Music of the West
By Hugh McLennan
Apr-May 2007
Gunsmoke, Whiskey & Heather
Cowboy Celtic
 For years David Wilkie and Cowboy Celtic have been performing unique and captivating songs deeply rooted in Irish and Scottish traditions. Each tune is rich in historical fact and legend.
Their latest release, Gunsmoke, Whiskey and Heather is a fascinating ride through the fact and fiction of the West. A number of great songs have been written about horses who have given all they had for their riders; Sancho by R.W. Hampton and Patanio, Pride of the Plains recorded by Hank Snow. One of my all-time favourites is Black Diamond, the story of a rebel soldier and his horse Black Diamond returning home after four years at war. This one can still choke me up when I hear it, and Denise Withnell’s beautiful voice makes it one of the finest versions I’ve heard.
Back in the ‘30s, the Girls of the Golden West were a well-known cowgirl band and one of their signature songs was I Want to be a Cowboy Girl. Twin fiddles, played by Joseph Hertz and close harmony with Denise Withnell and Tami Cooper do the song proud. There’s a real variety here with beautiful Celtic ballads, instrumentals and even a tribute to the Louvin Brothers with David Wikie’s old time waltz composition, I Played the Songs.
The liner notes make for fascinating reading and I learned some things about Wild Bill Hickock and Buffalo Bill that I didn’t know. The sound of Keri Zwicker’s harp, David’s tenor guitar and mandolin, Tami Cooper’s flute and Nathan McCavana’s bodhran make a perfect backdrop for the meaningful lyrics.
Order from www.canadiancowboy.ca.
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