Bring 'Em Home
Sandy Reay & Friends

"earsie" photo by Terry Nash

Click on the title or CD image to see comments about the CD. Or scroll down.

I Wanted to Fly
Sandy Reay & Friends

Click on the title or CD image to see comments about the CD. Or scroll down.

Bring 'Em Home

Great job and a great group of musicians!
I liked all the songs and Melinda Rose was especially touching.
Glue Lot Cowboy was a good story too!
Great story! [After learning that Glue Lot Cowboy was a true story about Chuck Pyle]
— Steve Pierce, musician & songwriter

Spent the afternoon listening to the CD. Very impressive.
— Bill D

Thanks so much for giving me the CD.  I really enjoyed it!
— Terri Stewart

What an amazing CD!
— Helen and Cal B, musicians

Such a fun record...
— Ed Skibbe

Love the CD!
— Lynn G

Check out Sandy and ... her wonderful new record of western and cowboy songs--it is pure, authentic and charming.
— Ed Skibbe

Your lyrics are really great......
—Tom C

I'm impressed at the collaboration you've achieved, both in writing and performance. I found it all to be polished, including the engineering, no mean achievement. The songs each have their own distinct personalities, unlike for many albums and artists I've heard.
—Owen N, songwriter

Wonderful record!
— Ed Skibbe

I received your CD. It's great!
—Randy Huston, cowboy singer/songwriter

I do like it!
— Tom Munch

I like it.
— Steve Jones

Sal and I both, separately, listened to your record today, more than just once.
Lots and lots of lyric and emotional depth all over the project.
We were both really impressed. Congratulations!
— Jim Ratts

Been listening to the CD. I love it.
— Robert Spiller, author

I was looking forward to seeing you and telling you how much I enjoyed your CD. I really like the mixture of poetry and songs and I especially appreciated your fine storytelling of your cowboy and western styled songs. It was very well recorded and really nice musicianship throughout. Very nice job, Sandy!
— Steef S

I love it.
—Tim D

I played your CD three times and love all the songs and poems.
—Tom C

I keep meaning to tell you that I'm really enjoying your CD. I think Stitches is my favorite, but it's hard to say because I like them all. Thanks for sharing it with me!
— Rona G, photographer

Hi Sandy: I got your CD a few days ago – well done! It’s great to have a well-produced version of our songs [Melinda Rose, Ride For The Win, Down At Joe's], and I enjoyed the whole project. Thanks for the effort.
Best regards,
— John P. Nelson

Just sat down to listen... nice work y'all. Thanks for letting me ride along.
Let Tom and the others know "I Appreciate Y'all!"
— Gordon Burt

I wanted to let you know how much I've been enjoying your new CD. I love a lot of the songs but I simply adore Melinda Rose.
— Janis F

I have this in car CD player now too! Love how it turned out, and am thankful for my part on Down At Joe's. My better half, Stacy, sounds GREAT, too. I really like the mix of poetry. You have a wonderful delivery and THANK YOU for the opportunity to be a part!
— Brian McClure

Great song! (3 notes) (heart with diamonds)
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! I have it in my car right now!!!!! (music) (heart with diamonds) So honored to have been a part of this fantastic collaboration.
— Stacy McClure

Great record, Sandy. Man, you got some amazing players and contributors. Kudos!
— Ed Skibbe

It made me feel.
— Tom M

It's in my car too. And in my living room. I love it! It feels good.
— David, songwriter

Sandy wrote/cowrote all of the songs and she put together a lineup of some incredible musicians for this wonderfully musical CD, Bring 'Em Home. It's earthy, groovy, and just makes you feel good— true Americana! Yours truly and my lovely wife, Stacy, perform on some of the tracks. Please go have a listen and order yours today!
— Brian McClure

Wow, your record sounds fantastic! The poems are so cool, and such cool songs and performances! Thank you!
— Ed Skibbe

Hey, Sweetie,
The CD is fabulous!!!
Proud to be a part of it!
Just wanted to let you know (smile) (heart) (treble clef music staff)
— Ernie Martinez

Each story is told by a different character. I can watch the story, and I can see the characters.
— Spencer Pyne

Bring 'Em Home Review by Rick Huff

on Keepin' It True Country

The releases of Sandy Reay could easily be thought of as Variety Shows! Half the time she turns the lead vocals over to her guest artists or shares the task with them. This time out six of the tracks find Dave Schaper, Ernie Martinez, Tom Munch, Doc Mehl or Steve Jones of the late lamented Yampa Valley Boys in that lead vocal capacity.

Some poetry shows up as well (“Black Day,” “Stitches,” “Spitting Seeds” and “Another Horse To Saddle”). Picks include the title track, which is the Terry Nash/Sandy Reay/Dave Schaper co-write “Bring 'Em Home,” Tom Munch & Reay’s “Glue-lot Cowboy,” a Floyd Beard/Munch/Reay/Schaper saga song “Diamonds And Gold” and the non-Western but hilarious Doc Mehl/Reay song “Wish You Were Here.”

Sandy Reay’s own vocals possess a plaintive, almost near-tears quality that also worked for Melanie Safka and the young Emmylou Harris among others. The overall effect of this release is a pleasing one. Such collaborations can prove costly, but hopefully we won’t have to wait another ten years for Installment Three! Twelve tracks, recommended.

