By Ken Paulson
It’s the rare concept album that holds up over multiple editions. Bat Out of Hell III anyone?
One exception was the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Will the Circle Be Unbroken series, which spanned several decades. And now we have the third volume of the 1861 Project, which brings together talented artists to chronicle the Civil War through music.
Franklin, the third volume in this consistently well-done series, focuses on the Battle in Franklin, just south of Nashville. On November 28, the new album – along with selections from the first two editions, will be performed at the Franklin Theater, timed to coincide with the 15oth anniversary of that battle.
Bobby Bare, Kim Richey, Sierra Hull, Maura O’Connell, Peter Cooper, Eric Brace and Irene Kelly are among the talented artists participating in this rare and possibly final performance of the 1861 Project in concert.
Tickets are available online from the Franklin Theater.
Highly recommended.