OUT OF THE CHUTE - Garrett Wieland

 

Good morning, country friends!

I have a special treat today. A man who loves the old west history as much as I do. Garrett Wieland has had a passion for the old west since he watched Young Guns as a lad. 

Today, Garrett talks about his sophomore album. WHAT KEEPS THE HEART AFLOAT

Hi, Garrett. Welcome to KellysCountry. Thanks for joining me!

Let's open the chute....

Let’s start by going back in time a bit. During an interview with KZTV last year, you said you’ve been playing music since you were a kid. What are some of the earliest memories you have of playing?

Guitar recital when I was 10 or so! I’d picked up a guitar because my mom had an acoustic around the house when I was young, then started taking lessons. I never really took off until I got an electric guitar for Christmas one year. Not long after that, a buddy of mine in high school was working on some songs that he needed help finishing. I helped him, and it opened up the whole world of songwriting for me.

You are inspired by all things western. What musical artists have inspired you over the years?

Several of my biggest influences were actually Bob Dylan, The Band, Van Morrison, and Townes Van Zandt. I return to them over and over again. And of course, Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys, and all things Beatles. And I grew up listening to classic rock and grunge, along with Marshall Tucker Band, a band my dad loved.

Your first single, Outlaw’s Farewell is about Billy the Kid’s last night. A beautiful ballad, by the way. How did you find that information? Were you inspired by the work of James Charles Roy?

Thank you! It actually came from an article in the great Old West magazine “True West” about an interview with a friend (maybe girlfriend?) of the Kid, Paulita Maxwell, sister to Pete Maxwell. I had been working on a ballad partially inspired by Sam Peckinpah’s “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid” and grew up loving Young Guns since I was an 80s kid. In the article, it mentions the Kid’s final words, overheard by Paulita, as “Quien es son esos afuera?” which translates to “who are those men outside?” When I read those words, they fit perfectly for the ending of my ballad, and that’s how it came about.

Have you read other books about ‘the Kid’ such as the one by fellow Texan, W. C. Jameson? If so, is there something about Billy that fascinates you, or is it Western history in general?

I have not read Jameson’s book, but have read Robert Utley’s excellent history, “Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent Life.” And I’ve been fascinated with Billy since I grew up with a dad who loved the Old West, and took me hunting when I was very young. We used to bird hunt in an old caliche pit in South Texas, and it always reminded me of the set from Young Guns.

But Western history in general does fascinate me, especially Native American history. I’m also fascinated with the idea of untangling the legend from the facts of Old West events, and how those myths get started. John Sayles’ great movie “Lonestar” was a big influence on me loving that murky grey area between fact and fiction in our perception of the Old West, and being fascinated by that borderland of the west where so many diverse races and characters intersected. I feel like the US as a country is still dealing with the legacy of the West, so for me it’s always ripe with stories.

The album is entitled, What Keeps the Heart Afloat. Where did the title come from?

It comes from one of my favorite lines on the album, in the song “Dennis,” about Beach Boy drummer Dennis Wilson: “What makes a man go under and what keeps the heart afloat?” The songs on the album are my attempt to answer that question.

The Pandemic put a lot of things on hold, including this album, yet you were working a lot behind the scenes. Was there anything that may have came out differently, because of the extra time you had to finesse?

Well, I got laid off from my job during the pandemic, and then thankfully found a better paying job that allowed me to hire a promoter! So, in that sense, I was able to give it a better shot than I would have pre-pandemic. The album was finished right as the pandemic started, so it did put the album on hiatus until I was able to put money back into completing the promo side of it.

What do you love most about What Keeps the Heart Afloat?

I love that it’s uncluttered. It’s mostly me and my guitar, and so I feel like the songs are expressed more directly. Producer Mason Shirley and I tried to keep it as natural as possible. Our barometer was “would this sound good around a campfire?” So many singer-songwriters release albums that are dense with overdubs and overproduction. I wanted to stay away from that, and I think it comes through in the songs. Plus, these are some of my favorite songs I’ve written.

Do you think this ‘western’ vein is your signature or is there more waiting for a turn?

I think I’ll always return to the West in songs because I find it so fascinating, but there’s also other elements on this album too. So we’ll see, I’ve already got a handful of songs ready for another album, both West-themed and regular old story songs.

I look forward to reviewing the album tomorrow. In the mean time, here's a video of one of the songs from the album:

You will find Garrett and his music by following any of the links listed below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   YOUTUBE   INSTAGRAM   

SPOTIFY   iTUNES   SOUNDLOUD  

Until tomorrow....

Country Blessings!

~Kelly

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Dusty Richards

Dusty Richards has always been a cowboy at heart. He went to a roundup at seven years old, sat on a real horse and watched them brand calves on the Peterson Ranch in Othello WA. He was thirteen when his family moved to Arizona from the Midwest. With a horse of his own, ranches to work on, rodeos to ride in Dusty knew he'd gone to heaven. His mother worried he'd grow up to be an "old cowboy bum".  Dusty had higher sites.

