Along the Navajo Trail 1945-1947

Encompassing original recordings from 1945-1947, Along the Navajo Trail is a pleasant Roy Rogers diversion for the casual fan. Kicking off with the jaunty canter of "Yellow Rose of Texas," this set continues through 21 Rogers classics, near-classics, and more general material that nevertheless features Rogers' trademark croon. "Home in Oklahoma" features some great instrumental trade-offs, the best of which comes between a fiddle and what sounds like an accordion that's been sat upon. "Rock Me to Sleep in My Saddle" is a fabulously clichéd cowboy song, even featuring the cloppity-clop of orchestrated horse hoofs. Meanwhile, "My Chickasay Girl" sashays along with Rogers' upbeat phrasing and a saucy Western swing melody. "Make-Believe Cowboy" forms the emotional heart of the album, checking the normal cowboy touchstones with each line but turning them on their ear with the realization that it's all pretend. The song also illustrates the more mournful qualities in Rogers' singing voice. Overall, Along the Navajo Trail is a very satisfying set. It won't be necessary for Roy Rogers aficionados, but, for slick-heeled fans of him, cowboy music, or Western Swing, the collection will be more fun than plate of overland trout.