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Released on WJRC this compilation of 13 tracks showcases
some of today's top cowboy recording artistes. Don Edwards
starts the ball rolling with a great cowboy number from Marty
Robbins, "Saddle Tramp".
Don is also found on a further three tracks being "Strawberry
Roan", "Dear Old Western
Skies" and joins up with cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell
on "Annie Laurie/Bad Half Hour",
a wonderful mix of song and poetry about a cowpuncher's thoughts
late of night out on the range. Waddie Mitchell also tells an
amusing story of youthful innocence with "Blood
Sweat and Steers".
Sons Of The San Joaquin are found here with three tracks.
The wonderful three-part harmonies ring clear from the stereo
with "Ridin' Easy With The Sun",
"Sing One For The Cowboy"
and the gospel styled "The Lilly Of
The Valley". Tales of whaling ships, cattle drives
and railroad corrals are told by David Wilkie & Cowboy
Celtic offering a fife-driven traditional fusion of "Bonnie
Dundee/Farewell Tae Tarwathie/The Railroad Corral".
Rich O'Brien changes the mood showing off his guitar
playing talent with instrumentals such as "Flop
Eared Mule" where he is joined by Norman Blake and
again on the nostalgic "There's An
Old Spinning Wheel (In The Parlour)". A little Texas
jazz sneaks into this splendid gathering with Tom Morrell and
The Time Warp Tophands offering a lively digression; "Curtain
Call".
I believe that Shenandoah was an Indian chief and the
Shenandoah River was called after him. Found here we find a slow
emotive rendition of the traditional song "Shenandoah"
by the group Cowboy Nation. On The Trail
(Songs Of The American West) is a fine introduction to
the diversity of modern day cowboy music and performers. An
excellent album for the lovers of fine discriminating tastes. |