I Wanted to Fly

I listened to [your CD] on the way over the mountain, found it pleasant listening, some nice lyrics.
— Katie Lee, musician

Sandy, you're shaping your world with music and story telling. You're doing it! Thank you for making my world brighter. :)
— Mary K

In regards to your CD: I loved it. I thought it was good and I play it a lot. My daughter loves it and she loves a couple of songs off of it. So does my wife.
— Carmen A, singer/songwriter

I'm thrilled for you that you're committing more time to writing. You are amazing! I still listen to your CD every couple of weeks.........Please let me know about more CDs, I'll buy them in a flash!
— Barb P

I've been exploring the Colorado Sandstorm Music website. You are a fabulously talented musician and songwriter yourself. I'm glad to find you teamed with two of my other favorites, Christy and Ernie. Oh, and i really enjoyed all the pictures on your site. What a privilege to have gotten to meet you. I will be following your progress now and want to get your CD. I listened to several of the samples. Was able to pick out Christy on vocal background too. Will be looking forward to Timothy P.'s YouTube. Had already found you on YouTube. The wonders of our technological age! I wish you the best. If you send email news announcements, please include me.
— Elna C

How do I go about getting a copy or CD of them? I always want songs my friends have written! ... The ones on the Facebook player- it doesn't say who wrote them, but I hear you singing! They are really good!
— Jerry Grannell, musician

Holy cow! Man, are you talented!!!!! A little touch of Reba. A soupcon of Nanci Griffith. A dash of Emmylou Harris. And a whole lot of originality. A lot of good songs. Nice ensemble.
— Rob Armstrong, author, reporter, professor

Loved your CD!
— Sharyn C

Listened to some of your tunes. Really like what you do. Of course I grew up with Jim Croce, The Mudwamps (Momma's and Poppa's) and some of the great blues and jazz musicians that used to play at the Howard Theater in Wash. D.C. Used to go to the Village(N.Y.) on the week ends when I was going to College in the 1960's when Dylan, Joplin, Hendricks and the rest were just starting. What a good time to be alive. Keep up the good work.
— John L T

Hi Sandy —
I've been listening to your CD and marveling at your songwriting ability — so many different subjects and styles. I could say which is my favorite, except that it seems to change with every listening. Thanks for sending it to me."
Dick W, cowboy poet

I love your CD!!
— Susie K, award-winning cowboy poet

I love your CD.
— Emily M, composer

You Colorado folks sure have a vibrant musical community and its my pleasure to share the music with my audience.
Whatever we call the style (roots, americana) doesn't matter -- its the stories, melodies and insights that merge to make a recording interesting (and radio worthy). Sandy Reay has accomplished that with a creative spirit and the help of a superb supporting cast. Well done.
— Steve Clarke, "Acoustic Planet," Erin Radio

Hello Ms Reay
Thanks ever so much for I Wanted to Fly!!
We look forward to sharing I Wanted to Fly w/ our audience & will endeavor to warrant future music.
We have Sandy Reay entered into our artist database!!
...With kind regards
— Michael Chenault, WGOE

Dear San,
Upon arriving home yesterday ... I received your new album and have enjoyed listening to it ... since I read Rick Huff's review just a week ago.
...Your album has an excellent mix and I'll be including selection(s) beginning on May 30, 2010!
Sincerely,
— Al (aka Herb Sudzin), "Sudzin Country / Early Morning Trails" WRSU-FM

Sandy,
I just finished listening to your CD.
WOW!
There are some great songs on there.
You have a great way with lyrics and it was nice that so many other musicians thought so too, to be a part of it.
Congrats!
— Gary B, songwriter/musician

I've just finished playing your CD through TWICE, so I get all the nuances and flavors.
MY COMPLIMENTS.......IT'S GREAT!
Thank you for recording all that good stuff.
Best wishes and keep well
—Ed Skibbe

Your CD is so good. I love it!
— Sunny J

the cd is Wonderful, Thank you so very much...i love it...how creative and evolving you are ! you go girl !
— Betty S

And, enjoying I am. You are a genius!
— John L

I was listening again to I Wanted to Fly last night, and it sure is a fine album!
— J.J. Fraser

The CD lived in my car for a week and I listened to it constantly.
You should be very proud of this piece of work. I know it took along time, but the effort was well worth it. I will be loading it into my new i-pod nano soon. I really feel honored to have been a part of your music.
— Jeff I, musician

I LOVE the CD and it is in my favorite collection of wonderful musicians that I've been fortunate enough to know all these years.
I'm listening to your CD (again) and I gotta tell you that it's really wonderful (again). I don't recall meeting Mr. Fraser but he's got a very mellow voice. Your collection of people for this artistic beauty is wonderful. [Bob] Turner is just great and if we must be relegated to remember him through the recordings we have, then I'm glad you got the last one.
You have a lot of love invested in this CD and I thank you (again)....
I commend you for giving all of us a great slice of American music the way we love to hear it.
— Bob W (Just another Sandy Reay fan), author

I also listened to the CD the first time twice straight through and thoroughly enjoyed it. The quality and diversity of songs, song styles, singers and arrangements is really captivating. Very impressive and quite an accomplishment! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! I hope it goes platinum and every song is picked up by many other artists to record. When are you starting on the next one?
— B.J. Suter

Hi Sandy,
I received the CD, and listened to most of it (but want to listen to it more). It is really very good! I like the variety of songs, and the way that the songs feature different singers and instrumentation. Very nice! ... Say "hi" to Ernie for me (tell him great job - good playing and singing too, and producing of course). Thanks again for the CD. Good work!
— Peter Schwimmer

