Music of the West
By Hugh McLennan
December-January 2009
 Dark Rider
Leslie Shatz
Talent abounds in this dynamic artist from Westrose, Alta. Leslie Shatz been performing, entertaining, recording and painting for a long time. Her CD Dark Rider is a far-reaching collection of original songs and a traditional piece in Tim Hardin’s Reason to Believe. Her beautiful voice blends with that of Nashville session singer Charles Whitsein and the result is a treat to ears that love pure harmony.
Leslie and husband Ernie Miciak co-wrote, Lizzie’s Blues, Fred Hutchinson’s Train is included and the rest are Leslie’s compositions. Alberta Waltz has been a favourite of her fans since the first time she recorded it; it’s recreated here as Alberta Waltz 2 in simpler, more acoustic arrangements.
Mother Love is a beautiful, poignant song about love, war and hate with meaningful lyrics like: “Take back your doctors and give us Mother Love instead.”
The collection begins and ends with a reading of Leslie’s poem, The Dark Rider. The opening track is performed by Lyle Lester, a retired Buck Mountain Grazing Reserve foreman. Lyle and Florence have been married more than 50 years and are neighbours of Leslie and Ernie.
The closing recitation is by her son, Nick. As well as her sweet voice, you hear Les playing piano, five-string banjo, rhythm and finger-picking style guitar.
Order this one from canadiancowboy.ca or from Leslie Shatz Miciak, RR#2 Westrose, Alta, TOC 2V0.
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