Michael Martin Murphey "HEARTLAND COWBOY - Cowboys Songs Vol. 5" ©2006 Independently Released Review by Lucky Boyd Murphey and I were sitting in a remote cabin next to a tree-lined lake recently as he explained his plans for an upcoming tour. Hearing his grand plans, I remarked that he certainly doesn't do anything half-way . His response was, "What would be the point?" Murphey's latest musical release is no different. As with all the previous Michael Martin Murphey albums, the music and performances are stunning. "HEARTLAND", however, sets Murphey apart and defines the man and the music in a way no other release has. The album is the fifth in a series called "Cowboy Songs" and contains eleven cuts of museum masterpiece quality performances that span a myriad of topics. Murphey's clever use of subtle double entendre makes for an entertaining extra as he sings songs of lonesomeness and love, dedication and devotion, beauty and bewilderment, ranching and righteousness. "Close To The Land" is the theme song for the Ag Channel's America's Heartland television program, but aside from that accolade, the song is a gem that was inspired by Murphey's own grandparents. Evolution is inevitable in one's lifetime. We become that which suits us. If we're lucky, our evolution is steered by that to which we aspire. Murphey's life is one of the gypsy cowboy, wandering town to town singing songs and spreading joy. This is a far cry, at least outwardly, from the Michael Murphey who toured in the days of "Geronimo's Cadillac." Different still is he from that country singer who crooned the likes of "A Long Line Of Love" and "What's Forever For." If you want that Murphey, buy those albums. If you want the benevolent, gentle spirited, and ever-servant wanderer that is now 3M, not only buy this album, but study it. Co-produced by Ryan Murphey (son), the album includes appearances by some of the best in the business. Howard Hudiberg conducts the orchestra that catapults this album to new heights. Al Perkins appears on steel guitar and dobro. (Perkins was in Don Henley's first band, Shiloh) Tim Laure, one of the finest finesse keyboardists of our time, also appears. The photography inside this CD has meaning to Murphey and he took some of the photos himself. Here's the kicker. Murphey's generous spirit has permeated this album. Along with the eleven-cut disc, there's a second disc. The 2002 album, "COWBOY CLASSICS: PLAYING FAVORITES 2" is included. This disc includes some classic western tunes like "I Ride An Old Paint" and "Streets Of Laredo." Of particular note is Murphey's rendition of "When The Work's All Done This Fall," which happens to be the first American song ever to sell a million copies. The 2-disc set also pays tribute to the Texas Farm Bureau. A portion of the sales price of every disc goes directly to the Farm Bureau to help continue their efforts in Texas. Other notes: Also available is "PLAYING FAVORITES" which includes the original recordings of Murphey's biggest hits. This album is truly a walk down memory lane for MMM fans. While you're here, pick up the Christmas DVD. Recorded at Murphey's Cowboy Christmas Concert, this is sure to be a holiday pleaser. We're proud to have Michael Martin Murphey in the MyTexasMusic.com family. Serving as host of the 2006 Texas Music Awards, and through his tireless efforts to edify the Republic of Texas, Murphey, a native Texan, has secured his legendary place in history. Welcome to the family, Murph.