New in 2006: Cowboy Poetry books
Esteemed South Dakota poet Elizabeth Ebert's new book, Prairie Wife, includes 130 new poems. The book's endorsements by two other respected poets, friends, and ranch folk speak volumes about her and her work. Montana "poet, picker, and cowhand" DW Groethe comments:
Elizabeth Ebert, truly, is one of the few in the "cowboy poetry" world that has lived the life they write about. Her poems, from the humorous to the downright heartbreaking, have an intimacy that can only be found by having been there. When she speaks, words dance. You want to know what life out here is really all about? Read Elizabeth's poems. You will never regret it. She has taken our thoughts and given them say.
Award-winning poet Yvonne Hollenbeck, who ranches with her husband in South Dakota writes, in part:
...Known in the western entertainment world as "the grand dame of cowboy poetry," Elizabeth has an eloquent style of writing about a lifestyle that most everyone, especially those of us living on ranches, understands and identifies with. Her choice of words and perfect meter have set a standard for modern day cowboy poets...
Married 60 years, Elizabeth Ebert and her husband S. J. still live on their original place near Thunder Hawk, South Dakota. Read more about the book and see the contents list here in our feature about Elizabeth Ebert.
Prairie Wife, illustrated by Elizabeth Ebert's granddaughter Jodie Ebert, is available for $15, plus $3 postage for one or two copies, from Elizabeth Ebert, 10930 208th Ave., Lemmon, SD 57638.
Posted 12/18
Ken Whitecotton's second book of poetry, As Twisted as Bob Wire, published by Cowboy Miner, is now available. See the complete contents list here. The book has 104 poems and 3 stories, and 182 pages, and includes illustrations by Ken, his brother Terry Whitecotton, and Cliff Baser. The front cover illustration is by Ken.As Twisted as Bob Wire is available for $18 postpaid from Ken Whitecotton's web site: www.thelazyo.com (and both As Twisted as Bob Wire and his previous Tall Tails from the Lazy O are available together for $28 from the web site).
Posted 11/30
Baxter Black's
book, Blazin' Bloats & Cows on Fire! or
It's Hard to Blow Out a Holstein,
a "collection of tall tales and poems about the real life of
cowboys in the 21st century." From the inside flap: "Blazin'
Bloats features tales of intrigue, adventure, collisions, cows,
cowboys, dogs, chickens, alpacas, and even Lebkuchens. Here you will
find answers to questions like: "How did that fella set his hat
on fire?" "What is the penalty for cow dancing?"
"Why does America need cowboys?" It is cowboy
enlightenment with heavy bouts of laughter!" Visit Baxter's
web site, www.BaxterBlack.com.
Posted 11/2
The long awaited Singin' Sam Agins - Ramblers Notebook, is now
available from Cowboy Miner Productions. As the publisher describes, "Best
known as a cowboy folksinger and poet, Singin' Sam Agins dedicated his life
to the preservation of the songs, stories, humor, poetry, and crafts that
define the cowboy and the American West." See our feature on
Singin' Sam Agins here, and read more about the
book at the Cowboy Miner
Productions site and at the Singin'
Sam Agins web
site.
Posted 9/15
Popular British Columbia poet and rancher Mike Puhallo's
sixth book, Rhymes and Damn Lies, is now available. Mike
is a sort of poetic troubadour, roaming the contemporary Western
landscape and turning his observations into verse: seasons, ranching
challenges, cattle, fires, wildlife, city folks, holidays, friends, and
the like. Many of those pieces find their way into his weekly
"Meadow Muffins," which are carried by a number of newspapers
and electronic outlets, and this book includes some of the best of those
pieces. The poems in this book celebrate his gift: getting a
story across in a few lines, usually with a fine balance of wit and
wisdom.
Mike is firmly rooted in place, and the poems in this book also include diverse tributes to individuals and to his area's history, including legendary 1930's native hockey players of the Cariboo, rodeo greats (including a moving tribute in prose and poetry to Kenny McLean), famous poets, and regional pioneers. There are also pieces that comment on current events and politics, poking at both sides of the Medicine Line (Mike likes to quote Will Rogers, "I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."). And no doubt, there are a few "damn lies" in those and other poems.
Mike is the President of the British Columbia Cowboy Heritage Society ( http://www.bcchs.com), sponsors of the Kamloops Cowboy Festival, held each March. Mike has a few rhymes about that event, as well as one about Elko. The last verses of that poem are typical of his writing:
...
Then twenty years ago some poets
gathered here to swap some lies,
And Elko started drawing crowds
like "you know what" draws flies.Now the place is booming,
'though the mines are still shut down.
It's where cowboy poets walk like kings
because their BS saved the town!
See the book's entire contents list here.
This is Mike's fourth collaboration with top cartoonist Wendy Liddle. Rhymes and Damn Lies, (softcover) is available for $9.95 postpaid (US or Canada) from Mike's web site, www.twilightranch.com; by mail from Mike Puhallo, 8584 Westsyde Rd, Kamloops, BC, V2B 8S3, (250) 579-5667, mikepuhallo@direct.ca; and from the publisher, Hancock House, http://www.hancockhouse.com, 1-800-938-1114.
