DESCRIPTION:
Kathy Mattea decided to record this album after the horrible 2006 Sago Mine disaster which left 12 men dead. Internal memos were leaked showing the company decided to keep the mines open after safety violations instead of fixing the problem, based on money. It was cheaper to pay the relatives of the future dead than to close the mines for needed repairs.This is Jean Ritchie's "Blue Diamond Mines" from Mattea's "Coal" album. A stellar backup group: John Catchings - Cello, Bill Cooley - Acoustic Guitar, Stuart Duncan - Banjo, Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Mandocello, Eric Fritsch - Hammond B3, Main Personnel, Organ (Hammond), Byron House - Bass (Upright), Randy Leago - Accordion, Piano, Patty Loveless - Vocal Harmony, Vocals (Background), Kathy Mattea - Acoustic Guitar, Primary Artist, Vocals, Fred Newell - Bass (Upright), Pedal Steel, Mollie O'Brien - Vocal Harmony, Vocals (Background), Tim O'Brien - Vocal Harmony, Vocals (Background), Marty Stuart - Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Mandocello, Mandolin, Background Vocals,