POCO: Running Horse

Poco

Running Horse

© 2003 Drifter's Church Productions

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

Poco defined country rock in the sixties and seventies and are back after 13 years.

tracks

1 One Tear At A Time
2 Every Time I Hear That Train
3 If Your Heart Needs A Hand
4 Never Loved...Never Hurt Like This
5 Forever
6 Never Get Enough
7 If You Can't Stand To Lose
8 I Can Only Imagine
9 Shake It
10 That's What Love Is All About
11 Running Horse

notes

Poco, the band that defined country rock in the Sixties and Seventies, resulting in million selling albums and number one hit singles over a more than three decades career, announces the release of "Running Horse," their first CD in 13 years, on Drifter's Church Productions.

"Poco's biggest success came with Legend, when it was just (guitarist) Paul (Cotton) and me basically making a record together, and this new record is Paul and me together again, and that's just really special for me," said Poco co-founder, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rusty Young. "This is a just a great, great record. Paul and I are really proud of it." "It's special for me, every day that I can play with Rusty," Cotton added,"This record stands as a strong testament to all of our years of playing together. It sounds so good; it's a real treat for us. We are extremely pleased with how it came out." Joining Young and Cotton, who have been playing together in Poco since 1970, are original drummer George Grantham and bassist/songwriter Jack Sundrud, who has played with the band on and off since 1985.

The record is co-produced, with Young by noted Nashville session man Mike Clute, who has nurtured the sound behind such popular selling artists as Blackhawk and Diamond Rio. "Having someone like Mike work with us, with all the success he has had with those bands, really added to this for us," said Young."He's obviously got a great ear for what sounds good, and really helped us mold the Poco sound in the studio."

Poco, which was originally known as "Pogo," grew out of the legendary Sixties band Buffalo Springfield, whose members included Richie Furay and Jim Messina, who, along with Young, who played on the final Springfield album, "Last Time Around," formed Poco in 1968. With its combined influences of both rock and country, Poco was a pioneer of its time. Along with Furay, Messina, Young and Grantham, the original lineup also included future Eagle Randy Meisner, who was later replaced by current Eagle Timothy B. Schmit. Cotton replaced Messina in 1970. Grantham and Schmit left the band in 1977, and Cotton and Young decided to continue Poco together, buffeted by a new English rhythm section, consisting of drummer Stephen Chapman and bassist Charlie Harrison.

That quartet, later to include keyboardist Kim Bullard, recorded "Legend," a multi-platinum seller that included two hit singles, Young's "Crazy Love," which charted to number one for six weeks, and Cotton's "Heart of the Night," which was also a top 20 hit for the band. Poco released several other albums, augmented by well-received tours and shows throughout the 80s. In 1989, the original quintet reformed and released "Legacy," which included the hit "Call it Love," which was sung by Young.

The band, with Young and Cotton still at the fore, continuing the momentum that resulted from "Legacy" going gold, touring throughout the Nineties and into the new Millennium, leading up to the recording of "Running Horse" during the past year in Nashville. The CD contains a rich tapestry of songs that will delight both old and new Poco fans. The opening track, Young's melancholy look at lost love,"One Tear at a Time," has been featured in Poco's live show for some time. His other contributions include "If Your Hear Needs a Hand;" "Forever," featuring guitar work from Bill Lloyd, formerly of Foster & Lloyd; "If You Can't Stand to Lose," co-written with former New Grass Revival lead singer John Cowan; and "That's What Love's All About," co-authored with Pure Prairie League lead singer Craig Fuller. In addition to the title track, which offers a heartfelt look at Poco's rich tradition and history, updating his earlier "Livin' in The Band," from 1976's "Indian Summer," Cotton follows with "Everytime I Hear that Train," and "I Can Only Imagine," showcasing his trademark Western imagery.