Posted 7/27
Bruce Satta
has a new book, A Corner of Heaven, with a foreword by Jim
Thompson. From the book's description: "From 1870's trail driver to
modern ranch hand, the author has taken on many voices to create this
collection of cowboy poetry. Though varied in form and covering a wide range
of scenarios, the 44 poems all share characteristics of classic cowboy poetry:
tight rhyme and meter." A Corner of Heaven is available for
$9.99 plus shipping and handling (media mail, $2.48, priority, $5.76). You can
see more about the book here
and order the book, and you can also order
directly from Bruce Satta, 2234 Olde Sawmill Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016
Posted 7/6
Glen
Enloe
has a new book of poetry, When
Cowboys Rode Away, with foreword by Rod Nichols
and and afterword by Hal
Swift. From the back cover,
"When Cowboys Rode Away brings the Old West vividly back to life, pays
homage to old western movies and relates the trials of modern ranchers. In
these poems you'll sense a cultural loss, a yearning for what has gone out
of our lives, a loss of the very codes that once were the foundation of the
West and America itself. When Cowboys Rode Away carries the hope that when
cowboys do ride back into our lives, we will be ready to saddle up and ride
off with them to greener ranges where everyone is free as earth's wild
wind." When Cowboys Rode Away is available from www.bbotw.com
and for $10 postpaid from Glen Enloe, 805 N. Tepee Drive, Independence,
Missouri 64056.
Posted 6/15
Ken
Whitecotton's book, Tall Tails from the Lazy O,
published by Cowboy Miner, includes
60 stories and poems. See the complete contents list here.
Tall Tails from the Lazy O is available for $20 postpaid from
Ken Whitecotton's web site http://www.thelazyo.com/.
Posted 6/5
Dee
Strickland Johnson ("Buckshot Dot") has a new book, Arizona
Women—Weird,
Wild and Wonderful, that tells the stories—in
verse, and with her striking illustrations—of
Josie Earp, Big Nose Kate, Nellie Cashman,
The premiere presentation
of the book will be at the West
Arizona Women--Weird, Wild and Wonderful (softcover) is available for $22.45 postpaid, available from her website, www.buckshotdot.com; by mail from Dee Strickland Johnson, HC 3 Box 593-F, Payson, AZ 85541; and from the publisher, the respected Cowboy Miner Productions, www.cowboyminer.com.
Posted 3/24
South Dakota rancher, writer, and poet Robert
"Jinglebob" Dennis has a new book, Ranchers,
Rounders & Ropers. The book, with a foreword by Cowboy
Magazine editor Darrell Arnold, is a
collection of his mostly-humorous short stories about cowboys and ranchers,
and includes some of his recent poems. Read more about the book here,
including the "money-back guarantee." Ranchers, Rounders,
& Ropers is available for $15 postage paid from: Robert Dennis, 17410
Indian Crk Rd, Red Owl, SD 57787 (605-985-5419).
Posted 3/22
"
Doc Barsaleau put himself through veterinary school working cattle, putting up hay, and schooling horses. Once his practice was established, he became involved with fitness training for long-distance riding, and now serves on the Western States Trail Foundation Board of Directors. He's held judge's cards with the American Horse Shows Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Paint, Pinto, Appaloosa, Palomino, and Morgan Horse Associations, and has judged Hunters, Jumpers, English and Western Pleasure Driving as well as three Equitation Divisions. Doc writes, "I have been a student of the horse for 75 years and I am still learning."
Proceeds from the sale of View From Riders' Rest go to the Robie Foundation, directed to the maintenance and preservation of the Barsaleau Pavilion at Robie Equestrian Park (the start of the Tevis Cup Ride and a staging area for trail riding in the High Sierra).
View From Riders' Rest was printed by Auburn Printers and is available for $18.25 postpaid from the Robie Foundation, PO Box 6713, Auburn, CA 95604.
Posted 1/26
New in 2006: Cowboy Poetry recordings,
CDs and DVDs
South Dakota rancher Ken Cook—invited to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in January, 2007—has a new CD of with twelve of his original cowboy poems, I'm Gonna Be a Cowboy. See the entire track list here, and visit Ken's web site, where you can listen to selected tracks and order. Read some of his poetry here at the BAR-D and on his web site. I'm Gonna Be a Cowboy is available for $12 postpaid from Ken Cook, 23154 Teal Lane, Martin, SD 57551-6601; (605) 685-6749.
Posted 12/11
Collisions of Reckless Love is described by the producers, "Within and throughout this keenly arranged and choreographed troupe, poetry integrates and interacts with music in fresh and engaging ways, as Paul demonstrates yet again that all poets—Cowboy" or otherwise—are, first and foremost, human being poets writing about living and dying on Planet Earth. (And sometimes beyond.)..." Of Rock 'n' Rowel, they say, "...Metaphorically put, Charles Badger Clark crosses trails with George Carlin and "Deadwood's" Calamity Jane. Go ahead—eavesdrop on the banter and antics of their colorful romp, to a backdrop of dancehall piano, rodeo organ, speak-easy saxophone and roadhouse cello and drums."
We're pleased to have selections from each and more of Paul's poetry in our feature about him here.
The
Collisions of Reckless Love and Rock 'n' Rowel
CDs, produced by Open
Path Music, are available
exclusively at The
Western
Folklife Center
for $15.99 each plus shipping and handling. CDs
can also be ordered online at www.westernfolklife.org
or phone 775-738-7508, ext 2.
Posted 12/5
Created in 2005 from existing tapes, Sunny
includes some of the best-loved recitations by
Sunny
Hancock (1931-2003) of his poems
and those by Bruce Kiskaddon, Howard Parker,
J. W.
Beeson, and Wallace
McRae (see the entire track list here). Sunny
is available for $18 postpaid.
