There is something pleasantly romantic about
Johnny Bond
's cowboy songs, perhaps because they capture the saga of the once untamed West. Who wouldn't feel a certain longing in the wake of starry nights, tumbling tumbleweeds, and riding one's horse on the open range? A number of classic songs fill this collection, including
"Red River Valley,"
"Boots and Saddles,"
and
"Mexicali Rose."
Bond
is joined by a few friends --
the Red River Valley Boys
-- who sing harmony and offer tasteful support. The arrangements are spare, featuring little more than bass, accordion, and a guitar on most cuts. The group is clearly comfortable performing together and maintain the same intimacy as
the Sons of the Pioneers
on songs like
"Saddle Serenade."
has written a number of these songs, including the memorable
"Ten Years"
and the instrumental
"Ridin' Down to Santa Fe."
There is a haunting version of
"Empty Saddles,"
sort of an early, less dark version of
"(Ghost Riders) in the Sky."
is perfectly capable of generating a cowboy version of honky tonk flavored songs like
"Headin' Down the Wrong Highway,"
or a heartfelt rendition of pop ballads like
"Have I Stayed Away Too Long."
The sound quality of these transcriptions from 1944-1945 is very good, and the number of selections -- 31 -- is generous. This disc will sit comfortably beside the recordings of other singing cowboys like
Gene Autry
Roy Rogers
.
Bloodshot
has put together a fine collection that will be a real treat to lovers of swinging cowboy music. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.