leader for Tyminski. ~ Stanton Swihart, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Carry Me Across the Mountain	John Pennell, Jeff White	Dan Tyminski	(2:35)
Stuck in the Middle of Nowhere	Dan Tyminski, Tim Massey	Dan Tyminski	(2:55)
I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair	Jimmie Davis, Charles Mitchell, Bonnie Dodd	Dan Tyminski	(2:51)
Greens Fees	Dan Tyminski	Dan Tyminski	(2:29)
Think About You Every Day	Tim Stafford	Dan Tyminski	(2:44)
Praise the Lord	Ronnie Bowman, Dan Tyminski	Dan Tyminski	(2:56)
Tiny Broken Heart	Eddie Hill, Ira Louvin, Charlie Louvin	Dan Tyminski	(2:55)
Please Dear Mommy	Ronnie Bowman	Dan Tyminski	(5:08)
Be Assured	Ron Block	Dan Tyminski	(2:43)
Faith Is a Mystery	Craig Market	Dan Tyminski	(2:46)
Sunny Side of the Mountain	Byron Gregory, Harry McAuliffe	Dan Tyminski	(3:24)

Credits

Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Alison Krauss (Fiddle), Alison Krauss (Vocals (Background)), Alison Krauss (Tenor (Vocal)), Tony Rice (Guitar (Acoustic)), Tony Rice (Guitar), Tony Rice (Guitar (Rhythm)), Debbie Austin (Production Coordination), Tim Austin (Producer), Tim Austin (Engineer), Tim Austin (Mixing), Barry Bales (Bass), Barry Bales (Vocals (Background)), Barry Bales (Baritone (Vocal)), Ron Block (Banjo), Ronnie Bowman (Vocals), Ronnie Bowman (Vocals (Background)), Ronnie Bowman (Baritone (Vocal)), Jim Mills (Banjo), Gary Paczosa (Engineer), Gary Paczosa (Overdubs), Doug Sax (Mastering), Adam Steffey (Mandolin), Dan Tyminski (Guitar (Acoustic)), Dan Tyminski (Guitar), Dan Tyminski (Mandolin), Dan Tyminski (Conga), Dan Tyminski (Guitar (Rhythm)), Dan Tyminski (Vocals), Dan Tyminski (Vocals (Background)), Dan Tyminski (Producer), Dan Tyminski (Engineer), Dan Tyminski (Baritone (Vocal)), Dan Tyminski (Tenor (Vocal)), Dan Tyminski (Overdubs), Dan Tyminski (Harmony Vocals), Dan Tyminski (Main Performer), Dan Tyminski (Shaker), Dan Tyminski (Mixing), Dan Tyminski (Vocal Harmony), Bil VornDick (Engineer), Bil VornDick (Overdubs), Aubrey Haynie (Fiddle), Richard Boyd (Photography), Steve Gulley (Vocals (Background)), Steve Gulley (Tenor (Vocal)), Jon Weisberger (Liner Notes), Dwight McCall (Vocals (Background)), Dwight McCall (Tenor (Vocal)), Ron Stewart (Banjo), Ron Stewart (Fiddle), Beth Thomas (Art Direction), Beth Thomas (Design)