Also available: Alice Hancock's often-requested recitations, Rindercella and the Bugly Itches and Gir Salahad ($13 postpaid)
Order CDs from: Alice Hancock, 93509 Leehmann Lane, Lakeview, OR 97630.
Read more about both CDs and read about Sunny Hancock and some of his poetry in our feature here.
Posted 11/13
Yvonne Hollenbeck
has released her first solo CD in several years, What
Would Martha Do? and other poems. There
are 14 original poems by Yvonne
Hollenbeck, including the title track, which was named "the most popular
cowboy poem of 2005" by Western Music Association (WMA) disk jockeys.
Beginning with the first track, "A Plain Ol' Ranchwife," and
throughout, she presents engaging
poems that come from life she shares with her husband Glen--who she credits as
"the cowboy behind the poetry"--on their South Dakota ranch.
Yvonne is one of today's top performers, featured at the top gatherings across the country, including the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and named the Academy of Western Artists' Top Female Poet in 2005. She's the only two-time winner of the Will Rogers Medallion Award (for her books, From My Window and Where Prairie Flowers Bloom).
Most of the poems include her signature humor, with a working ranch woman's realistic view of ranching life, including such poems as "Sorting Time" and "Dining Out." There are serious and touching poems as well, poems that honor the past and the women who came before her, such as "That Old Comfort Range," and poems about more serious life events, such as "Putting Down Old Red."
Throughout, the background music by Rich O'Brien, who also produced the CD, enhances each piece, and the quality reflects the entire package. Paulette S. Tcherkassky provided the graphics, and the CD design-- from the wide view of the Hollenbeck's ranch on the prairie with the poems' notes to the cover that spoofs Martha Stewart's style-- all adds to the enjoyment and professional presentation of the whole project.
The final cut, "Nature's Church," is an extraordinary, moving piece, accompanied by Texas singer and songwriter Jean Prescott's rendition of the perfectly-matched hymn, "In the Garden." The track gives the deepest insight into what it means to be "a plain ol' ranchwife." Its uplifting message goes to the core of what is valued by those who live the uncommon, challenging, and rewarding life of ranching.
View the track list and more about the CD here.
What Would Martha Do? and other poems is available for $18 postpaid from: Yvonne Hollenbeck - 30549 291st Street, Clearfield, South Dakota 57580 - 605/557-3559 email, www.YvonneHollenbeck.com.
Posted 10/16
Slim
McNaught
has a new CD, A
Life of Rhyme, with 14 of his original poems. Slim describes
the CD as, "For all of us old enough to remember how much fun we had
pretending when we were kids...until that mythical time some people call
Retirement." See the track list here.
Visit Slim's site
for more about his books, his poetry, and his custom leatherwork. Read
some of his poetry here
at the BAR-D. A Life of Rhyme is available for
$15 postpaid directly from Slim's
web site or by mail: Slim McNaught, P.O. Box 274, New Underwood, SD
57761.
Posted 10/2
Texas
poet Monty Teel has a new CD of cowboy church poetry, Lord, You
Are So Awesome. The CD includes Monty Teel's original poetry and
poems by Lanny Joe Burnett and Teresa Burleson. Lord,
You Are So Awesome is available for $20, postpaid. Read more about it at
Monty Teel's web site, where you can also order the CD: www.MontyTeel.com.
Monty has also produced a book with his mother, Grace Teel, My Cowboy and Pioneer Heritage, with a focus on many generations of their Teel, Miller, Moncrief, Phillips, and Wilbanks ancestors. The book is described on his web site, "This 200 page hardcover book contains colored pictures where available and black and white pictures back to the 1880's...The book contains stories, poems, and pictures archiving the cowboys and pioneers in his heritage." My Cowboy and Pioneer Heritage is available for $50, postpaid. Read more about it at Monty Teel's web site, where you can also order the book: www.MontyTeel.com.
Posted 9/15
Diane
Tribitt, just back from an impressive showing at the Cowboy Poetry
Rodeo, where she won a silver buckle as top Poet in the Serious
Poetry division, has a new CD, Trail Mix. The CD includes
7 original poems, including her award-winning poem, "Tribute to a
Cowboy"; commentary; and a song by Will Dudley (see the entire
track list here). Her book by the same
name is due out this fall. Trail Mix is available for $15
postpaid by email Tribitt@brainerd.net,
phone 888-410-7774, or by mail by check or money order to Diane
Tribitt, 38034 193rd Street, Hillman, MN 56338
Posted 9/13
Mike
Moutoux has a new CD, Headin'
Home, which includes 15 original poems (see the track list here).
Headin' Home is available for $15 postpaid from Mike
Moutoux, P.O. Box 53114, Pinos
Altos, NM 88053.
Posted 8/3
Posted 7/19
The included biographical film, The Miracle of Peggy Godfrey, tells the story of her hard-fought ranching career, through striking images and her own voice, in stories and poetry. It is further told through commentary from local rancher Skip Crowe, who hires her on, reluctantly at first; by a client of her Ewe-Mow Lawn Service ("not a baaaad deal"); by retired clergyman Thomas Ehrhardt; and by a friend who receives a special gift, a certain miracle. The film delves deeply into "the miracle" of the impressive and irrepressible Peggy Godfrey. Her courage, faith, devotion to principle, and endless energy are brought out in surprising and moving ways. The film is accompanied by music and voiceovers by Jon Chandler.