Since English teachers never read westerns, he made up his own book reports like "Guns on the Brazos' by J. P. Jones where a Texas Ranger saves the town... and the girl. He sold them for a dollar to other boys when teenagers were lucky to earn fifty cents an hour. Those book reports kept him and his buddy in gas money to get them back and forth to high school

After graduation from Arizona State University in 1960, Dusty moved to Arkansas where he ranched, worked as an auctioneer, announced rodeos, worked in management with Tyson foods (32 years), anchored TV news all while struggling to get his first book sold.

His first book, Noble's Way, sold in 1992 and the wagon train hasn't slowed since. His publishing list counts over 100 novels under Dusty Richards as well as pseudonyms.

In 2003, The Natural won the Oklahoma Writer's Federation Fiction Book of the Year. He followed in 2004 with a second win, this time for The Abilene Trail - a Ralph Compton novel. 

Dusty invests a lot of his time helping others who want to learn how to write. According to Dusty there is no difference in writing any kind of fiction. "You simply change the sets, costumes and dialect." He speaks at conferences and has served on various organization's board over the years including Western Writers of America and Ozark Creative Writers and continues to do so. 

This Friday, November 10, Pioneer Woman, will release in theaters. The movie is based on The Mustanger and the Lady.

Here's the Official Trailer:

Please call your local theater and request this Award-Winning Indie film.

To find out more about Dusty Richards you can visit his various Social Media Sites

WEBSITE  OghmaCreative  FB   TWITTER   YouTube

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Rich Price - Western Songs

Running Out of the Chute today due to unforseen issues on his end, preventing us from running on Monday. Thank you for your patience.

While doing my interview with Rex Allen, Jr for the articles on him and his dad for Saddlebag Dispatches magazine, I became acquainted with Rex's media rep, Jennifer Herron. In turn, I've been introduced to other talented folks keeping a 'lost art' alive. Folks like, Rich Price.

Let's open the chute....

"When western is marketed properly, I believe that the westen product is an elegant product that is easy to market, and is a product that all mankind is proud of." ~ Rich Price

1 – How old were you when you wrote your first song and has that one been recorded?

I was thirteen when I wrote my first song, Santa Fe Special, and it was recorded for Adonda  records and is in Adonda's third Rich Price Album, "The Singing Sierran, Rich Price, Western Songs."

2 – How did you get the gig at Yosemite? Can you tell us about the ‘interview’ experience?

I spent four summers working at Yosemite National Park as a singing cowboy during my college years at the University of California, Berkeley, California. I was able to obtain that position by using as a reference the invitation to return to my previous summer position which was working as a singing cowboy and trail guide in Northern California's Feather River Canyon and Trinity Alps mountain area.

3 – What do you think it is about country/ western music that draws the attention and fandom of countries like China, Switzerland, etc?

I think that country and western music draws the attention and fandom of countries like China and Switzerland with its wide range of appeal because the music appeals to and addresses what is important to the human mind, the idea that your dreams can come true if you work for what you believe in no matter what the odds are against you. It sings of and teaches that you can succeed and win if you are courageous and brave, and unrelenting in your willingness to prevail, regardless of the odds that are against you.

4 – Many service men who are also musicians often perform during their tour of service. Did you perform during your tour in the Army? Did your time of enlistment enrich your songwriting or performing?

As a service man who was also a "singing cowboy", my tour of duty did enrich my songwriting and performing by giving me the gift of meeting folks at Fort Benning's Infantry School in Georgia, and Fort Holabird's Intelligence School in Maryland, and with tours of duty at Fort Lawton, Washington, and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C..I ended my military service as a Major, and treasure each place and person that  I met and with whom I spent time, and who gave me memories and feelings that helped create many songs.

5 – As an author, I’ve often heard that Western doesn’t sell. Have you heard something similar? And if so, how do you respond?

I have also heard the concept "western doesn't sell". And from the little I have written above, my answer is probably obvious in that "western" to me is "life itself".  I think that you first have to define what is meant by western. I think in this regard, the western that people defined as 'western that wouldn't sell", was that western that people thought was unsophistocated, or corny. I think that that impression came about by the way that western was sometimes marketed. In the past, western music was often referred to and marketed as "hillbilly music", and that terminology and impression gave the music and performers that image

When western is marketed properly, I believe that the westen product is an elegant product that is easy to market, and is a product that all mankind is proud of. Western is a way of life. The image of the "American Cowboy can be seen in the eyes of every little boy and every little girl." Western is a synonym of the spirit of the freedom of mankind. Western is easily marketed and accepted when it is presented in the way that Roy Rogers and Gene Autry are marketed. They are marketed in a worldly, dignified way. I think that what I am trying to share is that I feel that "western" is a way of life. It is a concept that is reflected in the essence of what a person is.

