editorial board

From Sagebrush to Steppe

Western Folklife Center Media , 13:06

***** Intriguing, Personal, Sound Rich

This fascinating cross-cultural journey made me wish I'd been there for the whole trip! It's easy to imagine Yo Yo Ma on the Silk Road, but American cowboys in Mongolia? And yet Hal Cannon recreates his unique experience in such beautifully aural fashion, not only is it easy to imagine - I felt like I was sitting there with him. The recordings are fantastic, the narration thoughtful and the mixing just right. Be sure not to fade out the music at the end too early and miss the Mongolian throat singer joining in with the American musicians. Cowboys seem to be enjoying a cultural renaissance at the moment - so treat your listeners to this warm-hearted and unusual story. It's still making me smile right now just thinking about it.

(Reviewer) (Editorial Board) David Swatling , Radio Netherlands
Amsterdam
January 17, 2006

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From Sagebrush to Steppe

Music bridges the language barrier as a group of cowboy musicians trek across the Mongolian steppe on horseback, making friends and singing songs with the nomadic herdsmen of this vast country.