This gem was recorded in a South Austin garage with an old Peavey p.a. system, and originally relased on cassette!  Proof that true creative ability cannot be constrained by a lack of materials.  The essentials were in place----great songs, great musicians, great ears (engineering, production)

The title cut, "Daddy's Coal," is timeless and startling in its profundity.  Betty's and Hal Ketchum's vocals soar as effortlessly and majestically above a lyrical but sparse acoustic bed (Betty's guitar, John Hagen's cello), in the same way the symbolic eagle of her song soars upon the wind.  This song is as much a triumphant testimonial to a child's love for parent as it is a memorial to innocence lost by an entire Viet Nam War generation.

The memory of such loss is simply and tenderly expressed in the traditional, "A Drifter's Prayer"  --- perfect portrait of a loss of faith.   A soul with its tether cut.

Everyman's song.

The prophetic "Jericho" expounds on the lack of true virtue displayed by TV evangelism and the anthemic "Pilgrim" close the too-short collection,  proving once again that one can indeed make much with little.

Note: the CD version contins a bonus gem: a raw living room recording of Betty and Gene's performance of "Two Hearts Together, Three-Quarter Time."

Very collectible.
 

(Musicians include Gene Elders, Paul Glasse, Hal Ketchum, John Hagen, and many more)

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