Cowboy Tracks

“Women of the Wild West.” On this Cowboy Tracks episode, you’ll hear songs and poems about the Women of the Wild West: the famous, the infamous and the unsung women who shaped the frontier.

"Strong Western Winds." This episode's songs are about wind. Wind's physical power is featured in many western songs because it is such a big factor in cowboy work, range and animal duties, farming and more. But, wind is also the spirit of the universe. Its invisible yet powerful force often symbolizes movement and change, such as in the phrase "the winds of change." In today's songs there are both the physical and the representational dimensions of the wind. Teacher  Bert McCoy says that: "the wind plays its own music." That's so true but the wind also inspires music, as we will hear...

“Bluesy and Jazzy." Western music has lots of musical influences, including blues and jazz.  For example, western swing is a jazz form. Today's show will be all western songs that have strong blues or jazz elements, drawing on form, instrumentation (we'll hear sax, trumpet, clarinets), improvisation, chord progressions and rhythms. Enjoy this melange of musical sounds.

“Cowboy Moon.”  When you think of cowboys from the old west, do you see them sitting around the campfire? It’s a dark night, the fire is crackling, perhaps coyotes are howling and the moon shines its bright light over the land. You can see why so many cowboy songs back then and today are inspired by the quiet and powerful presence of the moon. Today’s episode is dedicated to songs about the moon.

“Western Ways.”  This episode features songs and poetry about the western and cowboy way of life. Brenn Hill, Trinity Seely, AK Moss, Rusted Spurs West and many more artists.

“Academy of Western Artists Winners, 2018.”  Every year, the Academy of Western Artists gives awards to the best Western musicians, poets and artisans. The winners from 2018 were just announced in March 2019.  You’ll hear works from many of them on this episode of “Cowboy Tracks.”

“Cow Mooo-sings." Today's show is  a light, fun episode. When you think about cowboys, what is it that they have in common?  Well, lots of things, but how about the source of their name: "Cows". Cows or Cattle are the underpinning of cowboy culture but they don't get enough individual attention. So, today's show is called "Cow Mooo-sings" and is an ode to called our bovine partners. All the songs and cowboy poetry will be about these critters and I hope that you'll find it "A-mooo-sing!"

“Freshly Baked."I'm calling today's program "Freshly Baked" because you'll be hearing the freshest western CD releases, just HOT out of the oven! Prepare for the satisfying aroma of great music. It's bread for the soul.

“Songs of the Cowboy.”  This episode was inspired by a songbook called “Songs of the Cowboys” by Ron Middlebrook.  You’ll hear traditional cowboy songs sung by performers of the past and present. Many of the songs have been voted as Top 100 Western Songs of All Time. Gold nuggets, every one!  (Cover art by Eddie Young)

“Western Heritage Awards.”  The 2019 recipients of the prestigious Western Heritage Awards have been named. On today’s “Cowboy Tracks” we’ll recognize, through music and poetry, the newest inductees into the Hall of Fame. Hint: Kevin Costner is among them!