Sundrud also contributes three songs, "Never Loved ... Never Hurt Like This," "Never Get Enough," co-written with Nashville songwriters Craig Bickhardt and David James," and "Shake It," an eclectic group of songs that fit comfortably into Poco's wide-ranging, musical repetoire. Throughout, Young's guitar, steel guitar, slide guitar, lap steel, banjo and mandolin combines with Cotton's stinging lead guitar, along with the rock steady rhythm section of Grantham and Sundrud, whose background harmonies showcase the trademark vocals that have been a mainstay of Poco's music throughout the years. The advance release of "Running Horse" will coincide with the launch of their "Official Web Site: www.poconut.com.

reviews

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  • dont waite another 13 years before the next cd.

    Loved running horse, like all other Poco cd's they've not lost the touch of how to make great crounty rock, keep the music comming.

  • great music, great lineup album grows on you
    author: carlthepro

    Saw the band on July 10th in Phoenix. They really rock. Rusty is totally amazing on whatever he happens to be playing. Paul is flat out the best lead guitar player Ive seen in years. This album is Poco at their best. Give it many listens. Its the type of music that really grows on you. GREAT!!

  • buy it, listen and enjoy: poco gets it done again
    author: doctor mojave

    i keep listening over and over. the more you listen, the more you will like it. saw and met the band in san juan capistrano on aug 4 (richie furay was there). they were great. they did several tunes from "running horse". jack sundrud's material is strong. rusty and paul still generate the signature poco guitar/vocal sound. this album is a real treat for poco fans. if it gets some airplay, it could take off. all my friends who have heard it are very pleased. the last song on the cd is "running horse" which is about the band and features some great steel work from rusty, paul's vocals and guitar are superb. this offering from poco stands well with their past material in that you never get tired of it. the same great feeling that was at the concert comes through on this cd: a good feelin' to know

  • Like Fine wine, Poco keeps on getting better with age
    author: Rich Woodruff/Crrawford Broadcasting Company

    Having been a fan from the very beginning, there is indeed "a little bit of magic" in this record. ("Pickin up the Pieces" reference) Every song is radio ready with rock solid writing and production. The signiture Poco three part harmony's run with this horse through every track and it is a true delight to the ears. On a scale of 1-10 this is off the charts and likely ON the charts very soon!

  • More things change the more they stay the same
    author: Mitchell Howard Auckland New Zealand

    The Eaglification of Poco?? Some really good songs on this album. One tear at a Time, Every Time I hear that Train, I can only imagine. Running Horse sounds distinctly Glenn Frey like. The Harmonies are different from most Poco with the addition of Sundrud`s lower voice but still as effective. Rusty and Paul are on top of their game technically. It`ll take time to love it like the others but the signs are there.

  • Poco can still shake it
    author: Doug Schenker

    Poco bassist Jack Sundrud's songwriting and singing give Running Horse an exciting new element, beyond what you'd expect from Rusty Young & Paul Cotton. Jack has written hits for country artists including a # 1 hit for Ty Herndon. His 3 new songs on Running Horse are outstanding especially "Shake It". Also it's great that original member George Grantham is back playing drums and singing high harmony. The only downside to this album is too many Rusty Young ballads and not enough Paul Cotton rockers.

  • Spirited!
    author: Laura T. Lynch of Kweevak.com

    After thirteen years, Poco gallops back into the forefront with Running Horse their latest CD. Running Horse is spirited and fresh. Poco fans of old will appreciate the combination of their classic signature sound melding with modern tones and crisp clean production. Paul Cotton and Rusty Young, two of the long-time members are also the guitar giants of the group. Paul plays powerful leads throughout and Rusty Young is superb on slide. Melodic song structures, striking harmonies and well-written songs makes this a blue ribbon collection. The opening song 'One Tear at a Time' might be familiar to fans that have heard the song live. Soft but strong guitar chords combined with a subtle slightly somber beat enhances the fine pensive storytelling of this track. It is followed by 'Every Time I Hear that Train'. A song about travel that rumbles along on an up-tempo beat, an energetic hook line and robust guitars. 'I Can Only Imagine' features fabulous harmonies, more fine guitar work and a poignant beat. Running Horse is a rich eleven-track collection that harnesses rock with a modern Nashville sound.