Other features on the DVD include additional separate sections with Peggy's recitations of twelve of her poems, more from rancher Skip Crowe, and an interesting collection of outtakes. (See our feature here.)
The DVD's regular price is $23.95, but it is available for a limited time for $13.95 postpaid to CowboyPoetry.com visitors. Visit the Mountain Magazine web site for more, including on-line ordering information (include the word "Molly" in the ordering instructions to be eligible for the discount). The DVD is also available by mail from: Kent Gunnufson, 8826 E. Florida Ave., G-6, Denver, CO 80347.
Posted 7/19
Oklahoma cowboy humorist, storyteller,
poet, rancher, photographer, and renowned chuckwagon cook Kent
Rollins has a new CD, Kent
Rollins Live in Branson. The recording has nine stories,
including his classic "Ben Hur," and three poems, including
his poem about his father, "Horseshoes
and Heaven." Kent dedicates the CD to his mother, and says in
part, "She taught me if you can't laugh at life as you go through
it, you might not make it."
Kent's photo, "Ridin' Out," was the 2005 Cowboy Poetry Week poster and the subject for an Art Spur project.
Read more about Kent here. Kent Rollins Live in Branson is available for $17 postpaid from Kent Rollins, Rt. 1 Box 318, Hollis, OK 73550 www.KentRollins.com.
Posted 6/22
Jack Sammon
has a new CD, Those Droving Days, with
8 of his original poems about life on the Australian Outback, his droving
experiences, and his coal mining work. See the track
list and read some of his poetry here
at the BAR-D and at his web site.
Those Droving Days is available for $17 postpaid. Send U. S.
orders c/o Sam Dawson
PO Box 387, Valley View, TX 76272. There's additional order
information at Jack Sammon's web
site.
Posted 5/18
Neal Torrey has two new poetry CDs, Oh,
Bury Me Not, which he describes, "features the Legend of
Elmer McCurdy, the outlaw whose career went on 66 years after he was shot
and killed by a Sheriff's posse in 1911. The rest of the poems on
that CD are true happenings of the Old West, or at least they were told to
me as being true, and I believed them," and Pounding Leather,
which he says, "...has some of my cowboy poems that I created from
scratch. These are cowboy tales, some true, some that might be true, some
that if they are not true, ought to be, and others not to be believed
under any circumstances. These cowboy poems have some music and sound
effects with them, and are a little out of the ordinary for cowboy
poetry."
Both CDs were recorded at Eli Barsi's Rockin' BAR C Studios, and she performs on a track on each of the CDs. See the track lists and more here. Each CD is available for $15 plus $2 postage (or both for $25) from: Neal R. Torrey, 665 N. Lemmon Ave., Bolivar, MO 65613.
Posted 4/12
Michael
Whitaker
has a new CD, The Long
Gravel Road, which includes 17 original poems and a piece by Skip
Gorman. See the complete track list here
and read one of the poems, and read more at Michael
Whitaker's web site. The
Long Gravel Road is available for $12 postpaid from
Mike Whitaker, 12757 Pioneer Way E, Buckley, WA 98321; windyword@msn.com.
Posted 4/3
Ken Cook's poetry comes from his South
Dakota ranch life. His new CD. "Dad,
we'll rope today" includes 12 original poems, stories
about his work and his family. The sincere poems are often humorous, and
it is obvious that Ken means it when he comments on the CD cover, "Hope you enjoy the CD as much as I enjoyed
living what's on it." See the track list, read the title poem, and more
about Ken Cook here. "Dad, we'll rope
today" is available for $12.00 postpaid from
Ken Cook, 23154 Teal Lane, Martin, SD 57551-6601; (605) 685-6749;
www.kencookcowboypoet.com.
Posted 3/31
Jane Morton's new CD, Turning
to Face the Wind, includes 19 tracks of her original
poetry, tales that chronicle her family's Colorado ranching roots. The
poems are from her book, Cowboy Poetry: Turning to Face the
Wind,
recipient of the Will
Rogers Medallion Award, the Fred Olds Poetry Award from Westerners
International, and
a Willa
Literary Award finalist. Poems are accompanied by music
composed and played by Wayne Richardson (www.waynerichardson.com).
Jane Morton's poem "Yoo-hoo," which is included on her new CD, is a part of The BAR-D Roundup. See the complete track list for Turning to Face the Wind here, where you can also read some of the included poems.
Turning to Face the Wind is available from Jane Morton for $18 postpaid. For orders, contact Jane Morton by email.
Posted 3/27
Colorado poet and musician Al Mehl has a new
CD of his original poetry, Cowboy Pottery, which includes 14
poems and original guitar interludes between each. Al also has a CD of his
original music, The Asphalt Cowboy. Each CD is $18 postpaid;
you can purchase both for $30; buy five and get one free. Order from:
Al Mehl, 5656 Cascade Place, Boulder, Colorado 80303. Read more
about Al, read one of his poems, and find more about his CDs and ordering
details here.
Posted 3/1
Named
Academy of Western Artists' (AWA)
Best Cowboy Poetry Recording
2006
Read our review
of past Lariat Laureate Jay
Snider's recent CD, Of Horses and Men.
