This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
If this live recording from CanCon cowpoke legend Ian Tyson captues a typical concert, save me a seat down front at his next one.
Live At Longview, recorded in his longtime home of Alberta, documents a magical performance from the legendary cowboy crooner. With 17 tales of rodeo, romance and riding the range, Tyson’s set list strikes a perfect balance between classics (Old Corrals and Sagebrush, I Outgrew the Wagon) and newer fare (Smugglers Cove, M.C. Horses), with a few musical sidetrips (the “cowboy rap” of Jerry Ambler, the reggae-tinged Magpie, a countripolitan reading of Blue Moon) to keep the ride interesting. For his part, Tyson’s rich, deep-well vocals and supple yodel are as natural and comfortable as an old pair of boots. And his performance has no fancy frills or slick trickery — just three chords, a laid-back band and plenty of simple, honest emotion.