  • My Money's on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
    author: Craig Bickhardt

    “Running Horse” will certainly not disappoint hard core Poco fans. For those of you who have somehow avoided falling in love with this band’s music until now, this CD is the perfect initiation. Here is a group of friends who were born to play music together, and they’re still exploring the music just as much as ever. Every track on this CD is Poco-branded, both vocally and instrumentally. The familiar shimmering harmonies that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up; the signature guitar hooks that become addicting the first time you hear them; the extended steel and electric guitar solos that carry you like a white water ride; and those tasty unpredictable arrangements are all in the package. As far as the songs go, there are no sleep-walkers in this collection. Every one is a keeper. “One Tear At A Time” could easily be the group’s next hit, and this time hopefully even country radio will find room for it on their playlists. Paul Cotton’s guitar playing is as soulful and melodic as ever. Even his tone has aged like fine scotch whiskey. Rusty Young’s voice still rides above the hypnotic guitar rhythms like a cool breeze on a hot summer evening. George Grantham and Jack Sundrud put down the rails that keep the train rolling and it’s a thundering good ride. This is a great line-up. Sundrud’s voice adds a tough edge that perfectly compliments the band’s rock & roll side. Maybe these guys aren’t callow lads just pickin’ and a-grinnin’ anymore, but life goes on. Poco has shed its innocence gracefully and with more dignity than any band I can think of. “Running Horse” proves that they belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and that they won’t be going away any time soon.

  • author: Brian

    Saw POCO 4.15.03 in St Louis, still rockin. They played many songs from the new album, Rusty was the star on the pedal steel, Paul- great lead guitar. Running Horse- has the band running...look for them touring this summer. Brian

  • Poco returns from the unknown space between heaven and earth
    author: Pieter from Holland

    I was surprised to learn on the CD Baby site that there was some knew work from POCO. I own all recordings as i was a big fan from their music. I just ordered their CD immediately and i do not regret this for a minute. They still know how to make the music their fans like. Paul Cotton is still underrated, s are his solo disks, and jack Sundrud is a good stand in. I can't wait to see them live again.

  • Running Horse Review (from Steelpage)
    author: Brad Sandler

    The band that inspired The Eagles and gave "good times" country rock its legitimacy is at it again. Yes, Poco has a new recording, "Running Horse", currently available only through the internet with a mass retail release anticipated by February. Don't wait for Best Buy and Tower Records, this is a CD you should get now. From the opening notes you know this isn't any ordinary collection of songs. Original member Rusty Young starts things off with "One Tear at a Time", a ballad with a beat. Long time and underappreciated lead guitarist Paul Cotton follows up with the up-tempo "Everytime I Hear That Train" After only two songs you are already hearing the Poco sound coming through, smart arrangements, well placed harmonies and some of the strongest lyrics the band has put on one disc. That's not to say there aren't any surprises. The third tune "If Your Heart Needs a Hand" has more of a blusey sound than long time Poco fans are used to. The rhythm section of original drummer George Grantham and (sort of) newcomer Jack Sundred on bass round out the sound. An added bonus is the new perspective Jack Sundred gives to the band's sound. The closest the CD comes to having a rocker is Jack's "Shake It" another suprising departure. Sundred contributes three tunes with some of the most interesting lyric arrangements on the CD. The whole experience finishes up with the title track "Running Horse" a Paul Cotton near rocker that in typical upbeat Poco fashion looks to a bright future with 'the horse that's running'. Placing this tune last emphasizes that this is not a nostalgia band; but a vibrant band still in touch with the sound they want to create. And yes, Rusty Young does play pedal steel and banjo and dobro as well as anything else with strings on it! There are two negatives about this release; first, there are no bring down the house rockers and two, the whole CD is too short. Give it a listen, then come back the next day and give it another listen. That's it, two times through and this release will hook you.

