The California Gold Rush of 1849 turned the quiet territory of the United States into a roaring center of world attention. People came from everywhere to “make their pile”. Some folks struck it rich and some worked for wages. Others, disillusioned by mining, found other work.

One of these was John A. Stone. John Stone crossed the plains in 1849, and in 1853 started a musical group called the Sierra Nevada Rangers. They played the major mining towns. Stone, or “Old Put” as he called himself, was the most prolific and successful composer of songs during the Gold Rush. He prided himself on knowing from personal experience the hardships and disappointments of the average miner. In his songs are a first-hand accounts of many of these experiences.

The New Sierra Nevada Rangers are a family band from Nevada City, California. They perform the music of the western pioneers with the joy and exuberance of the American Western Movement

Contents

1. O! California
2. Oh! Them Golden Slippers
3. The Miner's Dream
4. California Stage Company
5. The Girl I Left Behind Me
6. A Rippin' Trip
7. Buffalo Gals
8. Seneca Square Dance
9. Single Girl
10. Shenandoah
11. California Ball
12. Sweet Betsy From Pike
13. The Lily of the West
14. California Joe
15. Oh! Suzannah

To hear sample tracks
of this album visit:

Alkali's site.