Album Review: On The Red River Shore / The Cowboy’s Love Song by Bud Billings Trio with Carson Robison & Jules Allen
Man, if you’re looking for something that feels like sitting on a creaky porch at sunset, this little gem from the Bud Billings Trio is it. It’s one of those records where everything just clicks—the twangy guitar, the soulful vocals, and yeah, even the mystery banjo player who nobody seems to know about. Released under Montgomery Ward back in the day, this slice of American country goodness is simple but packs an emotional punch.
Let me tell ya, I couldn’t stop thinking about “On The Red River Shore” after hearing it. There’s something haunting yet cozy about how Frank Luther sings. His voice cracks ever so slightly, like he's lived through every word he’s singing. You can almost picture him standing there, boots dusty, staring off into the horizon. And then there’s Carson Robison’s guitar work—it’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s steady, like a heartbeat keeping time. That steel guitar? Oh man, it slides right into your chest and pulls at strings you didn’t even know were there. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to call up someone you miss and say, “Hey… remember when?”
Then there’s “The Cowboy’s Love Song,” which hits different. Phil Crow takes the lead here, and his voice has this weathered charm, like he’s telling you a story over whiskey and smoke. The lyrics are plain-spoken but hit hard because they feel real—like love found and lost somewhere out west. When the harmonies kick in, it’s like a warm hug from someone who knows exactly what you’ve been through. There’s no pretense, no trying too hard—it’s just raw, honest storytelling set to music.
You gotta hand it to these guys—they weren’t chasing trends or trying to reinvent anything. They were making music that felt true to their lives, their land. Listening to this record feels like stepping back in time, but weirdly enough, it still resonates today. Maybe that’s why we keep coming back to old-school country—it reminds us of simpler times, even if life was never really that simple.
Here’s the thing though—what’s with all the unknown artists? Like, come on, someone must’ve known who played that killer banjo! Feels kinda funny giving credit to "Unknown Artist," doesn’t it? But maybe that’s part of its charm. This album isn’t about big names; it’s about the songs themselves.
So yeah, give this one a spin if you want music that sticks to your ribs. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “On The Red River Shore” while doing dishes. Trust me, it happens.
