We’re just a bunch of regular country folks. We evolved from an occasional backyard get-together, to what you hear on the first album, released in February of 2001, titled “Hangin’ from the Conchos” and now on the second album, titled Tied Behind the Cantle”. Most of the members of Saddlestrings live in the small farming community of Hooper, Utah, perched on the flatlands, next to the Great Salt Lake, in Northern Utah.
Every member of this group has lived and loved the ranch lifestyle, even though they have had to let go of the old ways and the laid back business of cows, horses, haying and irrigating in the hot sun.
“Heaven knows we never thought we would ever go into a studio and record an album, it just happened”, laughs Cindy Argyle, little blonde wife of bass player, Kurt “Snoose” Argyle. “Snoose”, born and raised on the family ranch in Randolph, Utah, looks the part of every long legged, red mustachioed cowboy you ever read about in a Louis L’Amore western novel. Cindy sings and plays percussion. She loved visiting grandpa, in Rock Springs, and doing cowboy things with him. Both of them enjoy the cowboy life, and helping out, while visiting Snoose’s brother that happens to be a range rider, above Evanston, Wyoming.
Brian Arnold, born 100 years too late, gifted with the ability to pen a poem or a song which paints a picture so real, you can almost smell the bacon or hear the horses whinny, sings lead vocals. He writes most of the original material, and lends body to the songs on the album with good solid rhythm guitar work. He’s a good cowboy, looks the part, and works cattle like he was born to.
And, let’s not forget Laurie Morgan and Bud Brown. Laurie grew up with farm animals, around dairy cows and had her own horse for as long as she can remember. She was born to sing and music has always been a part of her life. Her father sang with the Utah famous Four R’s and she sang with him many a time in church and family gatherings.
Bud has been a horseman all of his life. He enjoys the horses that he and his wife own and ride, as well as the cattle drives and the simple cowboy life, that it brings. Bud plays drums for the Saddlestrings, when we perform for dances and weddings and such, for that full band sound, but it is a little tough to bring them along to the festivals. Unfortunately, these two talented individuals were not members of the Saddlestrings when we recorded this first album, but we fixed that with the new one.
Last, but definitely not least, Jodi Thackary. Raised in Pendleton, OR, a member of the Sevier family, (yes, the Sevier Saddlery fame). She grew up playing the fiddle and her grandmother taught her how to yodel. She's a real treat to hear!
Our heartfelt thanks to all, for having faith in us and for all of the wonderful encouragement that has kept Saddlestrings driving on. Even though we are common folks, taking each day as they come, we are dedicated to doing what we can to preserve and promote the ways of the old west through our music and poetry. We hope you enjoy listening to the Saddlestrings’ music as much as we enjoy making it.
