Drum Hat Buddha

Drum Hat Buddha

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer take a convincing step forward on their third release, which at various times echoes the music of Robin and Linda Williams and a twangy version of Richard and Linda Thompson. Although gifted on banjo, guitar, fiddle, organ, and mandolin, the duo has placed a premium on the songwriting, with considerable payoff. "Tillman Co." details the ordinary terrors of rural working-class life, "Gentle Arms of Eden" evokes a mystical gospel vision, and "Ordinary Town" offers one of the best opening lines heard this year--"Common cool, he was a proud young fool in a kick-ass Wal-Mart tie"--and then somehow sums up the mysteries of small-town life. Now and again, the philosophical trappings can feel rather starched and pretentious, abetted in part by Carter's penchant for faux-Shakespearean syntax and imagery--"Hail the wayward werewolf howlin' / Haints and shades and goblins growlin'" is one such clumsy exertion--but the overriding musical and lyrical eloquence makes Drum Hat Buddha one of the more original Americana releases of the year. --Roy Kasten

Tracks:

Ordinary Town
Tillman Co.
Disappearing Man
The Power And Glory
236-6132
41 Thunderer
Gentle Arms Of Eden
I Go Like The Raven
Highway 80 (she's a mighty good road)
Love, The Magician
Merlin's Lament
Gentle Soldier Of My Soul

Amazon.com

Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer take a convincing step forward on their third release, which at various times echoes the music of Robin and Linda Williams and a twangy version of Richard and Linda Thompson. Although gifted on banjo, guitar, fiddle, organ, and mandolin, the duo has placed a premium on the songwriting, with considerable payoff. "Tillman Co." details the ordinary terrors of rural working-class life, "Gentle Arms of Eden" evokes a mystical gospel vision, and "Ordinary Town" offers one of the best opening lines heard this year--"Common cool, he was a proud young fool in a kick-ass Wal-Mart tie"--and then somehow sums up the mysteries of small-town life. Now and again, the philosophical trappings can feel rather starched and pretentious, abetted in part by Carter's penchant for faux-Shakespearean syntax and imagery--"Hail the wayward werewolf howlin' / Haints and shades and goblins growlin'" is one such clumsy exertion--but the overriding musical and lyrical eloquence makes Drum Hat Buddha one of the more original Americana releases of the year. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

Don't Be Confused by the Title.......2006-08-18

It seems like this album has a rather odd title and some people might wonder what type of music this is; one might think "new age" given the title it has. I guess it is classified as folk music. Whatever you call it, it's great music and both Grammer and Carter have smooth, beautiful voices. What a bonus to get two great artists on one album! Too bad there are only 12 songs, running just over 40 minutes; the album is over way too soon. It's a pleasure to listen to from start to finish. I am always skeptical when I see all 4 and 5 stars reviews, but this album certainly deserves the high ratings.