Previously, we wrote:
Past Lariat Laureate Jay Snider has a new CD, Of Horses and Men, with 15 tracks of his original poetry. Jay has earned praise from all quarters, including top poet Pat Richardson, who says, "Jay Snider is the real deal. He seems to have it all: the ability to write good poems, he knows what cowboying is all about, and can recite it with the best of them. If you find a cowboy better at any of those three, I'd like to meet him.” Jay, who has appeared at gatherings across the country, was a top winner at the Cowboy Poetry Rodeo for two years running, and has been invited to the 2006 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko (January 28-February 4, 2006). The CD is available for $19 postpaid from Jay Snider, Route 1, Box 167, Cyril, Oklahoma 73029.
Read more about Jay and some of his poetry here and at his web site. Read our review here.
Posted 2/14
Award-winning reciter Dick Morton 's
new CD, Cowboy Classics,
includes his recitations of poems by S. Omar
Barker, Bruce Kiskaddon, E. A. Brininstool,
Henry
Herbert Knibbs, and Charles Badger Clark, and
others. Noted musicians and music historians Mark L. Gardner and Rex
Rideout (collaborators on the new Jack Thorp's Songs
of the Cowboys book and recording) back up the 15 tracks in a fine
marriage of music and poetry. Dick Morton, who has performed at
gatherings across the West, took home the championship buckle as the top
serious reciter at the 2005 Cowboy Poetry Rodeo. See
the entire Cowboy Classics track list here.
Cowboy Classics is available for $15 postpaid. Order via e-mail to dickandjane2@earthlink.net or by mail to: Dick Morton, 7961 E. Natal Ave., Mesa, AZ 85209 (Oct.-April) -- 12710 Abert Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (April-October). Dick says, "Include your name, mailing address, phone number, check or money order. Orders will be filled 'post haste.'"
Posted 2/10
J. D. Seibert's new CD, Rangeland
Rhymes & Prairie Poems, includes 10 of his original
poems. The CD is available for $15 postpaid from: J.
D. Seibert, 28079 Croco Place, Canyon Country, CA
91387, (661) 251-9514, joshdseibert@yahoo.com
Posted 1/26
Posted 1/20
A compilation recording of cowboy poetry, The BAR-D Roundup, is released each year during Cowboy Poetry Week. The CDs are offered to rural libraries, along with the Cowboy Poetry Week poster, in the Center's important outreach program, the Rural Library Project, an important part of our mission to promote and preserve our Western heritage and to serve rural populations; offered to Center supporters; and are sold to help support the Center's programs.
The BAR-D Roundup (2006) is a compilation of contemporary recordings of some of today's best classic and contemporary cowboy poetry. It includes Texas Poet Laureate Red Steagall's "Born to this Land"; Buck Ramsey’s first recording of "Anthem"; “What’s Become of the Punchers?” by Jack Thorp, America’s first collector of cowboy music and poetry, recited by Mark L. Gardner; "The Greatest Sport," by the well-loved octogenarian poet and working cowboy, Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee Georgie Sicking; "What Would Martha Do?," by Yvonne Hollenbeck, named "the most popular cowboy poem of 2005"; treasures from two masters, lost recently, and too soon: "Johnny Clare," by Larry McWhorter and "Change on the Range," by Sunny Hancock, recited by Chris Isaacs; and many other selections from contemporary poets reciting their own works and the classics.
Read more and find order information here.
New in 2006: Mixed Cowboy Poetry and Music Recordings
Named
Academy of Western Artists' (AWA)
Best Western Music Recording
2006
Cellist Christine Hanson has an extraordinary new CD, The Cremation of Sam McGee, on which she and a 9-piece ensemble bring Robert Service's famous poem alive in an expressive, captivating performance. The original live performance in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2005 was praised by Rob Adams of the Glasgow Herald, "A brilliantly atmospheric travelogue in music, words and pictures, Christine Hanson's Sam McGee presentation celebrates both the Scottish birthplace of Yukon poet Robert W. Service and his greatest creation, the irascible, ill-fated and fascinating Sam McGee."
Singer and songwriter Michael Marra narrates the poem throughout the first part of the 70-minute CD, which also includes an additional all-instrumental presentation of the music. Other musicians include fiddlers Bruce MacGregor and Sidan O'Rourke, Kevin Murphy on guitar and mandolin, Rick Taylor on trombone, Kevin McGuire on bass, Brian McAlpine on piano and accordion, and James Mackintosh on percussion.
Originally from Alberta, Hanson moved to the British Isles several years ago. A commission from the New Voices project of the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow (she was the first non-Scot to receive a commission) gave her the opportunity to create The Cremation of Sam McGee. Read a June, 2006 Edmonton Journal article, "Cellist wins praise for adaptation of Service poem" by Roger Levesque for more about Christine Hanson and her work. (See our feature on Robert Service here, including the poem, The Cremation of Sam McGee).
Christine Hanson's The Creation of Sam McGee is available for $21.99 US postpaid, from Christine Hanson's web site: www.christinehanson.com; info@christinehanson.com. Visit Christine Hanson's MySpace site: www.myspace.com/christineantoinette.
Updated 8/3/07
Jim John
and Charlie MacCoy have a new CD, On
the Trail, with 8 songs and two original poems by Jim John.
There are eight songs and two poems including the old standards "Red
River Valley" and "Streets of Laredo"' songs by Jim and
Charlie, including "The Spirit of the Cowboy," "A Long Way to
Go," "Dancin' in Delano," "There's Church and There's
Church"; a song by Charlie, "Thank You, Jesus"; and a special
song from a poem by Linda Rowe with music by Charlie called "Huntsville
Lament." The CD is rounded out with two poems by Jim, "The
Horse," and "A Wanderin' Man" (featuring music and
accompaniment by Charlie). See the contents list here.