6 – You grew up in the Silver Screen Cowboy era. I’m old enough to remember playing cowboys and Indians on my bike with the neighbor boy. What was it about the cowboy/ western era that still attracts folks after all these years?

I did grow up in the silver screen cowboy era, and I think that the philosophies that were portrayed on the silver screen were teachings of a wholesome, moral way to live that in most ways exemplify what America stands for and represents in reality to the world. I think "the cowboy way" in many ways is also synonyomous with many of the good, universally accepted teachings of mankind. Also, I'd be honored if you came by on your bike.

7 – As generations going forward, what can we do to keep the history alive?

As generations going forward, I think we can keep the history alive by setting the example.

Western is the only life, way, history, action, religion, and way that  I know. Perhaps what I am saying, is that as long as there is an America, there will always be an "American Cowboy."

8 – If you could have ridden with one legendary cowboy, who would it have been and why?

If I could have ridden with one legendary cowboy, it would have been Roy Rogers because of the way he represented heroic characteristics .I also love and admire Gene Autry, Rex Allen, Marty Robbins, and Hank Snow, as well as so many others.

I want to thank Rich for taking the time to answer my questions. To find out more about him you can visit his website - RICH PRICE

If you missed Tuesday's post where I reviewed his most recent album, step back in time and give it a listen.

Country Blessings!

~Kelly

TURNTABLE TUESDAY! - Rich Price

One of the coolest things about  my new job as feature writer for Saddlebag Dispatches magazine is that I find the most fabulous gems during my research.

While researching my article on Rex Allen, Jr (which you can read HERE), I was introduced to another cowboy singer, Rich Price. I've not met the man in person but already know we could talk for hours. Due to unforseen circumstances on his end, I'll be posting Out Of the Chute with him tomorrow (Wednesday).

For now, let's step inside his album.

If you are fan of all things Western, get a feeling deep inside when you hear the voice of Jim Reeves, Rex Allen, Roy Rogers then this album is for you.

One of the most enjoyable parts of a cowboy/ western song for me is the steady pace, mimicking the gait of a horse beneath you on a leisure ride. While even the old west had its dangers, life moved at a much slower pace back then. I don't know about you but there are days I really wish the world would just slow down... stopping even for a few moments for me to catch up. 

WESTERN SONGS is a 12-track collection of songs with roots deep in the trail of the cowboy way. This is the music that has stood the test of time. They tell stories... real stories of love, life and the human condition many of us miss.

Rich has amazing help on this album. The Jordanaires provide back up and the album was produced by Harold Bradley. With a team like this, the album can only be Ace-High. 

I didn't grow up in the days of the Silver Screen cowboys but I've always loved the old west... from about the second grade. As a little girl, I rode my green and white Schwinn bike with the banana seat all over town with a neighbor boy playing cowboys and Indians. In my early teens a deaf neighbor girl taught me to ride a horse. To this day I hate the thought of putting a saddle between me and the horse. Maybe there's more Native American in me than cowboy. ;-)

Albums like Western Songs by Rich Price - also known as the singing sierran - provide me with the respite from the daily rush, taking me back to the days of riding that bike or carrying me to my favorite place to be... outside, next to a campfire and the stars twinkling above. Come sit a spell and enjoy this album with me. 

You can check out the tracks by watching the video below - from Rich's YouTube Channel

The Album is also available on AMAZON      iTUNES

Come back tomorrow for my interview with Rich. In the meantime, you can follow him on his website and various social media platforms.

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK      YOUTUBE  

I'm tipping my hat...

 .8

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Cheyenne Country

While researching everything I could find on Rex Allen and Rex Allen, Jr. I made friends with Rex, Jr's media rep, Jennifer Herron. She has also introduced me to Cheyanne TV out of Nashville as well as western artist, Rich Price. They co-host the show. 

Today, I thought I'd share Cheyenne TV with you. Next week I'm running a double play on Rich Price, beginning with an Out of the Chute interview on Monday and a Turntable Tuesday review of his new CD

Cheyenne TV has the grass roots base similar to Country Family Reunion. The show is a compilation dream of Western Music aficionado Harrison Tyner and the Southern Gospel passion of Bill Traylor. These two brought their loves together in a cohesive project that embodies the cowboy life... songs that tell stories and Faith. 

Cheyenne TV showcases great musical artists singing songs with a family oriented or spiritual core. Artists like Lee Brice (I Drive Your Truck), The Roys and Baxter Black.

"Though still based on Christian Faith, the show now offers Patriotic and Country Music with Inspirational Lyrics and Messages for the whole family."  ~ Cheyanne Country website

Check out the Cheyenne TV website for a list of stations carrying the program. Not available in your area, please call your local cable provider and ask them to do so. Let's all do our part to put quality television in our homes.

Country Blessings!