"A Seminal Work"    

An Insider's View 

 I first met Stu Stuart and Jim Farrell in a recording session in September 2003. Over lunch afterwards Jim talked with great passion about the importance of Western Music to our American culture, and how it needed to be saved for future generations. He felt we had about a decade-long window to help it evolve before it became a musical museum artifact, a musical niche akin to Dixieland jazz.

Fans of the Diamond W Wranglers have seen this philosophy emerge in their music over the last few years. "Outlaws and Lovers" is the full expression of this goal. It's a loving tribute to the best Western Music traditions, combined with inspiring new songs AND, most unexpectedly, a Western treatment to hits from throughout the decades.

The Wranglers believe that the themes of Western Music are timeless... and although the genre comes in and out of vogue, its eternal concepts of good guys and bad, love yearned for or lost, and our reliance on the forces of nature are always reflected in modern music.

For Outlaws and Lovers, the Diamond W Wranglers have brought the work of Carole King, The Grateful Dead, Bad Company, the Kingston Trio, Toby Keith, and Bette Midler to the New West. Once the work of folk artists, rock stars, country singers and soaring vocalists, these songs have been commandingly arranged and performed in new ways for this album. At the same time, the great songs of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry have been faithfully honored.

The title of the new album says it all. "Outlaws and Lovers". It is the most focused concept album that the Wranglers have ever recorded, and shows off every attribute of this group: Stu's distinctive vocals and amazing lead guitar work, Chip's soaring tenor, Jim's harmony arrangements and warm husky lead singing, Steve's great percussion. You'll hear some of the best of classic western harmonies, love songs that will make you misty, galloping guitars, Spanish influences, songs that could inspire a movie script, and those that will make you want to leap up and dance. Here's the rundown:

1. Bad Company - First one up, knocks your socks off. Signature song from a British rock band of the same name - but now performed by a snarling cowboy gang headed up by Stu Stuart.

2. South Coast - fans of the Kingston Trio will be amazed at the transformation of this song. Chip Worthington's vocals are stunning, and the exciting arrangement makes you think you're on a movie set.

3. Under Fiesta Stars - A beautiful arrangement of this Gene Autry classic.

4. Smackwater Jack - Oh my, this has a groove. Carole King composed and recorded this light bluesy cajun number. Stu Stuart gives it quite a different edge. 

5. Caballo de Oro - A haunting new song by Stu Stuart explores what a man will risk for love