Hi San,
Finally had time to sit down and listen to your CD - great stuff! Really some nice performances by you and your guest musicians.
Overall, I like how you have little harmonic twists in a lot of the songs - you think they might be pretty straight ahead, but then you throw in something that takes you off guard (in a good way!) and you go - cool!
So, congratulations! I know it was a ton of work and expense (can relate!) but you should be thrilled with the results! I really hope someone who has some big visibility in the music world might pick up a few of your songs and give you some nice royalty money!
— Cindy E, musician

Love the new CD! Looking forward to making more music with you!
— Brandy Herbert

Hi Sandy,
Cheryl and I listened to your new CD today on the way over to Summit County. WOW! It brought tears to our eyes! Thanks for putting it together. We want 12 copies to give to family and friends.
Merry Christmas!
— Mike and Cheryl Q

[I] listened to your new cd and you all did such a great job. I was impressed with how it all came together.
— Sylvia Murray

Hey, Sandy...Great to see you at the Lakewood Center. ... I've listened to I Wanted to Fly several times, and think you've put together a great collection. I generally try to put together a blurb or review of things I like, so the attached pdf file is my attempt to let folks know what I think of your work. Take care, Sandy, and we'll talk soon.
— Jon Chandler

So, while America tunes in each week to watch extravagant productions aimed at creating flamboyant “stars” who have plenty of moxie but absolutely no soul, there are hundreds of singer/songwriters (if not thousands) who fly under the radar, plying their trade with purity and intelligence. It’s a true pleasure to discover one. "Sandy Reay is a fixture in Colorado’s acoustic music scene, playing upright bass and singing in venues ranging from dusty watering holes to elegant amphitheaters. She’s also an exquisite songwriter. Several years ago, she shared the lyrics to a song entitled Sandstorm From Sedona with me, and I was struck by her lyrical integrity and insight. Well, actually I was struck by how fun the lyrics were. When I heard the jazzy-swingy recorded version, I was surprised and delighted at how Sandy had taken a western theme, rejected its minor-chord stereotype and given it a new, intriguing, and yes, purely western aspect. Her vocal is answered by Bill Barwick’s thundering bass warbling, a flute twitters around the edges, and the whole thing works. On this CD, she lends several of her songs to lead vocalists who do them justice. From the opening track (I Wanted to Fly), with Christy Wessler singing like Emmylou in her prime, the songs are captivating and ultimately interesting. The good time folk song blast from the past of Already Gone features an iconic vocal from Bob Turner and has the listener unconsciously looking for the car keys, ready to hit the road. Sandy’s songs rank with those penned by many of the best western songwriters…Chris Wall comes to mind. I love Red Shoes, and I love Car Full of Collies. I’m humming Maybe This Time as I write. In the spirit of full disclosure, I also love my harmonica part on One Lonely Rider. But that’s just my opinion.

Rope Burns "Top of the Charts" for May-June, 2010:
"Western Music Album": #8 Sandy Reay & Friends - I Wanted to Fly
"Western Music Song": #6. Sandy Reay & Friends - Already Gone

• I get Rope Burns.
  I just turned to page 17 of the May-June edition.
  "Top of the Charts"
  -Western Music Album-
  *Top Ten*
  #8 . Sandy Reay & Friends - I Wanted To Fly
  Indeed .. CONGRATULATIONS !!
  — Bill Barwick
• I just got my May-June copy of Rope Burns. Good Goin'. Number 8 charted Album and Number 6 charted Song!!
  — John F.
• Fantastic, cool news.
  — Ryan Boldrey

The Western Music Association 2010 award finalists:
Collaborative/Composite Album: I Wanted to Fly Sandy Reay & Friends
Best Original Song: Already Gone Sandy Reay

• Congratulations to you as well !
  — Bill Barwick
• Congratulations!!!! I'm so thrilled for you!!!!! That is wonderful news!!
  Damn, girl!!! That is fabulous!!! I'm so proud of you!!!
  I hope you WIN!!!!
  — Brandy Herbert
• Congratulations. Your reward for believing in yourself. I'm so pleased for you. And, honestly, for me too. Way to go.
  — Bob Turner
• OMG!!! I am so proud! I am excited for you.
  — Joanne R
• Congrats, keep me posted!
  — Ryan Boldrey
• Kudos on you Western Music Ass'n. 2010 awards for your album & song!!! My God! How exciting! I'm so proud of you!
  — Dolora R
• Sandy, that is fabulous. Congratulations!!!!
  — Joyce G
• Congrats!!! You put your heart into your songs and it comes out beautifully in your music. I am thrilled you are getting your well-deserved recognition.
  —Jeff G
• Congratulations on the songs and your talent. You deserve all the credit. ...Way to go!
  — Mike C, musician
• Congratulations on the nomination for best song!
  We've recorded that one (Already Gone).
  — Steve Jones (Yampa Valley Boys)
• Congratulations,
  Your hard work , dedication and great compositions are finally being recognized.
  — Howard K
• Congratulations!
  — Jim Ratts
• Wonderful, Sandy!
  — Mary K
• Congrats on Already Gone! You go girl!
  — Christy Wessler
• CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
  — B.J. Suter
• Right on & congrats - a very fine tune getting the recognition it deserves!
  — J.J. Fraser

CD Review in The Western Way by Rick Huff

Article in the Tri-Lakes Tribune by Ryan Boldrey

Enjoyed this – really tells the truths about some folks
— Mike

• Isn't that the truth? Good story.
  — critique group

Already Gone

Congratulations!! I read in the Winfield Occasional that you were a winner for Apache Plume. That's FANTASTIC! (I sing that song to myself all the time) (Along with 'Already Gone' and 'Woman Warrior') Thank you again for the tape. The songs are great. ... Well good luck to you and keep up the great songwriting.
— Jim

