Gene Autry was one of my childhood idols. We reviewed his Essential CD set, his name came up in our review of Douglas Green’s book on Singing Cowboys, and he was very much the key behind the music reviewed in our article on cowboy music. Still the circle continues. Douglas B. Green is Ranger Doug. And Ranger Doug is a member of Riders in the Sky. And Riders In the Sky are the artists responsible for this new CD celebrating Gene Autry’s centennial. A hundred years! Gene Autry was born in Tioga, Texas, on September 29, 1907.
He lived to be 91 years old, and over that time he recorded 635 songs (of which he wrote more than 300), sold 100 million records, received more than a dozen gold and platinum records and starred in almost 100 feature films. He had a popular radio show, was the first performer to sell out Madison Square Garden, starred in a television series, and had a successful career in broadcasting. He owned the California Angels baseball team and served as vice-president of the American League until he passed on. He really was a hero.
As we prepare for a new star-filled tribute to celebrate his anniversary (Boots Too Big To Fill with Charlie Daniels, Marty Stuart, Vince Gill and others) here is a re-issue of the Riders’ tribute album, which they originally released in 1996. Gene Autry was still alive when this album first came out, and said this about it, “I am honored that Riders In The Sky chose to do this special tribute album of my music. They are a telented bunch of sidekicks and any cowboy would be proud to ride with them.” The original dozen tracks are extended with four bonus cuts and new liner notes from Ranger Doug. And it has a swell new cover, designed like a movie poster from the golden age.
The Riders are Ranger Doug (acoustic guitar and vocals), Too Slim (bunkhouse bass and vocals), Woody Paul (fiddle and vocals) and Joey “the Cowpolka King” (accordion and vocals). It’s all those vocals that do it! Sure, Ranger Doug has a pleasant tenor lead, but the four voices join in harmony and you are transported to the old days when the gentle cowfolk sat around a campfire after a hard day on the range, roasting wieners, drinking sarsaparilla, and yodelling! Ahhh! Those were the days!
The songs tell the stories: “Back in the Saddle Again,” “Sioux City Sue,” “Mexicali Rose.” The cowboy comes from “Nebraski” to lasso his gal, so he can “put his brand” on her. Who says romance is dead? Maybe that’s why Mexicali Rose was crying.
The simple orchestration works beautifully, although there are additional musicians to add some horns, or maybe a touch of lap steel (Robby Turner) to the mix. It’s really about simplicity. Memorable melodies, basic backing, and the wonderful harmonies. That Woody Paul sure can play the fiddle!
Ranger Doug’s liner notes give background on each of the songs. There’s a classic photo of Gene with the Riders (all decked out in their authentic cowboy garb) and Gene’s broad signature highlighting his approval of the recording. It’s a dandy package, good music and great value. If you remember Gene Autry and the days of the classic western — or if you just want to relax to some quiet, if a bit hokey, music — this is just the ticket.
(Rounder, 2007)
