A monthly periodical and performance update written by Syd Masters to all of his trail pals. Click here to have the Trail Guide sent directly to your homestead!

April 8, 2011
Howdy folks,

I wanted to write to y’all and inform you that my band and I will not be appearing at the Wildlife West Chuckwagon Dinner Show this coming season. I have enjoyed bringing classic western music and humor to my hometown of Edgewood, NM for the past twelve years. Please note that this was not the decision of either my band members or me. Wildlife West has made the choice to go in a different direction. As to their reasons why you will need to inquire with them as it is still unclear to me. They can be reached at 505-281-7655.

This does however free up me and the boys to pursue other weekend ventures during the summer. I can now bring music to more trail rides around the country. This is an area where The Swing Riders are always in high demand as our campfire cowboy music simply fits the mood. Gary Roller (bassist) and his outfit have completed the traveling singing cowboy stage so we can now perform anywhere, anytime. Look for us at his Rockin’ R Gallery in Placitas, NM.

I will also be appearing all summer long on selected dates in Red River, NM at Bobcat Pass, as well as The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad out of La Veta and Alamosa, Colorado.
For those of you in the Central part of the USA watch for my Harvest Tour during October.

Website performance updates with definite bookings will be updated on April 12, 2011, and then routinely thereafter. If in the past you have tried to book my band on a Saturday and found it difficult, please call us soon to reserve the date for your event this year.

I wish the best of success to Wildlife West this coming season.

Thanks to all of you who support my music.

Your pal,
Syd Masters

April 2011 Dance venues
22 & 23 La Fonda De Santa Fe, lafondasantafe.com, 8-11PM
30 Casa Del Rancho, casadelrancho.com, 8-11PM



March 10, 2011
Howdy folks,

I am pleased to announce that Syd Masters & The Swing Riders will be appearing at the South X Southwest Music and Film festival in Austin, Texas this coming weekend. The band will be performing at the Red Carpet premier of the Universal Studios film production “Paul” on March 13, 2011. Syd and the boys will also make an appearance at the famed Broken Spoke dance hall on the previous Saturday night.

“Paul” is directed by Greg Mottola and features Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig (SNL) Sigourney Weaver, and Seth Rogan as Paul, the alien. Many other usual and unusual suspects including Syd Masters along with Swing Riders Gary Roller and Lonnie Ohta-Mayer can also be seen.

If you have been to see Superbad, Shawn of the Dead, Run Fatboy Run, or Hot Fuzz these are the same writers and/or directors from those and many other films. These are the best comedy writers of the era and I fully expect this movie to be way funny.

While my song “Cowboys on the Moon” didn’t make the final cut, you can still enjoy the band playing my arrangement of the Star Wars Cantina Band song in western swing fashion during the bar scene. This track should also be on the soundtrack and when that is available I will pass on the info.

New Mexicans will enjoy this film as it was shot in many locations you will recognize around the state. Our scene was at The Mineshaft Tavern in Madrid, NM.

The movie is officially released on March 18, 2011. This is pretty cool because the band happens to be in town and will be playing at La Fonda De Santa Fe that evening from 8-11PM, as well as the following night the 19th.

One last thing. If you have not yet purchased your tickets for the 10th Annual Cowboy Ball in Albuquerque, NM you should do so right away. It always sells out and you don’t want to miss out on what many people call the best dance event in New Mexico! Call 505-922-6207 for tickets and info.

See y’all at the movies. Until then, keep the coffee brewin’!

Your pal,

Syd Masters

______________________________________________________________________________
New Mexico State Cowboy Song

Here's some fun for all you geetar players. This is not sheet music, it's only the chords. If you have a copy of "The Cowboy Sings" or "Sunset on the Rio Grande" listen for whole notes, stops, etc. You will find that while the harmonies, solos and secondary guitar parts are different on the new version, the chords are pretty much the same. You can also go to myspace/sydmasters and this is the first song on the list of tunes to listen too. Have fun playing along with "Under New Mexico Skies."

Under New Mexico Skies
Copyright Syd Masters
Deer Pine Music, BMI
Key: F

Intro: Bb6, C7 | F | C7 |

V1: F | A7 | Bb | C, C7 | F | A7 | Bb | C, C7 |
F | A7 | Bb, C | Dm | C | Dm, Bb | C7 |

Chor: ||: F | Bb6 :|| F | Bb6 | F | C7 |

V2: F | A7 | Bb | C, C7 | F | A7 | Bb | C, C7 |
F | A7, Dm | Bb, C | Dm | C | Dm, Bb | C7 |

Chor: ||: F | Bb6 :|| F | Bb6 | F | C7 |

Solo: F | A7 | Bb | C, C7 | F | A7 | Bb | C, Am |

Brig: F, Gm | F, Gm | C | C7 | C7(stop) |

Chor: ||: F | Bb6 :|| F | Bb6 | F | C7 |

Tag: ||: F | Bb6 :|| F | Bb6 | Bb6 | Bb6 | F | F,C7,F |