On the Trail is available for $13.00 postpaid from Jim John,
7603 E. Morris, Wichita, KS 67207. For each CD sold, $1.00 is contributed to
Episcopal Social Services at Venture House - www.esswichita.org.
Posted 6/8
Jim
Cardwell's new CD, A Son of
California, includes his original work: fifteen poems and two
songs. See the complete track list here
and read some of the included poems. A Son of California is
available for $15 postpaid from Froggie
Lane Productions, PO Box 5282, Oroville, CA 95966 or
e-mail: onecowboypoet@dcsi.net.
Posted 4/25
New in 2006: Western Music recordings
Texas poet Laureate and popular singer and songwriter Red Steagall brings back his greatest hits from the 70s and 80s, in his most recent release, Here We Go Again, with 13 tracks that include guest artists artists Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, Charley Pride, Ray Benson, Neal McCoy, Larry Gatlin, and Charlie Daniels. The official description states, "With a career spanning over 50 years, Red Steagall has had his share of great hits and memorable releases. This new CD takes us on a journey through some of the best music now re-recorded as duets with industry friends, plus a few new songs to sweeten the mix."
See the track list in our feature here, and visit www.RedStegall.com for more.
Here We Go Again is available for $16.95 plus postage from Cowboy Favorites (Red's mercantile at www.RedStegall.com) and also by phone: 800-457-7966.
Posted 12/21
Marvin O'Dell, host of the Around the Campfire radio show on the internet's Classic Heartland, is also a singer, songwriter and musician. His new CD, Letter to Molly, includes 12 tracks, with ten songs written by Marvin O'Dell, and two co-writes. He is joined by a number of musicians and backup vocalists, and popular Western singer Kip Calahan is a guest vocalist on the song, "With a .44 Gun in My Hand."
See the complete track list here, in our feature about Around the Campfire.
Letter to Molly is available for $15 postpaid from Marvin O'Dell, 1652 S. 173rd Dr., Goodyear, AZ 85338, or call Marvin at 623-374-2778.
Posted 12/16
Singer and songwriter Bethany
Zill, whose award-winning All
About Cowboys For Kids videos and CD are featured here
at the BAR-D, has a new album,
Where Roots Run Deep.
The official media release states, "The album carries themes of
community, the values of a farm/ranch heritage and the importance of preserving
the native prairie." Zill is quoted, "I was inspired by my own
childhood growing up on a five-generation farm/ranch in North Dakota.
"Through my music, I want to remind people of the good things in life, much
of which is rooted in our past."
Zill wrote five of the 12 songs featured on the album including one cut that
features her gift for yodeling. She has recorded with top names in country and
bluegrass music, including multi-Grammy award winners Stuart Duncan and Gene
Libbea. She says, "When people ask what kind of music I write and perform,
I call it 'Americana,'" explains Zill. "Every project I choose to work
on is steeped in good old-fashioned American values and history."
See the track list, the title track's lyrics track, and read more about Bethany Zill in our feature here and at her web site, www.BethanyZill.com. Where Roots Run Deep is available for $17 postpaid from: Bethany Zill, 1062 Banock Drive, Laramie, WY 82072. Visit Bethany Zill's web site: www.BethanyZill.com for audio samples and more.
Posted 12/14
The newest CD
from Colorado's O'Brien Family Band (Dan; Janette; Maura,
12; and Kyle, 14) is as entertaining on the inside as it is on the
outside, with its award-winning innovative fold-out packaging. The
O'Brien Family Band Official CD and Board Game showcases the popular
band's special blend of "fiddle tunes, bluegrass, old-time country, gospel,
Western, and original music." They describe the new release:
...This is a one of a kind. It not only features six of Dan's original award-winning songs, but also captures four of Kyle and Maura's champion yodeling songs. We are proud to include three cuts that feature Tasha Taylor, our special guest from our Fox Television's Trading Spouses episode. John McEuen put banjo licks behind three songs, and Laura Joplin sings back-up vocals on "They're Burning The Canneries Down." You can hear Timothy P. Irvin joining us on the background vocals in several songs, and Liz Masterson singing harmonies with Maura on Chime Bells. Bob Littel belts out his soulful harmonica chops, and all together we have a fine collection of great foot-tapping tunes.
But that's not all folks, we are fortunate to have had Greg Carr design a fabulous cover for this CD. He made it into an actual fold-out board game with pop-out markers and a real spinner. This game takes you from our
Evergreen home through many of our experiences on the road as a family band, and all the way to the Grand Ole Opry. You have to see it to believe it. We can hardly believe it ourselves.
Read more about the The O'Brien Family Band Official CD and Board Game and listen to tracks here at the O'Brien Family Band web site, where the CD is available for $15 postpaid.
Posted 12/13
Arizona singer, songwriter, and poet Dean
Cook has a new CD filled with acoustic cowboy music and original
songs, Woodsmoke
at Sundown. Dean
has an understated delivery, which perfectly underscores his humorous pieces,
such as "The New Cowboy's Lament," "Feather Duster
Cowboy," and "Rimrock Reverie." The wide range of songs
includes ballads, historical pieces, an inventive "Talking Hard Rock
Miner Blues," a sweet waltz, and a number of playful tunes.
Last year Dean Cook was named as an Arizona Culturekeeper, recognized for "keeping alive the music, poetry, and tall tales of Arizona and the West."
