Original vinyl recording from Betty, now out of print.  A collection of her earliest work, displaying the promise which she was to fulfill with subsequent recordings. The project was begun in 1979 in southwestern Virginia where she had resided for 6 years.  Stretching out over two years time, the mastering was fianlly completed in 1981.   Her skill with words, images and melody is exemplified throughout.

Production may be overdone in some cases, way understated in others.  Two surprising cuts: the title cut itself, "After the Curtain- Noah," and "Anna",  both remain impressive in their arrangements.  Gene Elders' string section on "After" leaves one wondering about their symphonic inclinations here (the underpinnings of such, later partially realized in an obscure "Live Set" a popular public radio series , broadcast from Austin Texas in 1996, where she played newer songs many of which are yet to be recorded, to the sublime accompaniment of an orchestral string section).

An evening with Betty, Gene and any symphony would be ideal, her innately lush melodies and soaring lines gracefully lending themselves to any orchestral setting. And this collection, while not yet fulfilling that potential clearly embraced within, irrefutably demonstrates the ability she truly possesses -- a formidable talent.   This is a must have for the definitive collector.   

In the commercial music realm she remains a true diamond amid, and often obscured by, a heap of cubic zirconia.