The Christian Mind

'Sweethearts' is a tribute to the 1968's classic 'Sweetheart of The Rodeo' album. Christian Parker & Earl Poole Ball, one of the original sessions, co-produced and contributed piano to this modern interpretation. Jaydee Maness, one of the original pedal steel players making a special appearance, joined the sessions. In 1968 the album managed to disappoint and, in many cases, alienate almost everyone who heard it. It would be much later before it was recognized as the iconic piece of work that it is. 'Sweetheart of The Rodeo' is widely regarded as the album defining country rock, but the rock part is almost silent. The whole thing is almost out and out of the country, with huge dollops of pedal steel, banjo, fiddle, and almost everything other kinds of instrument you would expect to hear in the mainstream twangy country that existed at that time."