Search - Sons of the Pioneers :: Sunset on the Range

Great harmony, wonderful arrangement and orchestration

08/23/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No one who knows anything about music in general or the Sons of the Pioneers in specific would ascribe the selections on this CD to the 1940's. They were recorded during the heyday of this group in the 1950's and '60's. The great Bob Nolan may be present in some of the selections, but the fantastic trio is mostly comprised by Tommy Doss, Lloyd Perryman, and Dale Warren. The featured singer in "High Noon" has a remarkably clear voice, and "KawLiga" of course features dear Pat Brady. "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" regrettably omits the verse, but this is undoubtedly the best recording of their biggest hit(s), "Cool Water" (1941 and '49). Their other hit, "Roomful of Roses" was performed and recorded by many bigname artists of the day. This CD is a must, not only for fans of country/western, but for anyone who loves great harmony performed by a group who obviously loved their profession and one another."

A large sampling of SOP recordings from the 40s

05/21/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With 20 songs, you're sure to find several good choices here. If you do not know the Sons of the Pioneers, this is a good introduction. It starts off with the famous Riders in the Sky (which they did not write - what a surprise!) The CD has no liner notes or documentation, but the music makes up for this dreadful omission. The songs are most certainly done during the 1940s, and include some of their famous chestnuts, including Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Cool Water, etc., but also lots of other good stuff: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain (great guitar work!); Bury Me Not... (more close harmony work); Cheyenne; Oregon Trail; and Ramona. The SOP experimented with cheesy organs and orchestrations, and you'll hear the results in Along the Santa Fe Trail, Room Full of Roses, Yellow Rose of Texas. There are some songs of questionable merit, of course, such as Kaw-liga, Jesse James, and Billy the Kid. But, they are few in number.For strong singing and harmonies, as well as kick-ass musicianship from the Fahr brothers, this is a very good choice."