Woodsmoke at Sundown includes 14 of Dean's original songs. See the track list here in our feature that includes some of Dean's lyrics and poetry. The CD is available for $17 postpaid from: AZMINSTREL MUSIC, P.O. Box 6137, Glendale, AZ 85312-6137.
Posted 11/30
Wylie
&
the Wild West have a new CD, Bucking
Horse Moon, which features original songs by Wylie Gustafson
and others written by Johnny Cash, DW
Groethe, Paul Zarzyski, Ian Tyson, Tom Russell, and others, along with
harmony vocals by Juni
Fisher. From the official media release:
Yodeling cowboy troubadour Wylie Gustafson is busting the wraps off a brand-new CD. Bucking Horse Moon, the twelfth release for Wylie & the Wild West, gives a nod to the Western way of life and rodeo’s place in cowboydom.
Riding high on the Nashville scene, John Carter Cash orchestrated the project which was recorded at Cash Cabin Studios, Hendersonville, Tenn. A Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter and producer, Cash is the son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.
"There was a lot of cowboy karma goin’ on there in the Cash cabin," Gustafson confided. "Working with John Carter Cash was a great experience. I found him to be a man with a talent as big as Johnny’s. He came to the project with fresh eyes and brought new instrumentation to the party. He added a bit of the old-time Carter Family sound to our uniquely Western cowboy band."
The Wild West’s audience encompasses demographics as broad as Montana’s Big Sky Country where Gustafson was raised. "We highlight the romance of the West," he said. "We connect with the hearty, National Finals Rodeo fans as well as the trendy, National Public Radio crowd. Cowboys live what I sing. Big-city listeners appreciate the lifestyle...."
Read the rest of the media release here (sent to us by Jeri Dobrowski, recently tapped as Wylie's assistant) and see the entire track list here in our feature about Wylie & the Wild West.
The band just received the Western Music Association Award for Best Western Swing Album of the Year for their previous release, Live at the Tractor.
Visit the band's web site for track samples, to order, and more.
Posted 11/21
Jim Jones' (www.jimjonesmusic.com)
new CD, The West: Then...Now...Next!, is now available.
Musical collaborator Rick
Huff writes, "The songs concern themselves with different eras of,
events from and hopes for our great West. But within each song lies its
own movement...from point launched to point reached, point raised to
point made. Originally a concept album stemming from Jim's orientation
toward "reporting" on things Western, our writing took its own
course and other songs magically appeared that fit right in. Jim Jones
draws inspiration from many sources, including his desire to provide
life lessons and his ingrained respect for doing things the Cowboy Way.
However, it's Jim's creativity in crafting his songs and his ability to
deliver them that makes his a unique voice in contemporary Western
Music..." Read more and order The West:
Then...Now...Next! from Jim Jones' web
site and at CDBaby.
Posted 11/15
Fred Hargrove's new Cowpoke Folk CD includes 14
original songs and a bonus Christmas song, called, "A Colorado
Christmas." Fred has been performing on stage since 1992 and
currently travels with Michael Martin Murphey, on their "Lone
Cowboy Campfire Tour."
Cowpoke Folk is available for $15.00, plus shipping, from
Fred Hargrove, PO Box 730, Monte Vista, CO 81144, raisinghranch@aol.com
Posted 11/14
For many years, I have dreamed of doing an album that provides folks with a glimpse into the hectic yet rewarding lives of ranch wives. They are women with strong convictions and strong backs. If you've ever seen a painting of a cowboy riding through a snow storm with a newborn calf over his saddle horn, you can bet he's taking it home to his wife's kitchen to be warmed and fed and nurtured by his willing partner. Words cannot express the respect I have for these women ...
But, words do. The CD is brimming with outstanding collaborations with poets and other writers, and with today's top musical talents, both vocal and instrumental. Most of the songs are co-written with top female poets, including Carole Jarvis, Yvonne Hollenbeck, and Doris Daley. The title comes from a song by poet, singer, and songwriter DW Groethe ("The Carhartt Song"). In addition to other pieces, one poem is inspired by poet Audrey Hankins' poem, "Hollyhocks"; 85-year old rancher and Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee Georgie Sicking recites one of her poems; and one song, "The Boots Her Daddy Wore," is co-written by top singer and songwriter Kip Calahan, from a story told by Andrea McWhorter Waitley, widow of Larry McWhorter, about their daughter, Abigail.
Popular singer, songwriter and Texas Poet Laureate Red Steagall comments, "I have often said that women were the cement that held the West together...Jean has done a tremendous job of expressing the emotions and dedication of ranch women. Her co-writers have a vast experience in the ranching lifestyle and have contributed their thoughts lyrically and musically in a masterful way."
We're pleased to have selections of poems and lyrics from Sweethearts in Carhartts in a feature here.
Sweethearts in Carhartts is available for $17 postpaid in the US (add $5 shipping for international orders) from Prescott Music, P. O. Box 194, Ovalo, TX 79541, 325-583-2551, www.jeanprescott.com, allow 3-4 weeks for shipping.
Posted 10/16
I wanted to let you know I have had two poems made into songs and they are on the Hearts Of Iron CD with Lacy J. Dalton, Willis Lamm, and Tawny Lee singing...The CD is about Western ranching and wild horses. It is available at my email address handdmiller@pyramid.net for $15 dollars.
Read more about the CD at: http://www.kickinbackpublishing.com/
Posted 10/16
Kip Calahan (www.kipcalahan.com)
has a new CD, You're Lookin' at Country, "A special tribute
to the woman of Country," including Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy
Wynette, and Dolly Parton. You're Lookin' at Country is
available for $17.00 postpaid from Kip Calahan, P.O. Box 83, Animas, NM
88020 and from www.cdbaby.com.