Unbelievable music. Warning: Very addicting! .......2006-07-19

I wholeheartedly agree with all the other reviewers who gave this CD 5 stars! If it were possible I would give it more. I was a friend of Dave's back in the early 1970's. I first met Dave during the fall semester, 1970 at the Univ. of Oklahoma. He lived across the hall from me in the Worcester House dorm. The first day of classes I heard acoustic guitar sounds from his room and that caused me to sit up and take notice. I became acquainted with him and I used to go to see him play at coffeehouses and other live music events around the OU campus. Because we both liked folk music we became good friends. He was a great conversationalist. I would love to sit at the local coffee shop and drink a cup of Joe and listen to him talk about music and other topics. He was really one of the most unique individuals I have ever met. One thing I remember about him is that he used to pull me in his room to use me as a guinea pig to try out his new songs. This was always a fun experience and I remember they were amazing songs. I had a few favorites that do not appear on any of his CD's. I used to think to myself... "this guy is going to make it someday!. Due to career moves and other factors, I lost track of him in 1978. Through the years I often wondered where he was, what he was doing, and if he had "made it" in the music world. Fast forward to June 2006 when sadly, I learned of the crushing news of his passing. I was also amazed to see that he had three CD's on amazon.com with such unbelievable reviews! I rushed out to hear the music and get caught up. After listening to this CD and the first two, my impression is that this CD is totally awesome! Dave really perfected his craft through the years and it really shows here. He picked a musical partner in Tracy Grammer that is absolutely first rate and the perfect complement to his musical style. Not only an amazing fiddle player, her vocals are equally as amazing. Her fiddle lines give just the right touch, ... perfect! By the way, is it obvious that I am blown away by this music? My favorites tunes are "Gentle Arms of Eden" ( a masterpiece... period.), "Merlin's Lament" (haunting! So cool!), and "The Mountain" (off an earlier CD Tanglewood Tree)I can see why Joan Baez picked this one to do in concert! It blew me away!) This music is so enchanting... so addicting, I am totally in awe. Not only did my friend Dave make it, he totally surpassed all my expectations! The musicianship is as amazing as the melodies and songwriting. Vocals are just amazing throughout. I can't conjure up the right adjectives to describe this. I consider myself fortunate to have known Dave when he was a struggling musician and I am glad he has the loyal following he so justly deserves. I hope he is looking down seeing all this from above. He was a great guy and a great friend. I miss him. UPDATE: 10/27/06 Saw Tracy in concert and she dedicated a song to me, Crocodile Man from Tanglewood Tree. I am more addicted to this music than ever with the release of "Seven is the Number" Dave and Tracy's last CD together. This music will endure forever.

It's sad that there is no more.......2005-10-29

I found myself craving Dave Carter music the other day. I turned of course to the cds that i have of his (and Tracy Grammer), Drum Hat Buddha being one of them. These songs still resonate with me today. I guess that they always will. I love his simple yet heartfull way of singing. He's like Bob Dylan in the sense that they prove that one doesn't need a great big voice, or to 'oversing', to sing, and connect. It is such a great blend, Dave's tiny crackly voice with Tracy's big sweet voice. I love it. I love the color, and imagery in all of the songs, but I like most of all the way he puts words and melodies together. They seem like timeless children's songs that somehow are new and fresh....and deep. It's sad that there is no more with Dave Carter's untimely passing a few years ago. He and Tracy were just starting to "get hot", at least in the Folk community. But this cd is a definite keeper, as well as all of the others. I love Tanglewood Tree as well. I still listen to this music years late, and it just proves that his music is sweet and will be forever.

The best CD I own (besides their other two!).......2005-04-24

Roy Kasten (Amazon.com review) has it ALL wrong when he writes about Dave Carter's "clumsy exertion" and "faux Shakespearean syntax" - It is EXACTLY those moments when Carter is playing with language that make all three of his and Tracy Grammer's CDs pulse with life. You can be listening to a song for the 20th time and all of a sudden a phrase like "they would...dip and spin and skate the wind like feathers" (Annie's Lover - W.I.G) or "the sand in your teeth grindin' tiny white diamonds to moments of loss that you cannot explain" (41 Thunderer) hits you and you find yourself with a lump in your throat. And there are a hundred more where those came from. In addition, even beyond the sound of the language, and his deft use of alliteration and onomatopoeia, Carter intentionally merges the sacred with both natural images and profane ones (Gentle Soldier of My Soul/Farewell to Saint Dolores [T.T]), or the mythical with the literal (Merlin's Lament/Lancelot [W.I.G]. I am on my third copy of this CD because I keep wearing it out (and When I Go and Tanglewood Tree are getting just as worn - they are the three CDs that never come out of my car's player). If you love the sound of language, love to play with it and twist and shape it in new ways, then Dave Carter is your man. And kudos to his brave partner, Tracy Grammer, for carrying on his legacy!

If it's possible to have a favorite Dave Carter CD...........2005-01-20

This one's it. What can you say about a collection that includes "Gentle Arms of Eden" which was chosen as a Unitarian hymn, to "41 Thunderer" an anthem to a Colt repeater. It's eclectic, it's amazing, and it's beautiful. Give this CD a listen, but you might as well buy the other two Dave and Tracy CDs along with this one. I guarantee you will be hooked.

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