White Mansions was a country rock concept album written in 1978 by thoroughly interesting bloke Paul Kennerley and performed by some of country music's finest including Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and with a guest spot on guitar from Eric Clapton.
The album is wonderful, but we will get to that....
Englishman Paul Kennerley was working in advertising in 1976 when he first heard country music. He had an epiphany, immersed himself in the music, quit his job and started writing songs. His first project White Mansions, was picked up by A & M, and Jennings, Colter, Clapton, Steve Cash and John Dillon were recruited along with Glyn Johns (Dylan, The Beatles, The Band, The Who, The Stones, Fairport) producing. I am just astounded by that, and how someone can completely change their path and start their new career right at the top with some of the most respected people in the industry. Amazing. And lucky guy.
Anyway, the album topic is somewhat controversial, but it is executed with thoughtfulness and wit.
The album is set at the outbreak of the American Civil War in the 1860's, and the situation as seen by various characters from the south, including the son of a wealthy cotton family, his partner who works in a hospital during the war, a drifter (a kind of weary impartial observer), self-professed 'white trash' poor southerners and (briefly) the slaves.
It tries to put across the point of view of many in the south, their pride and macho attitude towards the war but also the difficult decisions and changes they were facing and the fear of the economic repercussions.
Everyone involved sings and plays wonderfully, and with real intensity. The songs range from slow ballads to classic country rock, battlefield singalongs, gospel and a waltz thrown in for good measure. It's an all round good album, and great for anyone like me who prefers music with country influences to out and out country. It's also great being able to hear artists like Jessi and Waylon, whose voices I have long appreciated, in more of a country-rock environment. There is unfortunately only a small input from the wonderful gospel voices that make up 'the slaves' characters, but I guess the album theme (the situation from the point of view of the white southerners) limits their involvement.
If you can get round the slightly uncomfortable concept (which you should) and see this as what it is, which is not a glorification of slavery in the south but a wonderful historically set concept album, you will probably find something you like in it.
The beautiful 'Story To Tell'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKUxiiCZeWI
'Oh Dixie'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ2xEDmTpZs
'Join Around The Flag'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EizLPLuATyo
'Praise The Lord'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziupJ0UXj6A&feature=BF&list=PL53721DB34D80EFE9&index=11
'Southern Pride'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZg3WKhk94k
'Last Dance'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22DmyDovq9Q&feature=related