Hi San:
There are a couple of songs that I/we would like to work up and put into our shows--with your permission, of course. They are Already Gone and One Lonely Rider.
— Steve Jones (Yampa Valley Boy)s

Got rave reviews for Already Gone Thu and Fri nites.
— Steve Jones (Yampa Valley Boys)

I think [our new CD "Second Guard"] is our best by quite a bit. Your songs [Already Gone and One Lonely Rider] certainly help.
— Steve Jones (Yampa Valley Boys)

Sandy Reay's song, 'Already Gone' was performed by Steve Jones along with three others on stage, including a cello. It was beautiful.
— Don Cusic, 2010 WMA Showcase & Awards Show, The Western Way Winter 2010

Hi Sandy,
Thanks for your new CD. I’ll be playing “Already Gone” from it on my show that starts on May 24th. The show will run for the full week. To access it, our web address is: BostonPete.com.
After the week ends, the show will be moved to the data bank and will play at random over the next few months or longer.
I realize this is a little early to give you a heads up, but I didn’t want to forget. Enjoy!
Regards,
— O.J. Sykes, "Western Music & Bluegrass Time."

Sandy, Superb Vocals, Music and Performance. I Love 'Already Gone'.
— Robert A, singer/songwriter

Hi, Sandy -
I finally had time to sit down (well, in the car!) listen to your cd. It is great. John Fisher [Yampa Valley Boys] wrote this morning and said they are using 2 of the songs. I assume Already Gone and One Lonely Rider, your western songs.
— Suzie Solomon

The new CD is sooo good….I play it in my car every day!
I want to perform some of your songs. May I have the chord charts for Already Gone and I'll Hold You Close?
— Jim Malatchi, musician

I loved the Dobro on Already Gone - that is a nice tune in the folk vein.
— Cindy E, musician

About your song, 'Already Gone,' I can't say too many good things. I told my friend, Peter, that this was my favorite song on your CD, perhaps because it reminded me of the old western films I like to watch whenever I get a chance. Bob Turner's incredible lead vocal, Christy Wessler's backup, and all the supporting instrumental parts are fantastic. As with the memorable theme song in Clint Eastwood's 'Honkytonk Man,' the piece also has a deeper and richer history than the lyrics themselves, which tell a simple and unselfconsciously moving story of an aging cowboy.
... I played the song for my in-laws when we got home and they really enjoyed it!
— Nat T, composer

I finally had a chance to audition my new gift [thank you] and very much enjoyed it, especially Already Gone and One Lonely Rider (but then I'm biased).
— Bill Barwick

• Good traditional song
• Lovely sensory language
• I was right there with you
• Nice lyrics and composition
• first two verses are detailed and descriptive with actions and images…consistent rhyme patterns and meter…good job
• Very strong demo…great for movie and TV background
• The verses are familiar meaning they were similar to other songs I’ve heard…that made them easy to follow and sing along
• Strong vocal and great sounding pickers
  — critique group

Another Horse to Saddle

I Loved Your Poem!!!
— Andria K, cowboy poet

I like the poem / story as far as subject and delivery, and it seems like one verse wants to be the chorus in a song.
I really like I'z and 'fi - like true pronunciation.
My only complaint is that it ended too soon - I wanted to hear another adventure before he headed for the "final roundup".
Keep up the good work!
Best,
— J.J. Fraser

I liked it. My favorites were Diamonds And Gold and Another Horse to Saddle.
— Jerry C

San,
Great poem. Thanks for sharing.
— Bill Patterson, photographer

Enjoyed "One more Horse..." a lot!
— Lynn Kopelke

Your rhyme and meter are impeccable! I can't remember saying those words, by the way.
Well done, young lady.
— Dale P, award-winning cowboy poet

Black Creek

Black Day

YES!!!!! Love this song. I was thinking of it earlier.....
Is it a "song" thought? Or poetry.....or in between?
— Stacy McClure

A favorite.
— Lynn Kopelke

YES YES YES this is my favorite on the album, tied with Melinda Rose.
— Deb Ewing

One of my favorites
— Tom M

Although the poem is quite, quite dark, I like it.
— Steve Jones

Black Leather Coat

I listened to your CD again the other day and I'm blown away by the production values. Everyone you picked ... did an amazing job on this CD. well done!
I would love to start work on more of your songs.
And I'm gonna try to get my band to cover the Black Leather jacket song :)
Love it!
— Michi Regier

Black Leather Coat, one of my 2 favorites, sounds like something Lyle Lovett would write and sing - I really loved the lyrics, beat, feel, and vibe of the tune. Some country artist should get a hold of this - maybe Kenny Chesney or Lyle himself? Got any Nashville contacts?
— Cindy E, musician

I am thinking Lyle Lovett needs to record Black Leather Coat. I'll Hold You Close caused me heart flutters. Your stories are genuine and touching ! Thanks for this wonderful project !
— Shawn W

Bring 'Em Home

Bring 'Em Home is a sure 'nuff quality good listen!
— Terry Nash

I love that one, too. (3 notes)
— Deb Ewing

Excellent!!!
— Ernie Martinez (smile) (2 notes)

My goodness. Y’all sure did good! I like everything about it. I can picture this as a lead in song at the beginning of a Robert Duvall movie!
Thanks for your expert contributions everyone!
I especially love Ernie’s mandolin and the rest!
— Terry Nash

