Grady Lee “WAY OUT IN THE WEST” ©2006 Spotted Dog Records Review by Lucky Boyd Michael Martin Murphey defined the attributes of Cowboy music as “really good music.” No better description is available for Grady Lee’s 2006 release. Lee’s collection of songs includes some lesser known traditional tunes along with tracks penned by some of the best songwriters around. The opening cut is a cover of Gene Neptune’s “Goodbye Charlie Luna,” perhaps the definitive embodiment of Cowboy songs as it laments of love stronger than life and the swift injustice that had befallen so many on the Texas range. Lee’s arrangements are ingeniously traditional and the harmonies are campfire inspired. His voice and guitar are prominent with other instruments tastefully enhancing only where necessary. Lee’s cover of the Steve Fromholz classic, “The Man With The Big Hat” is masterful, and no wonder as Grady has been known to say that this is quite possibly the best song ever written. Grady Lee has completed a successful roundup of pickers and songs and the corral has ten cuts that exemplify the musical cowboy. There’s not one stray dogie in this perfect herd of Western cowpoke songs. Quite possibly the best Cowboy album of the last decade, “WAY OUT IN THE WEST” is sure to turn heads as Grady Lee brands the Texas music scene right on the haunches. Get it today! Previous notes: Grady Lee has been described by some as the "last living singing cowboy." His voice can soothe the restless beasts, while his crooning also can turn the fancy of women in his favor. A true gentleman, and a man's man, this cowboy singer brings nothing less than delight to the listener. Grady offers his debut CD, "TEXAS SUNSET" (Spotted Dog Records) and it is a well-received disc. His songs tell of the old west, younger days, and passion for life. There's a bluegrass feel to many of the tracks on this disc like "Old Grey House On The Hill" and "Grandpa's Tattoo." Lee helps us relive "Saturday Morning Dreams of Dale," in his tribute to Dale Evans. "Desert Dance" is a cryptic tale of America's involvement in Desert Storm, and Grady Lee's "Southbound Train" appears on the Platinum Bound - Volume One compilation CD. This is a excellent Karl Caillouet production and a must-buy for true Texas music fans. This tall Texan has traded in his six-gun for a six-string... and it was a good trade.