The legend and lore of the Wild West holds a strong allure for kids and grown-ups alike. Whether it conjures up images of cowboys riding ponies across the wide-open range or singing songs by the campfire, music of the old West represents a great American tradition that holds a timeless appeal. Putumayo Kids captures the freedom of the cowpoke's life with Cowboy Playground, a galloping collection of songs by artists such as Western music stalwarts Riders in the Sky and Don Edwards. Children's cowboy music star Buck Howdy sings his funny tall tale tune "Pecos Bill" while classics including "Home on the Range" (recorded by Oregon children's artist Victor Johnson), "Whoopie Ti Yi Yo" (performed by Canadian artist-rancher Ian Tyson), and "Don't Fence Me In" ( jazzily arranged by Seattle kids' artist Johnny Bregar) are familiar even to city slickers. At the end of the day, as millions of stars twinkle in the sky, the Dale Evans-inspired band Cowboy Envy wishes everyone "Happy Trails." A 24-page booklet featuring archival photos from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, is included in the Cowboy Playground package. Holly George Warren, renowned music critic and author of The Cowgirl Way, contributes charming liner notes that introduce the whole family to the rollicking world of cowboy music. As always, the colourful cover was illustrated by Nicola Heindl.

Track Listings

1. Saddle Bum - Wylie & the Wild West
2. I'm an Old Cowhand - Riders In The Sky
3. Close 'Em on Up - Kerry Grombacher
4. Back in the Saddle Again - Liz Masterson & Sean Blackburn
5. It's the Cowboy Life for Me - David John and the Comstock Cowboys
6. Pecos Bill - Buck Howdy
7. Don't Fence Me In - Johnny Bregar
8. Home on the Range - Victor Johnson
9. Whoopee Ti Yi Yo - Ian Tyson
10. May the Trail Rise Up to Greet You - Dave Stamey
11. Take Me Back to the Range - Peter Rowan & Don Edwards