Search - Rex Allen, Don Edwards :: Pair to Draw to

Characterful Cowboys

jamie anderson | 08/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of feel-good and gently nostalgic cowboy songs highlights the voices of 2 excellent singers in duo. Uncluttered musical accompaniment, which is mostly fairly quiet in the sound mix, allows us to fully appreciate their richness. Having never heard Rex Allen before, boy was I in for a treat. His expressiveness while producing such low notes adds a unique flavour to his singing-storytelling artistry. And Don, my favorite (living) cowboy singer masterfully expesses his own personality and lyrical skills. Together, their interaction makes for quite an engaging listen. Having only first met when recording this CD they sound like two old friends having a relaxed good time together. (Reminds me of Chet Atkins & Jerry Reed playing guitar duos, a similar "feel".)With no mediocre cuts and a varied selection of high quality songs, the album gently grabs your interest and keeps it to the end. Some songs refer to old friends, including actual cowboy singers and horses, who have passed away. This makes the CD especially poignant as Rex Allen tragically died in an accident only months after the recording session. Although sad on learning this I'm thankful this wonderful album happened as it's now my most cherished.If you like what you hear in the sound samples, I think you might love this CD!"

A Winning Hand

Richard A. See | Pennington, Texas USA | 12/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This pair beats any hand in the house. It is a winner from the word go.Treat yourself too two of finest "western" singers that ever graced a recording studio. Don Edward and Rex Allen together have given us a real treat. This might have been Rex's last recording but he left behind a beautiful legacy....great music.Don does his usual outstanding job and Rex......is well....just plain Rex.......what more could a man or woman ask for.I would love to hear Don do some "dub over duets" on some of Rex's old songs, they did sound so natural together."

Four and half stars

Michelle Sundin, writer | Fort Klamath, Oregon | 01/20/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is excellent - with a legend and soon-to-be legend meeting to sing some of the best of Western music, throwing in an old standard or two along the way. Don Edwards is a perfect choice for the duets and is a wonderful performer and gentleman in his own right. One thing is certain - they don't make 'em like Rex Allen anymore! Could that man ever hit the highs and plumb the depths of each note! Longtime friends and backup band, the Reinsmen, lend their fine voices for an almost subtle accompaniment on many of the songs. The liner's photos are wonderful and especially poignant.My two objections to giving this a 5 star rating: the final mixing of the tracks is a bit heavy-handed in places and gives some of the songs an over-produced sound and feel.
The liner notes have quite a few unnecessary errors in spelling and credits.
But the music is what is important and you will enjoy it in spite of the technicalities.

The album was recorded a couple years before Rex's death, but due to production problems, wasn't released until shortly before. Overall, it's a warm and loving tribute and you'll want to just sit back and enjoy two of the finest voices ever to sing a Western song - the Arizona Cowboy and the Texas Troubadour. Thanks Rex and Don, you're Five Stars all the way!"