Search - Sons of San Joaquin :: 15 Years: Retrospective

A perfect introduction to the band

10/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"15 Years is an impeccably selected retrospective of material previously available on the Sons' three major label releases and one of their independent efforts. What it is not is a simple repackaging. Most of the songs seem to have been rerecorded specifically for this release. For instance, Richard Chon is now credited with playing on many tracks that originally featured other fiddlers. I am happy to report that the new versions are on the same level as the original recordings. Since these songs were originally recorded, the Sons have had a chance to play them over and over again in concert, so you can be sure they are even more comfortable with the material now than when they originally recorded it. So, if you're new to the band, don't feel you're getting inferior renditions. And, if you already have their previous releases, you get a chance to hear their new take on familiar material.And, if you *are* new to the band, I can honestly say this is the new best place to start. It's a real good cross-section of what the band is about. I predict most who try it will feel compelled to delve deeper. On that score, I wish the liner notes had indexed the songs to their original albums to make it easier for people to know which additional albums to buy, but I suppose that information can be found with a simple song search.Finally, three previously unreleased songs are included: "UTAH (With One Eye)," "Ghost Riders in the Sky," and "The Legend of Jake Kincaid." These songs complement each other well, as they are all of the haunting, driving, "outlaw" variety of western music. To be honest, it sounds like Jack was channeling Stan Jones on his pair of originals. "Jake Kincaid" is an especially old-fashioned, classic '50s-style western song. Jack doesn't normally write in that vein, so it's a particular treat.Any down sides to this release? Well, I wish they had included "Silver Spurs" and "Something That a Cowboy Knows," songs co-written by Jack Hannah and currently only available on one of their independent label releases. The songs could have reached a wider audience that way. Also, Jack's got a new song about the Alamo--"Where the Very Same Cottonwoods Grow"--that he has recently debuted in their live show. I would have loved that. I believe it was written after this release was in the can, though, and I understand they have plans to release it in some form in the future. I hope we don't wait too long."