Excellent
Jim | Salt Lake City, UT USA | 01/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm not very good with words. I have never been moved to review anything. However, this recording touched an inner spark that compels me to comment.I grew up with Gene Autry and his songs, but the memories have long since been relegated to history. When I heard this album, the skill and mastery of Don Edwards performance, along with the talent and skill of those who played with him, brought back the yearnings of a very young man to emulate those heroes of their impressionable years.These songs did indeed put me back in the saddle again. The CD has taken its place among those that I most listen to. Masterful is the word I would use to describe this performance."
Classic Nostalgia & A Work of Art
jamie anderson | 05/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a classic collection of live performances that for me only gets better with each listen. The whole album flows seemlessly in what is a vibrant yet relaxing amalgum of sophisticated sensibility and classic Tin Pan Alley country blues and string band styles of the 30's.I'm a big fan of Don Edwards' albums and this is my equal favorite along with Saddle Songs. (The latter is a wonderful and varied collection of traditional cowboy numbers where you get Don's immense vocal and guitar playing talents in pure unadulterated form.) This CD provides what to me is the best example of cowboy song ensemble work I have ever heard. The recording qualities rank way above any of his Warner albums including the very well recorded West of Yesterday. You get the same core band as on West of Yesterday but get to hear them with the full tonal beauty of their instruments. For example Bob Boatright's beautifully dark and rich fiddle tone and the wonderful sounds as he duets with trumpeter Dave Alexander. For me Bob's solos are deeply affecting and his and Dave's duets are a pure delight. I could go on about the other musicians too but in a nutshell they seem much more relaxed and creative and you can get lost in the depth of musical artistry which envelopes you. The arrangements are more unified and flowing than on West of Yesterday too.Don's vocal work is excellent, as usual, and he really does justice to this celebration of an essential part of the culture of the English speaking world: Gene Autry."