Customer Reviews

Saddle Songs

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Put simply, Saddle Songs is one of the finest folk records to come along even in this new golden age of folk recording. It proves that there is still great music to be made solely with a guitar (or, in a few instances here, a guitar/banjo) and a voice. Don Edwards has an assured, friendly voice, more than a little reminiscent of the late Marty Robbins's, except that Edwards's repertoire is not littered with the schlock songs and saccharine arrangements that transformed the gifted Robbins in his later years into just another Nashville hack. In a sense Edwards is what Robbins could have been. Here, as he has in his other splendid recordings, he comes across with the real stuff -- only more so -- from the classics of traditional cowboy music to some undeservedly overlooked gems, notably "Little Joe the Wrangler's Sister Nell" and "The Long Road West." "Doney Gal" gets, for the first time in its long history, the decidedly untraditional slide-guitar treatment, to surprisingly moving effect. Edwards pays tribute to Robbins in a cover of the latter's Western gospel tune "The Master's Call." Saddle Songs is just one damn wonderful ballad and performance after another, a taste of cowpuncher's heaven. If you're looking for real American music, here it is.

This is a great compilation of cowboy-themed songs. You can imagine some old cowpoke sitting around the campfire singing these (although I'm sure more were sung _about_ cowboys than by them).

The only downfall to this album is that every song is just Don & his guitar--no bass, no harmonica, no accordion, etc. If you want a little more instrumental and/or harmony, opt for the Sons of the Pioneers or Riders in the Sky instead. If most of the songs being in the same style doesn't bore you (it doesn't me), then this is a great collection.

I heartily agree with all the other reviews, especially Jerome Clark's excellent one.

Don's guitar work is perfectly styled to suit each individual tune and these CDs highlight what an excellent guitarist he really is. Also, the recording is so natural sounding which allows us to clearly hear the beautiful tonal qualities of Don's guitars.

Likewise Don's voice gets the most natural recording treatment of all his CDs - especially compared to his earlier Warner releases where the treble is emphasized like a teenage top 40 single - fortunately rectified in his excellent "West of Yesterday" CD on that label.

Don's vocal work is masterful on Saddle Songs where he also demonstrates an ability to vary vocal treatment to wonderful effect. For example he can half talk - half sing a song in a way equally as authoritative as Sinatra at his best while still beautifully maintaining the musicality and rhythm of the tune (which Sinatra seemed unable to do).

Whether or not you're familiar with Edwards, if you love pure artistry and classic folk music of any genre you can't go wrong with this release. It has a timeless quality which I predict you'll never tire of.

If you want a big helping of authentic cowboy songs, this is it! Just acoustic guitar and Don Edwards. You got to get this one!

This cd greatly exceeded my expectations. I really enjoy both cd's in this set, one of my very favorite.

I agree with "renaissance man" completely. I LOVE Don's voice and guitar, but I do miss the fiddle, mandolin, etc. However, barring the harmonica, those instruments would likely NOT have been out on the trail with working cowboys.

This album is a pure compilation of cowboy stories and songs that Don has collected over the years. In the booklet insert, Don details the history of each song. Fans and history buffs alike should enjoy these priceless cowhand accounts put to song.

Yes, the musical styles are very similar on most of these songs. This album is the type to sit down, listen, and just enjoy the stories. Fascinating stories of top horses, top hands, and the ups and downs of life on the trail. Some hit you as humorous, some sad, just because you recognize many of these personalities, equine and human! GREAT tales!

If you are looking for Don's unique lonesome crooning and fantastic yodeling, as well as expert musicianship, Moonlight and Skies is absolutely the best I've heard! Check out some of his other albums, if you are looking for more upbeat melodies and more instrumentation.

The pure American West is rapidly disappearing and the accounts of life out on the trail along with it. These songs take you back to a more simple time, away from the garbage and superficial cares that "modern life" has brought with it.

You may choose to intermingle this 2 cd set with some others so the "repetitous" style does not rob you of hearing and appreciating all these valuable stories.

A friend gave me this CD when we moved from Santa Fe, NM to Coeur d' Alene, ID last December. It saved my mind on the long drive north and I've purchased the rest of the Don Edwards' collection because of that. Guess it's just the old coyotes and me left to really enjoy the "original" Don that this record represents.

Straightforward arrangements of traditional cowboy songs performed with great feeling and artistry. Each tune is a little gem, beautifully accompanied by Don on acoustic guitar. His voice is perfect for this material, strong, assured, and comfortable. The recording has a warm, immediate sound as if you're listening live. I wasn't familiar with most of these tunes before buying this CD, but I really enjoyed Don's work with Peter Rowan on "High Lonesome Cowboy." This CD will have you singing along in no time and (if you're a picker) reaching for your guitar or mandolin. High points include "Zebra Dun" (a hilarious monologue about a "greenhorn" who turns the tables on his cowboy tormenters), "Patonio", "Sam Bass", "Glory Trail", and "Strawberry Roan". Finally, if "Little Joe the Wrangler" doesn't leave a lump in your throat then you must not have a pulse. Highly recommended.

I am a big fan of all things "cowboy", and the music especially. Don Edwards is one of the best at what he does. His music, and his voice, are just terrific. These are old songs on this album, and fun to listen to.

Don Edwards is a favorite artist with his song selections. Only a handful of artists perform the songs of the old west, including M.M. Murphy. Songs about horses and the cowboys who trusted and rode them 12-plus hours a day for days on end created an enviornment for strong personalities and hard times. ldf