Live Music

Folk Artist Offers Tribute to Late Friend and Fellow Performer

By Kirk Siegler, 11-14-05

Oregon singer-songwriter Tracy Grammer’s latest release Flower of Avalon isn’t your average tribute. Sure, all but one song on the album was written by Dave Carter, and all continue in a tradition of smart pop and folk songs. But Flower of Avalon goes further; it’s a deeply personal tribute to Grammer’s former performing and songwriting partner.

Until Dave Carter suffered a fatal heart attack in 2002, at age 49, the folk duo had been rising fast in the national folk scene. Carter and Grammer had released three acclaimed albums on the Signature Sounds label, among them 2000’s Tanglewood Tree, which Montana fans may recall includes the song “Farewell to Bitterroot Valley.�

Carter’s death was obviously devastating to Grammer, and for some time, the classically-trained violinist and guitarist wasn’t sure she’d continue performing. When she did, she was reportedly met with emotional audiences - where it was just hitting home for many that her partner and friend was gone.

“I would say it was that way for the entire first year. But then the second year was entirely different. People were like, ‘OK, we’ve been through the grief door. What’s next? We want to hear what you have to say,� Grammer told the alt-country magazine No Depression last summer.

Indeed Flower of Avalon is a great opportunity for Grammer to speak up. The album is really Grammer’s own take on one of Dave Carter’s first solo albums – and the duo played many of these songs at live shows. Accompanied nicely by her accomplished violin and guitar playing, and Mary Chapin Carpenter on background vocals, Avalon brings Grammer’s soft but rich voice to the much-deserved spotlight.

The Missoula Folklore Society presents Tracy Grammer at the Crystal Theater this Wednesday at eight. Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the door, and are available at Rockin’ Rudy’s in Missoula.

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