Oddities and New Products
In the course of writing this column, I find the most interesting items. They usually fall into 3 categories, "I have to have it (or them)", "I'd like to have one (or them)", and "I really don't want one, but it's neat anyway." Also, within these categories, are other divisions, such as "It costs how much?", "Haven't I seen this before?", "Great graphics, but otherwise CHEAP!", and "Haven't I heard these songs before/seen these shows before/read these stories before?"
This week, I'll talk about some of the "I have to have one", and "I'd like to have one" categories and tell you about some newly produced commemorative products.
The Sons of the Pioneers Symphonies of the Sage
The Sons of the Pioneers are legendary. With a history extending back 70 years, they have impacted westerns, and the music we associate with Westerns in a way no one else has. Their movies with Roy Rogers, Charles Starrett, John Ford (all 3 of them), and even Bing Crosby have produced music the likes of which we will never see or hear again.
The Sons of the Pioneers were teamed up with Charles Starrett from 1935 to late 1940 when they switched from Columbia to Republic to be reunited with Roy Rogers. Inbetween contracts, the Pioneers toured. The tour ended in Chicago in July of 1940 with an appearance on E-Z-R-A, or Uncle Ezra's radio station. Performing on an offshoot of the WLS Barn Dance, the Pioneers liked Chicago so much that they stayed to perform at the local theatres, and on WLS when their schedule permitted.
In addition to performing continually, the Sons of the Pioneers made over 200 recordings that were sold to radio stations. With the Pioneers at their artistic peak (due to their movie career), these recordings reflect their style, enthusiasm, and integrity exceptionally well.
Soundies, and Bloodshot Revival Records have released 25 of the radio transcriptions from the Chicago recording sessions on "Symphony of the Sage: The Sons of the Pioneers". Encompassing compositions by Bob Nolan, Glenn Spencer, Karl and Hugh Farr, Tim Spencer, and "Riding Down the Canyon" by Barbette/Autry, this compilation demonstrates the Pioneers versatility and talent. From the instrumental "Whoopee Ti Yi Yo", the mournful "Cool Water", and the enthusiastic "When Payday Rolls Around", these selections remind us why we love the Pioneers so much.
Performances by the then current line up as captured on this recording demonstrate the stylistic differences between individual performers. Just as sports fans have favorite 'versions' of the Denver Broncos, or San Diego Chargers, Pioneers fans have favorite combinations of Hugh and Karl Farr, Roy Rogers, Pat Brady, Bob Nolan, Ken Curtis, or any of the other Sons.
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