These are story songs delivered with a lived-in voice by Canadian Ben Rogers. The Dealer tells of the bad breaks and hard life suffered by surviving on the wrong side of the law. The Cheatin’ Kind tells of a crime of passion and a jilted husband who takes his revenge. Cowboys and Indians is a tale of love across the ethnic divide that ends in pregnancy and death.
There are other songs about jailbirds and bums on easy street, railroad workers and lonesome travellers. The arrangements are simple and dominated by acoustic guitar and harmonica, but Ben Rogers also chips in with mandolin, banjo, piano and organ at different stages across these ten songs. So, a solo effort and a self- realised project that entertains. A pleasant and relaxing listen.