I like it. Thank you.
— Catherine H

I love this song.
— Stacy M

I really like the rythmic punctuation.
— Brian M

It's a good hook. You have a lot of good lines and images. Good theme.
— NSAI feedback

• I liked the story. Interesting chord changes.
• Way cool. Nice twist.
• Very interesting and engaging song
• It’s a good hook.
• You have a lot of good lines and images. It’s a good concept and ... all the images work....
• Good theme.
• Good simple bluegrass melodies
• Powerful
  — critique group

“I’ll never find my future in a broken rearview mirror” is a killer line.
I love the harmony in the second version, but honestly, the song feels so personal that I prefer the solo performance. It feels more reflective and introspective than the duo version. 
Love, love, love it!!
—Terry G

Beautiful song Sandy!
— Steve Pierce, musician & songwriter

Wow, Sandy, that's really powerful!
Well done!!
— Terry G

I finally listened on ear buds, and got all the lyrics and nuances. It's Great!!
— J.J. Fraser

It's great.
— Bob S

So much good here! I think my favorite line is:
Stars shine up from broken glass.
AWESOME! I can't wait to hear the final.
— Deb Ewing

Incredible. Amazing. Gave me goosebumps.
— Nadia Y

I loved the song you two crafted. The best indication of how good a song is, IMO, is whether the listener remembers anything later, either a melody or a line, image, etc. . . . looking at my past through a broken rear-view mirror (I'm probably paraphrasing but the image is very powerful and sticks. Again, that's how I judge writing of all kinds. Did it imprint the memory and that one surely does).
— John William Davis, songwriter

Beautiful.
— Janis F

I love it. It’s beautiful.
— Catherine H

That's great! I love it.
— Stacy M

Car Full of Collies

I would like to sing the Collie song for the kid's school show - if I can learn all those words! Can you send me the lyrics!
B.J., I love your voice! It is perfect for the songs you sang.
— Suzie Solomon

I thought Car Full of Collies was cute.
— Cindy E, musician

• Great nonsensical lyrics. Lots of fun...it's a great song...
• A first class treatment of nonsense lyrics. The chorus is just right for contrast — just precious.
  — critique group

Diamonds and Gold

Lovely!!! Great storytelling - lyrically and musically. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
— B.J. Suter

Exactly how I imagined it! Love it!
— Luke Halpin

I liked it. My favorites were Diamonds And Gold and Another Horse to Saddle.
— Jerry C

Wow!! I love it. Sounds great. Love the violin/fiddle......good song!!
— Stacy McClure

Sounding great, thank you for your efforts and time on this project.
— Floyd Beard

Down at Joe's

• A cute twist on "Dreamcatcher."
• Fun song
  — critique group

Ends With Goodbye

Wow! That guy doesn't tand a chance. That's an army of women. Haha.
— Debbie K

• Great lyics
• Enjoyable and humorous
• Love your vision of a room full of women singing it.
• Extra cool!!
• You have a lot of words in the verses but they don't seem too long.
• Great groove.
• Two thumbs up!
  — critique group

Free Fall

The songs are great, and I like the emotional feeling of the photos with them (Free Fall, I'll Hold You Close, Woman Warrior). Wonderful! 
— Rona Golfen, RonaPhoto

This is my favorite song on the CD.
— Ernie Martinez

And my favorite of yours BTW is Free Fall...
— Owen N

The CD is wonderful. I especially like Free Fall. I don't know how to describe it. I just really like it!
— Joyce G

BJ,
I just listened to Sandy Reay's CD 'I Wanted to Fly".
My favorite track was probably Free Fall.
Nice job both vocally and on piano!
— Gary B

Glue-lot Cowboy

Glue Lot Cowboy was a good story too!
— Steve Pierce, musician & songwriter

Glue-lot Cowboy always makes me cry
— Spencer Pyne, musician, studio engineer

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Glue-lot Cowboy song.  Everything about the song reminded me of Chuck. I loved hearing Tom’s voice and Gordon’s fiddle.
— Terri Stewart

I've been listening and listening to this song and did not catch the lyrics and ending until now. Wow!
— Nadia Y, song producer

OK, that actually made me cry...
— Becky M, songwriter, artist

Thanks to Sandy, Tom and Spencer for letting me be part of the “Midnight Feedlot Cowboy Band”—and for bringing one of Chuck’s great stories back around.
Of course, I never asked Chuck if they were riding bareback!
But I must have laughed at his feedlot story a thousand times...as a introduction to one of his gems.
Ciao,
— Gordon Burt

Sandy,
     First of all, brilliant...just brilliant. And second, thank you so much for sharing this with me. It speaks to me on a few different levels. The melancholy, bittersweet theme of these horses going to their demise, but yet being ridden, happily, one last time, is quite moving.
      My dad always used a wet sponge to seal envelopes and one day (I was probably 10 years old at the time) I asked him why. He told me he couldn’t bring himself to consume the glue possibly made from horses’ hooves on the envelope. That’s always stayed with me.
Thanks again!
— Keegan Pyle

Keegan,
Glad you like it. I tried to channel your dad as much as I could. I miss him.
— Tom Munch

I like your CD. I listen to it while processing photos. I especially like Glue-lot Cowboy and Stitches. Chuck had told me many times about riding horses at the slaughter house. I wondered when I heard the song if that's where you'd gotten the inspiration. I suppose that's one of the reasons I like your song so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think of Chuck.
— Bill Patterson, photographer

