At first sight, the grassy, rolling hills of the Texas Panhandle appear to hold nothing of interest. The passerby sees only a vast expanse of plain interrupted by an occasional windmill or cluster of trees. Closer observation reveals an incredible prairie landscape etched by countless draws, arroyos, and ravines.

Frankie McWhorter’s versions of “Mrs. McLeod’s Reel,” “Gals in the Morning,” and “Rabbit, Where’s Your Mama?” produce a similar effect. An old Country tune is more than a simple melody in his hands. When Frankie draws the bow, his feeling for the music conveys a portrait of the Texas Panhandle-the music, the people, and the tradition.

Mentors like Boyd Rogers (b. 1895), Eck Robertson (b. 1897), and Bob Wills (b. 1905) taught Frankie a frontier fiddle legacy spanning two centuries. His respect and lifelong dedication to their memories has made him a worthy steward. In Texas Sandman, he passes this legacy to new generations.

Lanny Fiel and Susan Miller

Musicians in order of appearance:

1. Down Home Rag – Fiddle-Frankie • Harmony fiddles-Lanny • Piano-Curley • Electric arch-top guitars-Tommy A. • Steel-Bobby

2. Oklahoma Waltz – Fiddle-Frankie • Vocal-Frankie • Harmony vocals-Leon and Tommy A. • Acoustic arch-top fills-Tommy A. • Harmony fiddles-Lanny

3. Mrs. McLeod’s Reel – Fiddle-Frankie • Mandolin-Lanny • Dobro-Tommy M. • Piano-Curley • Steel-Bobby • Harmony fiddles-Lanny and Scott

4. Starlight Schottische – Fiddles and violas-Lanny • Piano-Curley• Steel-Bobby

5. Gals in the Morning – Solo fiddle- Frankie • Vocal- Frankie • Fiddle and harmony fiddles-Lanny

6. Jesusita en Chihuahua – Fiddles-Lanny • Background harmony fiddle-Frankie • Standard guitars-Lanny • Dobro-Tommy M. • Piano-Curley • Steel-Bobby

7. Little Green Valley – Vocal and harmony vocals- Frankie • Fiddle- Frankie • Harmony fiddles-Lanny • Electric arch-top guitars-Tommy A. • Steel-Bobby

8. Evalena – Fiddle-Frankie • Harmony fiddles-Lanny • Acoustic arch-top guitars-Tommy A. • Steel-Bobby • Vocal-Frankie • Mandolins-Lanny

9. Rabbit, Where’s Your Mama? – Fiddle-Lanny • Harmony fiddle-Scott • Piano-Curley • Dobro-Tommy M. • Fiddle-Frankie • Harmony fiddles-Lanny and Scott

10. Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet – Fiddle-Frankie • Harmony fiddles-Lanny • Piano-Curley• Steel-Bobby • Electric arch-top guitars-Tommy A. • Vocal-Leon

11. Between the Rivers – fiddle-Frankie • Vocal-Leon • Mandolins-Lanny • Electric arch-top guitars-Tommy A.

12. Hound Dog Waltz – Fiddle-Frankie • Mandolin-Lanny • Acoustic arch-top guitars-Tommy A. • Piano-Curley • Harmony fiddles-Lanny and Scott

13. Frieda – Fiddle-Frankie • Dobro-Tommy M. • Fiddle-Lanny • Mandolin-Lanny

14. Flop-Eared Mule Schottische – Mandolins-Lanny • Dobro-Tommy M. • Fiddle-Frankie • Harmony fiddle-Lanny

15. There’s An Old Spinning Wheel – Fiddles-Lanny • Vocal-Frankie • Piano-Curley • Steel-Bobby • Electric arch-top guitars-Tommy A.

16. Rickett’s Hornpipe – Fiddle- Frankie • Harmony fiddle and harmony mandolin- Lanny • Piano-Curley • Mandolin and tenor guitars-Lanny

17. Green Grow the Lilacs – Fiddles-Lanny • Vocal-Frankie • Mandolins-Lanny • Fiddle-Frankie • Harmony fiddles-Lanny and Scott • Steel-Bobby

18. Little Brown Jug – Solo Fiddle-Frankie • Fiddle and harmony fiddles-Lanny • Piano-Curley • Standard guitars-Lanny • Dobro-Tommy M. • Electric arch-top guitars-Tommy A. • Steel-Bobby

19. Peek a Boo Waltz – Piano-Curley • Standard guitar, mandolin, and tenor guitar-Lanny • Steel-Bobby • Fiddle-Frankie • Harmony fiddles-Lanny and Scott

20. Prettiest Girl in the County – Mandolins-Lanny • Piano-Curley • Standard guitar-Lanny  • Fiddle-Frankie • Harmony fiddles-Lanny and Scott

21. Texas Sandman – Fiddles-Lanny and Frankie • Vocal-Frankie • Electric arch-top fills-Tommy A.