The 1998 deaths of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry focused new attention on a much-forgotten subgenre of country music: cowboy songs. This release by the Sons of the San Joaquin may benefit from this renewed interest, but the So... more »ns are no Johnny-come-latelies; they've been making this style of music for years, perfecting the same vocal harmonies and simple acoustic nuances that make these songs such perennial favorites. Lyrics embrace the hard and lonesome life of the archetypical cowboy--cattle drives, "Injun" encounters, and the "unwritten code of the West"--as well as the tough reality of that lifestyle's slow death. It's a smooth ride with expert guides, so sit back and enjoy the sunset. --Alexandra Russell« less
The 1998 deaths of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry focused new attention on a much-forgotten subgenre of country music: cowboy songs. This release by the Sons of the San Joaquin may benefit from this renewed interest, but the Sons are no Johnny-come-latelies; they've been making this style of music for years, perfecting the same vocal harmonies and simple acoustic nuances that make these songs such perennial favorites. Lyrics embrace the hard and lonesome life of the archetypical cowboy--cattle drives, "Injun" encounters, and the "unwritten code of the West"--as well as the tough reality of that lifestyle's slow death. It's a smooth ride with expert guides, so sit back and enjoy the sunset. --Alexandra Russell
"Having been a fan on the Sons of the San Joaquin for a long time this cd has again shown me that Lon, Joe, and Jack are the finest of vocal artist today. The blend of their voices are so rich and smooth. The lyrics in this cd as in past cd's paint vivid images in my mind and send me on a mini vacation with every song. Some of the songs I laugh at, some I cry but all are special."
Horses, Cattle & Coyotes
Oscar J Sikes | Leonia, New Jersey United States | 12/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the Sons' finest efforts, differing from their earliest CDs in that most of the compositions on this one are originals. These fellows have a unique sound. They received praise from Roy Rogers who was pleased that they were continuing the tradition of fine Western harmony and solos, begun by his Sons of the Pioneers many years earlier. The San Joaquin boys grew up on the music of the Pioneers, but have now added their own wonderful (award-winning) compositions to the library of great Western music. A prime example is "He's Running Out of Round-ups" on this CD. But I was also glad to see them include Michael Martin Murphey's "Land of Enchantment", too (listen to the sample!). This CD's a winner!"
Let your imagination go!
Gary McLaughlin | Raymond, CA United States | 12/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not only are Jack, Joe and Lonnie about the nicest guys you'd ever want to rope and ride with, but their music.......well, if you're out drivin in the country, just pop one of their cd's or tapes in the player, and imagine that it's a hundred years ago! Their music is pure, unadulerated pleasure. Likely you might even have to buy another copy cause you'll wear yours out, and for sure you'll want to give these guys to your friends, cause we all have a little cowboy in us!"
For Cowboys at Heart
William M. Brewer | Jacksonville, Florida USA | 10/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If growing up with all of the old singing cowboys of the silver screen and then spending 20 years cowboy'n out in Wyoming makes me any kind of a judge, I'd have to say these singers catch the true spirit of the west. If you're my age, 65, and 'Running out of Roundups', doesn't bring a lump to your throat, you better go back to Rock and Roll."
Wonderful
William Lucking | Tulsa, OK United States | 01/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My favorite music is classic italian tenors. San Joaquin's rich harmonies, strong clear voices, and choice of songs make this a recording one I enjoy over and over."