Song of the Bandit

This album is, in part, a tribute to two of the greatest singers and song writers I know of: Marty Robbins, and Bob Nolan of The Sons of the Pioneers. Their music instilled me with a love of singing, and more than that, of storytelling. I hope the joy they’ve given me will be passed on to you through this collection. It is also a fulfillment of the many requests from friends and family for a recording of these poems and songs.
I thank God for music and the ability to sing; my Grandma, Irma McCaskill, for encouragement and funding this project; John Fullerton for all his work arranging and coaching our harmony vocals, numerous pre-studio sessions, and for singing with me on The Lilies Grow High; and Greg Bailey for his patience and expertise in the recording studio, pointing out all my imperfections, mixing & mastering, and playing the third beat ‘chop’ on El Paso, which blew all our minds.

Special thanks to my family who all get to hear more than their share of sour notes and strange (yodeling?) sounds that come out of me. Without their support (i.e. nagging), instrumental abilities, singing and camaraderie, this album would never have been finished. And a big thanks to Katie, who sometimes says that I sing better than Marty Robbins, and who suggested Song of Wyoming, which has become my favorite song on the CD.

This album is lovingly dedicated to the memory of my Grandpa Bill McCaskill.

Credits: Song arrangements by Daniel Farnum Daniel Farnum ~ Lead Vocals & Upright Bass Benjamin Farnum ~ Mandolin & Guitar / Hannah Farnum ~ Fiddle & Vocals Norm Farnum ~ Banjo & Vocals / Trish Farnum ~ Piano, Penny-whistle & Vocals Greg Bailey / Stone County Recording – (417) 598-3702 John Fullerton / Branson’s Singing Cowboy – (417) 230-9447 Betty Kottkamp / MTB Graphics Studio – (417) 294-3660