White Mansions: A tale from the American Civil War 1861-1865
This is a hidden gem and definitely something we never
saw enough of, a country concept album. The premise is simple, it’s the tale of
several characters as they live through the American Civil War. The characters
are played by Jessie Colter, Waylon Jennings, John Dillon and Steve Cash.
I didn’t know until I looked it up, but Steve Cash is a founding member of the
Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Waylon and Jessie I know, but I still don’t know who
John Dillon is. Bernie Leadon and Eric Clapton are also part of the band and it
was written by some dude named Paul Kennerley.
Regardless, the album is fantastic! Some of the songs would
sound out of sorts on their own, but as a cohesive album, they work great. There
are some great songs as well, “Dixie: Hold On”, “The Union Mare and Confederate
Grey”, “The Last Dance & Kentucky Racehorse” and a song that you wish would
last forever, “Story To Tell”.
Not only the music, but the package is incredible, including
a 27 page book with photos that tell the story. They’re great photos with full
sets in mansions, on the battlefields and plantations where the music takes
place. All of the characters look the part and everything looks incredibly
authentic. The story is laid out perfectly too, with the circumstances surrounding
the Civil War explained to help give the album context. Then the story is explained
before the lyrics, you couldn’t for a better way to listen to a concept album.
Unfortunately, not an easy album to find, you have to look
for it. But, it is definitely worth a search, even if you have to pay the
shipping on ebay.