Kip adds, "Check out my new, improved web site by Lori Faith Merritt at www.kipcalahan.com."
Posted 9/22
Posted 7/11
Merv Webster
has a new CD, From Bard to Balladeer. Read his description
of the CD here, along with some of
his poems and Lyrics. The CD is available from his web
site.
Posted 7/3
The Sisters of the Silver Sage (www.sistersofthesilversage.com),
Academy of Western Artists' 2004 "Western Group of the Year,"
have a new CD, Swingin' & Trail Dreamin'. You can listen
to samples and read
reviews at their web site. The CD is available for $15
postpaid, from their web
site.
Posted 6/30
Les Buffham's new CD,
Writes & Co-Writes, showcases his wide songwriting
talents. The CD is compiled of cuts from the recordings of many of the
top artists who have written and co-written songs with Les Buffham and
who have performed his songs. Included are Dave Stamey, Mike
Fleming and New West, Belinda Gail,
Jean Prescott, Kip Calahan, Riders
of the Purple Sage, George Dickey, Paul Hendel, and
the Buckaroo Balladeers. See the entire track list here,
and read more about Les Buffham and some of his poems and lyrics here. Writes
& Co-Writes is available for $17 postpaid, from Les Buffham,
28278 Alaminos Dr., Saugus CA 91350.
Posted 6/26
The top duo of Belinda
Gail and Curly Musgrave
have a grand new CD, Red Rock Moon.
From the opening, with Curly's fancy picking on "Ghost Riders in
Sky" through to a final, sincere tribute to veterans with their
rendition of "America the Beautiful," their harmonizing and
perfectly woven parts make for an exciting release. In addition to giving a
new sound to classics and familiar tunes, thereare six songs they co-wrote,
including the irresistible "You Can't Put a Brand on Me"; Virginia
Bennett's "El Fuego," adapted and set to music by Curly; Ian
Tyson's "Somewhere in the Rubies"; John Denver's "Wild
Montana Skies," with some fancy yodeling; and more. The joy they
find in making music together comes through, and it is contagious for the
listener. The CD is a great mix of styles; an impressive showcase of their
talents.
Read more here, including a review by Marvin O'Dell of Around the Campfire. The review is also posted here in our collection of reviews, where we welcome reviews of books of CDs.
Red Rock Moon is available for $17 postpaid from Curly J. Productions, PO Box 512, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.
Posted 5/18
Posted 5/10
Ken Overcast has a new CD, Montana
in My Soul, with his original songs and a few written by Richard Elloyan,
Cindy Walker, and others. There's a duet with Joni Harms and there are background vocals by
Juni Fisher. Ken says, "The
inspiration was a lifetime on the saddle under Montana's Big Sky. You're
gonna love it." He's right. See the track list and read more here,
and listen to tracks and more at Ken's web
site.
Posted 4/13
California musician, singer, and songwriter George Dickey's CD, Keepin'
the Dream Alive, is now available. The recording includes his
original songs; a collaboration with Les Buffham,
"San Joaquin Love Song"; "Below the Kinney Rim" by Les
Buffham and Michael Flemming; and the
traditional "Whoopee Ti-Yi-Yo." One of the included original
songs, "They Call Me Vaquero," was voted number two of the top ten
best western songs of 2005 at Classic
Heartland. Marvin O'Dell of Around
the Campfire has written, "If George Dickey's dream is to make a
long lasting impact on western music, then he has taken great strides in Keepin'
the Dream Alive, his latest recorded project. The songs on
this album are those of which great albums are made. Some of these songs are
destined to become classics."
Keepin' the Dream Alive is available for $17 postpaid from George Dickey, HC 4 Box 674, California Hot Springs, CA 93207, (661) 548-6228, email.
Posted 2/8
New in 2006: Books and Recordings of Western interest and beyond
Western writer and poet Carol Lavelle has a well-received Western novel, The Search for Hezekiah's Gold. From the publisher:
Was Hezekiah a ghost? And if he wasn't, where did he come from when he appeared at the saloon in Lost Chance that cold, December night? Where did he go when he left? Had he really discovered a fortune in gold? And if he did, why did he distribute clues to its whereabouts? Why didn't he just wait until spring and go back for the gold himself?
These were the questions that plagued Patrick McLaughlin and the others as they took off across the mountains of Colorado Territory in search of Hezekiah's gold.
"This was an enjoyable read. The characters are rounded and interesting. Carol Lavelle has crafted a fine story that clearly respects the reader's intelligence, allowing room for his or her participation in the conclusion." A. H. Holt, editor WesternFictionReview.The Search for Hezekiah's Gold is available for $14.95 from Amazon and other outlets.
Posted 12/28
Texas cowboy singer and songwriter Fletcher Jowers has a new CD of inspirational music, Trails to Heaven. Fletcher describes the CD: "Trails To Heaven has been in the making for some three years... It is a collection of songs Terry [Winsett] and I have arranged in a way that we pray will be a blessing to you as you listen. I recall Terry visiting me in the hospital at Dallas in January of 2004 after I had been in a near fatal vehicle accident. God had mercifully spared my life. I shared with Terry that I believe God has plans for us to do some great music to encourage folks on their life's journey."
Read more and see the track list here, and visit www.FletcherJowers.com to listen to sample tracks and order on-line.
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