Riding with Jim: (Released January, 2010) The prose and poetry of father and son take to the page as Andy and his father Jim alternate telling stories to the reader, while famed cowboy cartoonist Bonnie Shields dots the pages with spot-on illustrations. Described by Andy as the most meaningful project he has undertaken, the new book "Riding with Jim" is now available for $25.00 post paid. To order, send a check or money order made payable to Andy Nelson to PO Box 1547, Pinedale WY 82941, you can also order by phone at (307) 367-2842 or by email at andy@cowpokepoet.com .
|
Reviews
Wyoming poet, humorist, emcee, radio host, and all-around nice guy Andy Nelson honors his late father, James Francis Walker Nelson, in Riding with Jim: Adventures with Cowboys and Farriers (2010, 256 pages, photos, illustrations, hardback ISBN 978-0-9706459-5-1). The younger Nelson describes the book as the most meaningful project he has undertaken. It’s easy to see why. Pairing his own poetry and prose with stories written by his father, Nelson delivers a book that contains twice the fun and twice the hijinks of any other cowboy/farrier title currently available in stores. There are some serious, poignant selections too, including “Ridin’ with Jim”: www.cowboypoetry.com/jamesnelson.htm
For those of you who have met Andy, you’ll have a much better idea of what makes him tick after reading his father’s stories. For those of you who haven’t made his acquaintance, let’s say that his father is likely the source of Andy’s wit. Be forewarned, parts of this book are difficult to read quietly to yourself. It is not a good choice to read on an airplane or while your spouse is trying to sleep. Even if you don’t like to read, you can still enjoy the vintage photos and illustrations by cowboy cartoonist Bonnie Shields (www.bonnieshields.com).
Jeri Dobrowski, Cowboy Jam Session
If you go to Cowboy Poetry events, get the books or CDs or listen to C.O.W. Radio, you almost surely know something about Andy Nelson's dad from some of Andy's poetic tributes to him. In "Riding With Jim" you now get to know James F. Walker Nelson on a first name basis!
What you might not have known before is that Andy's dad was a writer too, and evidently a darned good one. Samples of his work are here as proof along with Andy's, and it makes for a fascinating, one-of-a-kind book. In reviewing it, I was briefly tempted to call it a "scrapbook in words, images and verse" but it's really more. And I considered "a journey" but it's really several. Then I came up with "a lively, true Western portrait of family and friends, lives and a lifestyle, with all the moments, magic, misadventures and craziness that creates heartfelt warmth and makes for one of those great reads you are truly glad you invested the time with!!" But that would end in a preposition, and just how much space do you think I have here??!! Suffice it to say as you move from story to poem to picture to reflection to gut busting laugh-maker and back again, you will have a marvelous ride...and not wonder one whit what to call it!
Andy Nelson calls it "Riding With Jim." How 'bout you just call it "yours!!"
~Rick Huff, Best of the West Reviews
“Riding with Jim is a great collection of stories and poetry. Andy's love for his dad, family and traditional values shine through on every page. This is great reading...”
~Don Edwards, Cowboy Balladeer and Historian
“To all of us out there that are trying so desperately to hang on by our fingernails to the WEST and its lifestyle and values, help is on the way. Andy Nelson just tossed us a life saver. His book, Riding with Jim, assures us that the 'word' will continue to be passed along. In prose and poetry Andy introduces us to his family and friends, all of whom are living 'the life'. The intangible qualities of the land and the people that have made up the WEST. He captures the art of subtle humor in all his work. He makes you want to tuck in at the supper table and say, 'Please pass the potatoes and Andy, tell us another one'. You keep writing Andy and we'll keep hanging on.”
~Alan Geoffrion, Author ‘Broken Trail’
“Andy Nelson and I have romped around the western entertainment circuit for a some time now, and I’ve had the chance to see how his words and performances affect those with western sensibilities. As the relatively new genre of cowboy poetry grows and evolves, I’ve always thought of Andy as one of its first adults, someone who brings more than just boilerplate campfire stories and rodeo yarns to the eyes and ears of western aficionados. His poetry and stories are sharp, hilarious and meaningful, and his new collection, Riding with Jim, introduces an inspired conceptual component; the combination of prose written by his late father James Nelson with Andy’s unique poetry and observations. The result is an important book new book for those who understand the cowboy’s West as well as for those who’ve not had the pleasure. Riding with Jim personifies the Wyoming Life, complete with nature’s beauty, spirited horses, ranch life, cowboy geniuses and fools, and life’s little vagaries. But ultimately, it is Andy Nelson’s remarkable take on the precious and perfect concept of family.”
~Jon Chandler, Novelist Singer Songwriter
“I've been Baptized and Chastised,
Socialized and Civilized,
Criticized and Demonized
and that is just the start.
I've been Surprised and Despised,
Immunized and Patronized,
Terrorized and Tranquilized
and that near stopped my heart.
I've been Journalized and Compromised,
Recognized and Hypnotized,
Supervised, Mobilized, Fertilized
and Well Advised.
But through this book I Realize
that Andy Nelson’s Country Wise.
His little book will Brighten Lives
for those who have been Andy-ized.”
~Waddie Mitchell, Buckaroo Poet
|
Jonah: (Released July 1, 2008). From cowboy poet Andy Nelson and photographer Nikki Mann comes a unique look into a small section of desert in western Wyoming called the Jonah Field. Jonah documents an area where wildlife, ranching, history and industry all come together. Sometimes they coexist in peace, sometimes they don't; sometimes one aspect benefits another, and sometimes it doesn't.
Jonah is a stunning photographic chronicle of an ever-changing landscape and a moving poetic insight into an ever-changing heritage.
