A Pair of Kings
The venerable cowboy band Riders in the Sky are often lauded for their dazzling instrumental dexterity, as well as for the versatility of their repertoire. But no less surprising is how the Grammy winners have kept things fresh through the years, whether championing traditional (if also original) Western music, with its complex chord structures and vocal harmonies, or recasting themselves as children's entertainers. OnA Pair of Kings, they showcase their talents in yet a different way, by building the entire album around the playing and singing of band members Woody Paul, fiddler extraordinaire, and the accordion-toting Joey the Cowpolka King. Neither Joey nor Woody can match Ranger Doug's resonant baritone, but they more than carry the day with a combination of respectable vocal performances, a winning blend of material (from a Celtic medley to cowboy fare to polkas and waltzes), and sterling choices of arrangements and musical phrasing. The small fry will appreciate the cornball humor ("You Stole My Wife You Horsethief"), while swing aficionados will find much to like in their deft handling of "How High the Moon" and a tongue-in-cheek rendering of "I'm an Old Cowhand." Who says you can't teach old dogies new tricks?--Alanna Nash