Various Artists: Will The Circle Be Unbroken Vol. 3 : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's first Will the Circle Be Unbroken album from 1972 might be country-rock's most famed cross-pollination -- the group recorded with numerous country legends spanning different generations. This is their third visit to the concept (a second volume appeared in 1989), with four Dirt Band members who appeared on the 1972 album still aboard. It's not as much a Dirt Band album as one in which the group serves as the house band. An all-star cast of country and folk musicians take guest lead vocals, including Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Taj Mahal, Tom Petty and Dwight Yoakam, while various bluegrass virtuosos are featured on instrumental showcases. Unlike many such endeavors with a sprawling cast, Vol. III is humble and down-home. The energy flows with a breezy ease on this well-executed double CD of traditional and contemporary tunes, even though it's more likable than innovative.

RICHIE UNTERBERGER)
(October 1, 2002)