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Music Pick of the Month - March 2008
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Podcast
Songs of New Mexico
Various Musicians - Genre: Variety
by Emily Drabanski
I’ve longed for a recording that celebrates the Land of Enchantment, and this one superbly fits the bill. The lyrics by these 16 talented songwriters engage our ears and hearts, singing passionately about our state in strong, clear voices.
Many of the songs are ballads—most often with a country or easy rock bent. It was a wise decision to open with Michael Hearne’s “New Mexico Rain” and to close with Hired Hands’ “Hands of Time”—both quintessential homages to the land we love. Hearne’s song has been recorded by Michael Martin Murphey and performed by many—including Michael’s uncle, Bill—but Hearne makes “New Mexico Rain” his own. Only those living in this parched land can know the pure ecstasy of a rainstorm. He belts out, “If I ain’t happy here / I ain’t happy nowhere / New Mexico rain when my mind starts to roam.”
And what a treat to hear the late Eddy Lee Bullington’s voice soar over a seamless blend of guitars, mandolin, and violins in “Hands of Time” as he sings, “Mountains and mesas, valleys and peaks / Southwestern sunsets, twilight mystique. / They seek to show me, I am one with this land.”
Other highlights include Sheryl Clapton’s bluesy country “North of Santa Fe,” Don Richmond’s romantic “New Mexico Waltz,” the now-defunct Mary & Mars’s spirited “One Less Fiesta,” Carl Struck’s passionate “Jicarita,” Boris McCutcheon and the Salt Licks’ quirky “Pilgrim,” and Jimmy Stadler’s stirring “New Mexico.”
These and the other selections will delight New Mexicophiles—you won’t find any duds in this fine collection, and it’s fun to listen to the diversity of styles. Visit www.imaginerevolution.com for details; sales benefit Amigos Bravos, a conservation group.
The "Songs of New Mexico" CD which includes songs from a variety of singer/songwriters can be ordered
by going to: www.imaginerevolution.com.
You can find out more about Jimmy Stadler's band at www.jimmystadler.com.