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I Wanted to Fly - Sandy Reay & Friends	Order CD

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

"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 Anthony, 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.

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

"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 priviledge 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 Emylou Harris. And a whole lot of originality. A lot of good songs. Nice ensemble."
— Rob Armstrong (author, reporter, professor)

"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 Downey, Rocky Mountain Clocks

"Loved your CD!"
— Sharyn C.

"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

"Nice song, Sandy!"
— Mary Huckins, Dakota Blonde (re: I Wanted to Fly)

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

"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

"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 Tilander, composer

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

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

"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.

...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

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

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.
I would like to sing the Collie song [Car Full of Collies] 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, Pickin' On Tennyson

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"

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

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

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.
Listeners will need to click on the red line that says “O.J.s Latest Time” to access the current show. 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." BostonPete.com

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

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

CD Review in The Western Way by Rick Huff

Article in the Tri-Lakes Tribune by Ryan Boldrey

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 Barker, Loose Cannon Bluegrass Band

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 Barker, Loose Cannon Bluegrass Band

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 Hawkins, e-Books Inc.

Your CD is so good. I love it!
— Sunny Jung, Gold Label Cleaners

I love your CD.
— Emily Miller Bond, composer

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 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 (of Water Street Bridge)

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 bewteen 9 &10a.
— Jerry Mills, radio show host of Rocky Mountain Bluegrass on KOLT FM, 100.7 FM, out of Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming, on Sunday mornings 8-10 a.m.

the cd is Wonderful, Thank you so very much...i love it...how creative and evolving you are ! you go girl !
— Betty Spreen, entertainment director, Colorado Renaissance Festival

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

Hi San:
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.
Anyway, 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

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

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. My very 2 favorites are "Black Leather Coat" and "Whole Lotta Pain". "Black Leather Coat" 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? On "Whole Lotta Pain", that would make a great modern blues tune for somebody. 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!
I loved the Dobro on "Already Gone" - that is a nice tune in the folk vein. I liked the Spanish flavor of "Red Shoes". 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.
"Hitchhiker" was a fun song, and I thought "Car Full of Collies " was cute. "Sandstorm From Sedona" was also fun and I liked the feel of it.
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.

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 Ingram, 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. 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 Wheeler (Just another Sandy Reay fan), author of "The Daddy Book" and "The Stress Book" available at Clear Creek Books, Golden, and some Borders Book Stores.

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

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

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, musician

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, 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 Winchester, musician

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, musician and award-winning songwriter

Jon Chandler's PDF:

I WANTED TO FLY Sandy Reay & Friends 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.

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, musician

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

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, musician

Order CD

Other Feedback:

I Wanted to Fly (Version 2) and I'll Hold You Close (Version 2)	"You rock girl! Absolutely beautiful!!!!! I WILL make it to one of your open mics, someday soon. I am singing more now. " I can tell Mary[Huckins, Dakota Blonde] is singing your "Flying" song! Wonderful inspiring! But, 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!! REALLY GOOD JOB!!! Hugs, xxx — Reggie
Our Last Roundup	"'Our Last Roundup' is a fabulous piece and is becoming a real favorite of mine." — Elna C.
The Boys From the Bar Double O	"Thank you for sending along your poem! "Bill [Barwick] told me he had asked you to email it to me and I am glad you did. Great story. The majority of my stuff is from the women's point of view, so this fits right in. Thanks again," — Sam DeLeeuw
You Were the Road (song and video)	"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 "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 Winchester, musician "This was really great to watch and listen to. Congratulations and thanks for sharing." — Patricia L. "Very nice!! Congratulations!" — Brandy Herbert, musician "Terrific!" — Eileen J. "Sweet!" — B.J. Suter, musician "Nice!" — Doris G. "Love it!" — Kim G. "Awesome, toots!!!! Great Song......." — Ed Hawkins, e-Books Inc. "Wow…it moved me too! Good job." — Dolora R. "Yes, she did [a good job]. Good song!" — Steve Jones, Yampa Valley Boys
Western Way Fall 2011 review of Ernie Martinez's CD, "Blue Range."
Rope Burns March-April 2011 review of the Yampa Valley Boys CD, "Second Guard."
Videos:
The Boogeyman	"I can see why you're having fun with this!" — Cindy E "Well done!! Very impressive." — Brandy Herbert
Song Critiques:
Addicted	Isn't that the truth. Good story.
Already Gone	Good traditional song Lovely sensory language I was right there with you Nice lyrics and composition
Car Full of Collies	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.
Dead Love Walking (coming soon)	Way fun So fun Very nice
Heading East	Pretty melody, nice scene here. You portrayed a good feeling about starting over.
I'll Hold You Close	Love the verses, donít know that Iíd 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
I'll Hold You Close (Version 2)	Love it! I love Sandy's music! This is one of her best!! Cool... Nice sentiment! great just great Great song and song writter 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 alot. 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!
I Wanted to Fly (Version 2)	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
Lady of the Valley	Very nice song. The tune is simple but not boring. Your song structure and crafting are very good.
Last Night's the Last Night (coming soon)	Good tempo. Good music. Like the funky sound and pacing. Good song!
Maybe This Time	This song REALLY moved me, it was SO REAL. Interesting melody, like the 'stairstep' quality to it" Beautiful and haunting."
One Lonely Rider	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.
Red Candy (coming soon)	Very nice. It paints a very clear story.
Sandstorm From Sedona	Good melody Liked the metaphors in the chorus Nice song.
State Line Cafe	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.
You Were the Road	Love the pauses in the last lines You did something difficult: you wrote a song about heartbreak without using the word 'heartbreak.'
Letters:
"You rock girl! Absolutely beautiful!!!!! I WILL make it to one of your open mics, someday soon. I am singing more now. " I can tell Mary[Huckins, Dakota Blonde] is singing your "Flying" song! Wonderful inspiring! But, 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!! REALLY GOOD JOB!!! Hugs, xxx — Reggie
"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
"Thank you for sending the words and chords to 'Cabin on the Prairie'. I love the words. My husband plays with a group of retired 'learners'. He played it for them and each week they ask him to play it again but they all had trouble with the chords. It is a beautiful song and we play it often. You were deserving to be the Songwriters Showcase winner!" — Jane