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“Swingin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Vision). This is a peppy album in a ‘50’s retro style from the Albuquerque country swing band of Syd Masters & The Swing Riders. This trio motors through secular standards like “Jingle Bells,” religious numbers like “Silent Night” and novelty tunes like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” But the guys also sing “Twelve Days of Cowboy Christmas” with Masters’ own lyrics.

Masters’ original work “Christmas in New Mexico” has the potential to be a perennial fave. -Rene Kimball

The first time I heard this group was at a western swing dance, so I thought they limited themselves to swing. They don’t . The opener on this CD, “Swingin’ at the Cowboy Dance,” swings, as does “Won’t You Ride in my Little Red Wagon,” but most of the material is good ol’ cowboy music.

Titles include Gene’s “Cowboy Blues” and Roy’s “When I Camped Under the Stars, “ as well as Syd’s excellent originals (and my favorite), the lightly swinging “Under New Mexico Skies” and his beautiful ballad, “Cottonwood Snow,” among others. There’s much more, and this CD illustrates why Syd and his Riders are one of the most popular bands in New Mexico.

As it is nearly impossible for any sane human being not to get a spontaneous smile on their faces when they hear “Asleep at the Wheel,” it’s just as unlikely that you’ll be able to resist tapping your feet to the third and latest release by local singing cowboy Syd Masters and his Swing Riders. The 13 original tracks put the swing back in country more effectively than the drivel currently being foisted upon us by Nashville. Herein lies a skip for everyone’s step and a glimmer of hope for every eye tearful at the current state of county music. -Michael Henningsen

New Mexico’s favorite sons of Western Swing have just completed another CD their fans will be plumb tickled with, in two senses. First, they’re one of the area’s most popular bands. And with a title (and sub-title) like this one, you already know you’re in for some fun. People flock to listen and dance to the Swing Riders music. So there‘s plenty here to keep those masses satisfied, and lots of fun along the way.

Yodel fans and performers will love “Yodel Rodeo,” a new addition to the yodel genre. But there’s more here than novelty tunes. “Out in the Country” is an easy-going swing tune, “Cow Songs” relates the tales of an Old Timer, “Daddy Can You Hear Me” was written for Syd’s late dad and “Los Alamos Flames” is about the terrible fires that hit the west recently. Some nice, new originals, all by Syd except for one by Riders member Slim J. The liner included lyrics and a great foldout photo of the band (on the moon, of course).

Available from www.sydmasters.com but you can pick one up at a concert or dance if you get a chance. -O.J. Sikes

Prime Time Magazine May 2003

"COWBOY ON THE MOON"

Bright and clear as the moonlight he celebrates, Edgewood singer and talented songwriter Syd Masters matches musical honesty with a fine sense of humor in this new CD. This is good solid stuff you’ll like to dance to, or even just laugh with. Masters taps all the universal truths of country music with flair and skill, but takes time to chuckle at himself now and then, too. While successful with ballads like the one about the Cerro Grande fire, he’s at his best poking gentle fun at the world around us in this contemporary but timeless collection. -Bill Dunning