Music of the West
By Hugh McLennan
Jun-Jul 2008
 Eli Barsi
Darn Hard to Tame
Eli’s tribute to Wilf Carter is a great collection of some of the beloved balladeer’s most unforgettable songs. They are given a treatment that makes them sound great in state-of-the-art playback equipment, while still honouring the roots and traditions they sprang from. Some of Eli’s Branson, Missouri neighbours add their talents; Luther Nallie of the Sons of the Pioneers sings harmony on Old Alberta Plains, the song the CD title came from along with Roundup Time in Heaven and Cowhands Guiding Star. Glory Anne and Ronnie Prophet join Eli on There’s a Bluebird on Your Window Sill.
Eli’s wonderful voice is a gift and it keeps getting better. You’ll notice the warmth and sincerity that comes through on How My Yodeling Days Began, a wonderful song that Wilf Carter fans haven’t heard in a long time.
There’s plenty of yodeling throughout the collection and the fitting final track is a duet with Eli and Craig Young on Stompin’ Tom Connors’ Tribute to Wilf Carter. My hats off to Eli for bringing back these memorable songs, long may they live.
Order Darn Hard to Tame from canadiancowboy.ca.
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