Sandy,
thank you for sharing your "new" song with me. i do appreciate your kind and thoughtful gesture.
the song is a lovely tribute to chuck, his stories, his music... 
chuck brought to us the landscape of possibilities..
a place for our spirits to run free...
thank you sandy..
and tom, gordon and spencer for helping with this one; with your music, finding the 'right' something in one of chuck's stories...
it tugs at our hearts in our remembering...
most sincerely,
always, his sweetheart
— terri watson

Oh, yeah! I like it! Gordon, you really make the song!
— Tom Munch

Thanks y’all for letting me ride with the posse. Goes well with our morning coffee...
Nice mix and tunes.
— Gordon Burt

• Pretty melody, nice scene here.
• You portrayed a good feeling about starting over.
  — critique group

Hitchhiker

We sure enjoyed listening to your CD on our way back to Steamboat on Sunday morning. Way to go!
By the way, when Hitchhiker came on, we passed a fellow that was hitchhiking. The truck was full of instruments, etc., so we couldn't stop, but, talk about timing.
— Steve Jones (Yampa Valley Boys)

Hitchhiker was a fun song.
— Cindy E, musician

• I think this title and hook are a great idea. It’s an intriguing and relatable metaphor, and a lucky accident that it corresponds so nicely with the John Prine song!
• I want to commend you on the impeccable craft of this lyric. Every line leads back to that (clever) hook, and each line perfects its rhyme scheme. That is no small feat, so pat yourself on the back. Great work.
• If you want to keep this as your song as an artist, I have no suggestions for improvement! It’s awesome.
• I think the overall concept of this song is really strong, it’s understandable, intriguing, and very poetic. Great work.
  — critique group

I Wanted to Fly

Nice song, Sandy!
— Mary Huckins, Dakota Blonde

You're CD's got a coffee house feel, like you're listening to friends playing music.
It took me a while to listen to the whole thing. I kept playing the first track [I Wanted to Fly] over and over.
— Sandee

I was really impressed with your CD. I liked all the song, especially I Wanted to Fly and Maybe This Time. I've been listening to your song since [the Fair] and it's still in the CD player in my car.
— Matt B

I love your CD! It's in the player in the car so I can listen to it whenever I drive. I particularly love I Wanted to Fly and Black Creek.
— Pat D

I thought I Wanted to Fly would also be a good tune for some country artist - I could hear a male vocalist on it as well. Loved the Pedal steel on it!
— Cindy E, musician

Sandy, I like your CD.
My favorites are I Wanted to Fly and Whole Lotta Pain.
— Louren M

• I love this song
• Great!
• Nice
• really liked this
• This one really grows on you
• A lot of meaning and well written.
• I think it's amazing and it gave me chills. Great message with a very flowing arrangement
• Loved it!
• great song!
• love it!
• Love this one!
• Awesome
• great lyrics and nice chord modulation at the right moments
• Just great! This is a song that teaches us about "more to the picture than meets the eye." Excellent, really really strong message about self and others.
• A great song.
• nice beat
• Cool title!
• Good job
• Your melody works well for the lyric, it's very diverse.
  — critique group

• Fun sing-along
• It's a cool song
  — critique group

I'll Hold You Close (Until You Fall Asleep)

The songs are great, and I like the emotional feeling of the photos with them (Free Fall, I'll Hold You Close, Woman Warrior). Wonderful! 
— Rona Golfen, RonaPhoto

Who is singing I'll Hold you Close? What a charm of a song!! I can see people dancing close together with this one! Good job Sis!! Hugs, xxx
— Reggie Ruth Barrett, photographer, songwriter

• Love the verses, don't know that I'd change a thing. GOOD WORK.
• Very romantic. I like the way you encompass the enduring part of love and use such a tender theme. Lyrics fall very nicely into the phrases.
• Sweet idea for a song
  — critique group

• Lovely tune
• Really nice melody
• I love Sandy's music! This is one of her best!!
• Cool...
• Nice sentiment!
• great just great
• Great song and song writer
• What are true friends for? "I'll Hold You Close" is that definition, being there for you through 'thick or thin'. Well done!
• Good one!
• fantastic!
• I like it a lot. But still looking for that one that will hold me close when I fall asleep. <:-) Actually, good lullaby too maybe for kids. Quite soothing.
• Great tune!
• Great melody!
• Simply perfect! Tight song with memorable melody and lyrics! Brilliant!!!
• I can see lovers dancing together with this song. Maybe a wedding song too? You rock!
• A wonderful song!
• Love it!
  — critique group

"This song is a winner, with the line 'dying days of summer.'"
— Bing S

• Very nice song.
• The tune is simple but not boring. Your song structure and crafting are very good.
  — critique group

• Good tempo. Good music
• Like the funky sound and pacing
• Good song!
  — critique group

Maybe This Time

I was really impressed with your CD. I liked all the song, especially I Wanted to Fly and Maybe This Time. I've been listening to your song since [the Fair] and it's still in the CD player in my car.
— Matt B

• This song REALLY moved me, it was SO REAL.
• Interesting melody, like the 'stairstep' quality to it
• Beautiful and haunting.
  — critique group

Melinda Rose

Melinda Rose was especially touching.
— Steve Pierce, musician & songwriter

Melinda Rose, wow!
— Spencer Pyne, musician, studio engineer

And you should have heard Sandy Reay hit it out of the park with her new song of Melinda Rose. Absolutely wonderful and beautifully done!
— Floyd Beard

