Guy Mendes
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It's easy to get lost in the emotion that surrounds the destructive practice of mountaintop removal coal mining. But for classically trained cellist Ben Sollee and highly regarded folk singer and song writer Daniel Martin Moore, it's not about preaching to the masses about the suffering of Appalachia. The music of their new album Dear Companion delves far deeper into the culture that is the heart of Appalachia.
Like their ancestors, Sollee and Moore were born and raised in Kentucky. As a result, the issues surrounding mountaintop removal coal mining have shaped their growth as artists. Dear Companion is a heartfelt expression of Appalachian culture presented by two globally aware musicians with deep ties to coal country. Although Moore and Sollee were raised in the more urban parts of the state, both are historically tied to the rural industry that drives the Appalachian economy.
"While I was raised outside of Lexington, my great grandfather and grandfather worked in the mines. In fact, my great grandfather died in the mines," Sollee said.
Sollee first saw fame as a member of the Sparrow Quartet, an acoustic supergroup consisting of Abigail Washburn, Béla Fleck, and violinist Casey Driessen. The group traveled the globe, which allowed Sollee to appreciate the importance of cultural identity. In particular, Sollee learned about the cultures of China and Tibet. These travels allowed Sollee to recognize his own cultural perspective, which has been formed by Appalachia.
Moore traveled with the Peace Corps to Cameroon and worked at a bed and breakfast in Costa Rica before submitting a four song demo tape to Sub Pop Records. After being invited to record some tracks during three sessions in Los Angeles, Moore released Stray Edge. Moore's debut effort was produced by Joe Chiccarelli, who has gained notoriety producing the White Stripes, U2, and the Shins.
After their travels, the two brought globalized perspectives to a local issue that is inextricably linked to their heritage and to their music.
"It's time to start recognizing that we as a nation have asked a lot of Appalachia and Appalachia has always met our needs. Now it's time to say thanks and give them a break," Sollee said.
Moore and Sollee are confused as to why such environmental degradation regularly affects Appalachia.
"If coal was found in the Rockies or the Sierras, full scale mountaintop removal coal mining would never be tolerated, so it's a mystery to me why it's tolerated here in Appalachia," Moore said.
Dear Companion combines deep-seeded emotions provoked by the destruction of a most ancient homescape with the mellow vibes and musically cavernous sounds of two profoundly talented artists. Nonetheless, the album is far from preachy. It's a simple effort to trigger the emotions of the soul.
The name for the album, and for the title track, comes from a book written by a professor at the University of Kentucky, Ron Elder. A photo in that book offers an image of a letter written by a dying coal miner to his wife. As the miner passed in and out of consciousness, he wrote Dear Eleanor over and over again with a coal nugget, which he found in the rubble of the collapsed mine. The image struck a cord in the musicians because it communicated simply the sacrifice and resilience of Appalachia.
Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore perform Dear Companion for a Kentucky radio station.
Dear Companion is a simple and emotional plea. In the end, Sollee and Moore want listeners to understand that actions speak louder than music. They are urging individuals to find value in Appalachia and to take action to preserve this culturally rich area.
For example, consumers can contact their utility companies to determine whether renewable energy options are available in their area. If individuals don't make the simple effort to inform themselves of their options, utilities won't continue to offer them. Instead, the companies will rely on coal. At the end of the day, utility companies look at their bottom line. If people don't request renewable options, they won't be provided.
More on Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining:
Coal Country Music: Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Natalie Merchant, and Friends Lend Their Voices To Document The Leveling of Appalachia
Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris, Big Kenny, and Patty Griffin Headline Upcoming NRDC's Music Saves Mountains Concert
