Bud Billings Trio With Carson Robison Jules Allen - On The Red River Shore The Cowboys Love Song

johnkoetsier

Review by John Koetsier

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.

Download Bud Billings Trio With Carson Robison Jules Allen - On The Red River Shore The Cowboys Love Song
Artist: Bud Billings Trio With Carson Robison Jules Allen
Album: On The Red River Shore The Cowboys Love Song

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: bud-billings-trio-with-carson-robison-jules-allen-on-the-red.zip
  • MP3 size: 11 mb
  • FLAC size: 115 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
The Cowboy's Love Song
On The Red River Shore

Images

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Catalog Numbers

M-4101

Labels

Montgomery Ward

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Formats

  • Shellac
  • 10"
  • 78 RPM

Credits

RoleCredit
BanjoUnknown Artist (tracks: A)
Steel GuitarUnknown Artist (tracks: A)
VocalsFrank Luther (tracks: A), Phil Crow (tracks: A)
GuitarCarson Robison (tracks: A)

Notes

  • Side A recorded 19 May 1930 in New York, NY.
  • Side B recorded 28 March 1929 in Hollywood, CA.
  • Side A title is given in Victor ledgers (and on other releases of this matrix) as "Red River Valley."
  • Credits, matrices and recording dates reported in Tony Russell "Country Music Records: A Discography, 1921-1942."
  • Credit role of vocals for Phil Crow on side A is termed "possible."

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A runout): N V-40267A
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B runout): S V40167B

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *On The Red River Shore / The Cowboy's Love Song* by the Bud Billings Trio, featuring Carson Robison and Jules Allen, is a hidden gem in country music history. It was released under Montgomery Ward, a label known more for selling household goods than music. Fun fact—no one knows who played the banjo or steel guitar on the tracks! Even with those mysteries, it still stands out as a heartfelt piece of American folk and country tradition.