  • author: Brad Sandler

    The band that inspired The Eagles and gave "good times" country rock its legitimacy is at it again. Yes, Poco has a new recording, "Running Horse", currently available only through the internet with a mass retail release anticipated by February. Don't wait for Best Buy and Tower Records, this is a CD you should get now. From the opening notes you know this isn't any ordinary collection of songs. Original member Rusty Young starts things off with "One Tear at a Time", a ballad with a beat. Long time and underappreciated lead guitarist Paul Cotton follows up with the up-tempo "Everytime I Hear That Train" After only two songs you are already hearing the Poco sound coming through, smart arrangements, well placed harmonies and some of the strongest lyrics the band has put on one disc. That's not to say there aren't any surprises. The third tune "If Your Heart Needs a Hand" has more of a blusey sound than long time Poco fans are used to. The rhythm section of original drummer George Grantham and (sort of) newcomer Jack Sundred on bass round out the sound. An added bonus is the new perspective Jack Sundred gives to the band's sound. The closest the CD comes to having a rocker is Jack's "Shake It" another suprising departure. Sundred contributes three tunes with some of the most interesting lyric arrangements on the CD. The whole experience finishes up with the title track "Running Horse" a Paul Cotton near rocker that in typical upbeat Poco fashion looks to a bright future with 'the horse that's running'. Placing this tune last emphasizes that this is not a nostalgia band; but a vibrant band still in touch with the sound they want to create. And yes, Rusty Young does play pedal steel and banjo and dobro as well as anything else with strings on it! There are two negatives about this release; first, there are no bring down the house rockers and two, the whole CD is too short. Give it a listen, then come back the next day and give it another listen. That's it, two times through and this release will hook you. [submitted by N.E. (Steelpage)]

  • Not you typical Poco album
    author: John Davis

    Other than two of Paul Cottons songs, I Can Only Imagine and Everytime I Hear That Train, this album is just another of the sound-a-like's coming out of Nashville. It would be difficult to tell this album from Diamond Rio,Lonestar,etc being mass produced in Nashville. If your a fan of that type of music you will like it. If your a fan of the type of music that gave Poco it's claim to fame, high harmony vocals and plenty of pedal steel guitar/banjo/dobro then you will be disappointed.

  • Poco has released one of its most consistent albums ever
    author: Johnny Norris, Music Row magazine

    New albums from bands who started out in the Sixties tend to be pale reflections of past glories. Thankfully, seminal country-rock band Poco has survived 33 years of bumps and bruises with its music not only intact but better than ever. Having influenced everyone from the Eagles to the Dixie Chicks, they don’t need to chase after current trends in either country or rock. Yet ironically, Running Horse is one of their most accessible albums, and surely one of their most consistent -- eleven strong songs, not a stinker in the bunch. Longstanding guitarist Paul Cotton contributes his finest tunes in years, founding member Rusty Young adds luster to the Poco tradition (dating back to the days of Richie Furay) of earnest love songs, and bassist Jack Sundrud weighs in with gems that bolster the album without radically changing Poco’s sound or style. The production, engineering and arrangements are top-notch (founding member George Grantham’s drumming and singing are especially noteworthy). And it plays through without the obsessive self-importance that has characterized every Eagles release since Hotel California. If you’ve ever wondered what the Eagles’ music might sound like if they’d loosen up and let it breathe, wonder no more. Poco is an ongoing piece of musical history, a treasure of American music. Long may they run.

  • Poco is alive and well!!!
    author: Raymond Steiner

    Having been a Poco fan for years, I have really enjoyed Running Horse. It encompasses much of the best of the unique Poco sound of yesterday and brings them into today's sound. The songs Running Horse and Every Time I Hear That Train are classic Paul Cotton masterpieces and Shake It is the most amazing Poco song in years.

  • A powerful return of the pioneers of country rock
    author: Eric Walker

    Poco has returned with an album that's undeniably their strongest since Legend. Highlights are Rusty Young's "One Tear At A Time" and "Forever", which showcases what a gifted songwriter Young is. New bassist, Jack Sundrud, contributes 3 songs, with "Never Loved...Never Hurt Like This" being Poco's most touching ballad since "Crazy Love". Paul Cotton, however, simply shines on this CD. His contributions drive and anchor this already solid collection. "Every Time I Hear That Train" is absolutely brilliant, along with Cotton's title track, which is backed by Rusty Young's trademark pedal steel work. "I Can Only Imagine" is (by far) the best track on Running Horse. Paul's voice sounds as fresh as it did back in the beginning, and George really drives the song with his usual sturdy drum beat. It's so good to see one of the true trail blazers come back to give their fans (and hopefully new fans) another taste of music that is so pure. We really needed it!

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