Search - David Walburn :: MONTANA - Life Under The Big Sky

Simple beauty

coasteray | 08/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is the acoustic version produced in either 2000 or 2002. The CD says 2003, but other information I've seen says otherwise. Since then, David re-recorded it with a full band sound in 2005. Either version is still simple in feeling, however.



I've had the pleasure of seeing David perform at Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park in July 2004 and August 2006. He plays guitar and harmonica, and controls a slide presentation from the stage to show historical paintings, drawings, and photos, to combine with his storytelling accounts of history and personal adventure. Everything comes so alive when he does all of this, even though his show is truly a one-man operation. Cool.



This CD is a very personal account of Montana via David's life. I don't know what else to say since there is no way to sample the audio on this Amazon page. His style is "country-folk", for lack of a better definition. Friendly and musically easy-to-listen-to, David's portrayals are just fun to hear.



His "Cabin Song" CD is about his experience with two friends in building a dream log cabin in the wilderness of Alaska. Overall, a nice complement to the "Montana" CD. The third CD is his best-known, "Lewis and Clark": West For America", which really brings the Lewis and Clark expedition to life.



A word about David's re-recording of the "Montana" CD. The 2005 version features the same kind of band treatment done on "Cabin Song" and "Lewis and Clark". On the new one, there are two songs missing: "Bear Song", and a reprise of the first song, "Shining Mountains". The new CD features two new songs to replace them: "When the Land Belonged to God", and "Goodnight Montana", both fine songs. The missing "Bear Song" is now on the "Cabin Song" CD, so you don't really lose the song, although the newer version is no longer just acoustic. It is a fun song about being chased by a bear.



For his CD's in general, I appreciate David's artistry on guitar and harmonica, along with the band which features dobro, violin, and drums. It is uncomplicated and very non-commercial. You hear real music. If what I've said sounds appealing, buy this CD. Actually, go to www.davidwalburn.com, and you can hear his music by clicking on the "Products" tab. You get to hear 2-minute long samples on Media Player.



I hope you will enjoy David's music as much as my wife and I , and our friends, have."