Melinda Rose is my favorite.
— Deb Ewing

Oh yes, the emotion and passion was there big time! Very nice.
— Floyd Beard

Beautiful song.
Your song writing is some of the very very best of the very very best I have heard!
— Reggie Ruth Barrett, photographer, songwriter

I can't tell you enough how beautiful your song Melinda Rose is. I rate it a 10. I feel honored you played it.
— Janis F

Love it! Very sweet!
— Tom Munch

• Beautiful song!
• Very nice
• A nice song
• Loved the lyrics
• The song was wonderful
  — critique group

• Great images.
• The song makes me think of my childhood.
  — critique group

Your music is so "fun"!
— Spencer Pyne, musician, studio engineer

An Occasional Man....
BTW that song must be good.... I got it stuck in my head all afternoon yesterday.
— Don O, musician

OMG!! I love this song and you sound absolutely FANTASTIC!!!Thank you for sharing this! What a great way to start my day!
— Monica L, musician

Love that "emancipated" attitude. How liberating!
Love the song!
— Bill Patterson, photographer

I think the song is really, really good. You should try to market it big time.
— John G

This came out well! An attitude song :-)
— John P. Nelson

Sweeeeeeet! Love it. Fun. I can hear the smile in your voice. Congratulations!!!
— B.J. Suter

One Lonely Rider

I finally had a chance to audition my new gift [thank you] and very much enjoyed it, especially Already Gone and One Lonely Rider (but then I'm biased).
— Bill Barwick

Hi San:
There are a couple of songs that I/we would like to work up and put into our shows--with your permission, of course. They are Already Gone and One Lonely Rider.
— Steve Jones (Yampa Valley Boys)

We're 99% sure that we're also putting One Lonely Rider on the CD. Our recording engineer liked it and urged us to put it on.
Thanks.
— Steve Jones (Yampa Valley Boys)

Good Morning Sandy,
I wanted to pass on that we performed One Lonely Rider at the Canon Rose (a full house crowd) and got a great response from it. Bill, the soundman, had the system dialed in and I had to keep telling myself 'You're singing the song, don't get choked up with the audience.'
I also kept thinking of the fun we had at the Ranum doing that song with you, Ernie, and Jon.
Thanks again for the tune.
— John Fisher (Yampa Valley Boys)

Hi, Sandy -
I finally had time to sit down (well, in the car!) listen to your cd. It is great. John Fisher [Yampa Valley Boys] wrote this morning and said they are using 2 of the songs. I assume Already Gone and One Lonely Rider, your western songs.
— Suzie Solomon

I listened to One Lonely Rider over and over, at least 20 times, and have the first three verses memorized, plus the chorus. I respectfully request permission to recite it at gatherings when I have it fully memorized and practiced. This song is the best Western song I have heard in years. It seems like everything came together. I can't get it out of my head and I just kept playing it over and over all the way across eastern CO and all of KS.
— Dale P, award-winning cowboy poet

• This is a GREAT story and song.
• Good cowboy song.
• This is a classic heroic song...like the old Marty Robbins gunfighter songs. Good job.
  — critique group

Our Last Roundup

Red Shoes

Ride for the Win

Yee Hawww! Got my cowboy up! Great song!
— Ed T, artist and former bull rider

Ernie's Army rides again, and what a ride!
— Sandy R

Sandstorm From Sedona

San,
It was my pleasure to include your song (Sandstorm From Sedona) on my "Swingin' West" show. It was a nice addition.
Later,
— Mike Gross, WVOF-FM

Thanks for sending along your I Wanted to Fly CD. I will be using Sandstorm From Sedona from it on my Swingin' West radio shows.
Good luck with the CD!
Later,
— Mike Gross, WVOF-FM

Sandstorm From Sedona was fun and I liked the feel of it.
— Cindy E, musician

• Good melody
• Liked the metaphors in the chorus
• Nice song.
  — critique group

It's a fine poem, I especially like,
"How what you want and what you get
Are held in different hands."
Your meter is exemplary. It's so nice to read a poem written in proper meter.
...I like it. And I know there's an excellent poet in you which should be writing more.
—Dale P, award-winning cowboy poet

That was a nice piece of work!
—Mike B, songwriter

• Very cool!
• Great imagery
• Like watching a movie
  — critique group

State Line Cafe

Nice array of tunes and performances. Didn't know BJ has such a pleasant singing voice.
I'll play State Line Cafe on Feb 28 between 9 &10a.
— Jerry Mills, radio show host of Rocky Mountain Bluegrass on KOLT FM, 100.7 FM

I also really liked State Line Cafe - again, seems like it would be a good one for some country artist. Kathy Mattea sort of popped into my head for that one. Nice tune and nice harmonies on it.
— Cindy E, musician

• I filtered the whole song through thoughts of another old truck stop I've watched disappear. Very bittersweet.
• I love this story...is it true? Sounds like it is. Good writing.
  — critique group

Stitches

Very moving, Sandy.
— Nadia Y

This is a good one.
— Deb Ewing

I especially like Glue-lot Cowboy and Stitches.
— Bill Patterson, photographer

It's a Beautiful poem, Sandy.
— Joe Barrera, The Almagre Review

Sandy........
I cannot even sum up the emotions this poem created inside me. Yes...Kleenex was necessary. Un-feeakin'-believable!
Girlfriend, WHO ARE YOU????? You need to be published, recognized, appreciated, applauded............AWARDED!!!
WOW again. Just WOW!!!! I'm amazed.
With love and accolades of respect,
— Susie K, award-winning cowboy poet

Excellent poem.
— Dennis R, cowboy poet

Wow, San! Your poem takes my breath away. It is so evocative, I can see the scene. Wow!
I think Stitches is fabulous.
— Rona G, photographer

Very well crafted, Sandy, with obvious true sentiment.
— Dale P, award-winning cowboy poet

Just lovely
— Carol Heuchan, poet

• This song is perfect, as is. The only suggestion I can make is to modulate up in the last verse.
• Cool images! great flow to the words
  — critique group

The Boogeyman (video)

Well done!! Very impressive. — Brandy Herbert

I can see why you're having fun with this! — Cindy E

The Boys from the Bar Double O

The Old Iron Hinge

This is such a fine poem.
— Lynn Kopelke

Girl!!! You are a phenomenal writer! I loved this wonderful poem!
— Susie K, award-winning cowboy poet

Nice job Sandy
— Floyd Beard

You don't need anybody's help there, Sandy. When the words take your reader there with you then they have done exactly as you have set out to do. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing that.
— John "Ol' Ugly" Glawson, cowboy poet and country comedian

Sandy...it is just beautiful! I felt as though I was watching the barn doors open and close in a soft breeze.
— Susan S

I love it. Thanks for sharing
— Carmen A, singer/songwriter

That's a really nice poem, San! It was kinda sad and really beautifully written.
— Emily M, composer

I really like your poem about the old hinge. Once again, it's so evocative I can see the scenes. I love that the one hinge makes you think (and therefore, me too) about the creation and history of the hinge. I saw an old weathered hinge that looked great to me, but I didn't think about all that. Now I will.
— Rona G, photographer (her photo inspired the poem)

I like it, Sandy. ​​This is very observant! It's like an Aesop's fable sort of thing. You really made me see that old door and hinge.
And to think, your whole poem hinged on a piece of metal.
Well done, Lass.
— Dale P, award-winning cowboy poet

Two Below the Hocks

Wow! There’s the energy we needed!
— Terry Nash

That all sounds great!
— Luke Halpin

Wandering Cowboy

• Fabulous
• Really great
  — critique group

Whole Lotta Pain

My other favorite, Whole Lotta Pain, would make a great modern blues tune for somebody.
— Cindy E, musician

Sandy, I like your CD.
My favorites are I Wanted to Fly and Whole Lotta Pain.
— Louren M

Wish You Were Here

I especailly liked Wish You Were Here.
— Bill D

I'm partial to Wish You Were Here.
—Tom Munch

Wow. I like it all. I like the ending with a flourish. I like the balance of vocals with instrumentals, and the killer instrumental break.
You've devoted a lot of work to making this track fabulous. Pretty amazing.
— Doc Mehl

The songs are great, and I like the emotional feeling of the photos with them (Free Fall, I'll Hold You Close, Woman Warrior). Wonderful! 
— Rona Golfen, RonaPhoto

Congratulations!! I read in the Winfield Occasional that you were a winner for Apache Plume. That's FANTASTIC! (I sing that song to myself all the time) (Along with 'Already Gone' and 'Woman Warrior') Thank you again for the tape. The songs are great. ... Well good luck to you and keep up the great songwriting.
— Jim

You Are the Road

(in progress)

I finally got back to the recording from tonight and I LOVE YOUR SONG!!!
— Cathy O

I loved doing your song.
— Dan Navarro, singer/songwriter

That is lovely.
— Barbara D

Very nice!
— Mary Pat M, songwriter

I love the final mix on that!
— Stacy McClure

thank you sandy!! really nice!
— Dave and Ellen K

Liked your song very much
— Nadia Y

Good stuff Sandy!
— Ed Skibbe

• The arrangement feels good - I like how your start it off with the Chorus at the beginning. That seems to set the tone really well and get right into the heart of the message.
• The hook and the title are all good too...the Chorus really sets up a nice motif with the causes and effects of objects and does well to support the hook at the end of each Chorus.
• You involve a lot of detail into the lyric and it really sets a sweet and endearing mood all the way through.
• This is a very endearing idea and it seems to wrap well around the hook you've developed.
• As a Folk/Americana song, your melody is pretty strong. It matches the sentiment of the message as well as the lyric...the phrasing is comfortable, the meter is consistent.
  — critique group

Speaking of full-body goosebumps, I'm listening to The Road and it's great. I can totally appreciate all that you put into it and it's really touching.
— Ronnie Webb

Thanks again for letting me sing your song. It moves everyone who hears it.
— Rebecca Martin, singer

Sounds great. Terrific song!!!!
— Joyce G

Beautiful song, Sandy. Makes me proud of you. =)
— Bob Wheeler, author

Nice song, keep up the good work.
— Steve Pierce, musician & songwriter

You are an extremely talented songwriter.
Cheers
— Rob Armstrong (author, reporter, professor)

Great song San!!!!!!!
— Jeanette Oxelson, artist

Nice treatment of your tune. it really has that sing- along- ability that makes a tune popular!
— Shawn W

This was really great to watch and listen to. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
— Patricia L

Very nice!! Congratulations!
— Brandy Herbert

Sweet!
— B.J. Suter

Nice!
— Doris G

Love it!
— Kim G

Awesome, toots!!!!
Great Song.......
— Ed

Wow…it moved me too! Good job.
— Dolora R

Yes, she did [a good job]. Good song!
— Steve Jones

You did something difficult: you wrote a song about heartbreak without using the word 'heartbreak.'
— critique group