Book sells for $35.00 + $3.00 shipping and handling.
|
"Having never been to Jonah, I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened this book. But Andys' words and the stark beauty of the pictures made me feel as if I was driving on those roads, seeing those scenes first hand. My gosh, what an experience. Now I can't wait to get there in person and meet Jonah close up!"
Jim Thompson, Creative Broadcast Services Inc.
Spearfish, SD
|
|
This is quite an accomplishment! A coffee table book that puts you, and leaves you, in a peculiar place. It doesn't make you comfortable, but it doesn't make you exactly uncomfortable either!
Photo Essayist Nikki Mann and Cowboy poet and radio host Andy Nelson have trained their mutual focus on a section of earth down the pike from them in Wyoming called "The Jonah Field." It's a single piece of land where classic disputants and adversaries seem to have found some measure of balance for now. Drilling with cowboys and cattle; industry with fawns, foxes and fields. Some say it doesn't happen, but here it is. Some further say such arrangements can't maintain their equilibrium and that, of course, is only proven over time...sometimes with differing outcomes...adding fuel to both fires.
"Jonah" is a portrait painted with all elements present. Each is placed on the canvas, and that's that. Some images are intermixed. Andy's "The Man My Dog Thinks I Am" starts with "I pray I'm the sort of cowboy that folks like to be around" and is offered with the photo of a roadgrader operator with his dog up in the cab. His well known poem "I Sold My Saddle" is here with a haunting photo of an abandoned line camp shack with a ghostly oil derek in the background haze. That kinda says you get what you trade for. But another verse may sum it up. "It's as if virtue and vice are drawn from the very same well; high lines traversing the skyline like Heaven has spilled into Hell."
I've got to say I'm still not quite sure what to think of this book. But I do think of this book. Man do I think of this book!!!
Rick Huff Reviews
|
"Full Nelson Shoeing": (Released 2007) Continuing in the tradition of previous releases, Andy Nelson once again brings his unruly brand of cowboy poetry to those who simply love to laugh for no appearent reason! Along with a generous helping of rib ticklers such as the live version of "License Plate Mottos" and "Old Town Crank", Andy reaches deep into your soul with "Bean" and "Crazy Woman Creek". With Cowboy Cartoonist International artist Daryl Reed's rendition gracing the front cover, "Full Nelson Shoeing" is sure to entertain! The CD sells for $15.00 plus shipping and handling and can be ordered via the info posted in the "Contact & Links" section of this website.
"At his wooly wacky best, Andy Nelson is Cowboy Poetry's gift to cross country truckers everywhere! At his cowboy best he is as good as it gets at getting his heartfelt messege across. On his CD "Full Nelson Shoeing", Andy Nelson mamges to best himself at both."
Rick Huff, Producer, Albuquerque NM
"If you can’t personally take a road trip with Andy Nelson, listening to Full Nelson Shoeing while in a vehicle will get you pretty close to the experience. Traveling with Andy is both a gastronomic adventure and a laugh-riot on wheels. Full Nelson Shoeing substitutes nicely for the commentary. Of course, you’ll still need to swing by the convenience store for a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a 12" Subway sandwich, bag of potato chips, pack of Snickers and a 32-ounce Mountain Dew. Bon Appétit!"
Jeri Dobrowski "Cowboy Jam Session"
"Wow, what talent Andy has brought to the table... Two horseshoers and getting two hooves at once, what a feat to undertake but Andy has come through and pulled it off. My favorite, the license plate mottos is a sure winner, especially for my radio show audience. Cowboy poetry has come to a whole new meaning with humor, sincerity and the way it is as only Nelson can deliver. My hats off to Andy for this long awaited album with much anticipation we all have come to expect and I can assure you, no one will be disappointed."
Joe Baker "KNMB Backforty Bunkhouse"
|
"Harvey's Moon" (released 2005). Still frequently irreverent and occasionally tasteless but with a few new twists. This cd is suggested listening for the strong of heart and bladder with poems like, "Language Barrier" and "Why Can A Cowboy...", but also includes some deep, thought provoking offerings such as, "No Man's Land" and "Judgement Day". No matter what your taste, you'll agree that "Harvey's Moon" is one cowboy poetry cd that will tend to stay in your cd player! The CD sells for $15.00 plus shipping and handling and can be ordered via the info posted in the "Contact & Links" section of this website.
"Before you pop in Andy Nelson's uproarious CD, Harvey's Moon, clear the area around you of sharp objects. You may fall out of your chair laughing. And in some states, it may be illegal to listen while driving."
Margo Metegrano, Editor CowboyPoetry.com
Read the whole CowboyPoetry.com review of "Harvey's Moon" here.
|
"RU Lazy 2?" (released 2001), brings to life the fictional poet, "Ira Cowpoke" and his collection of original cowboy poetry. Ira rejoices in making fun of his own misfortunes in verse, and revels in everyone else's! He responds to certain situations as we would like to, but good manners and common sense keeps us from doing so. This book and CD combination is an excellent way for people to forget their own troubles and laugh at someone elses. The set sells for $16.00 + shipping and handling and can be ordered via the info posted in the "Contact & Links" section of this website.
"RU Lazy 2?" is an interesting collection of Cowboy Poetry by "Ira Cowpoke" a fictional poet from the mind of A.G. Nelson of Pinedale, WY. Spiced with plenty of manure references, flatulence, and a "Rocky Mountain Oyster" or two, this is a collection of somewhat ribald poetry for those who enjoy their poetry laced with plenty of drawings of low riding jeans, (which seems to be Ira's trademark). We did laugh and it was a "guilty pleasure". Ira makes us laugh through his frustrations with a prostate exam, buying ladies underwear and other political incorrectness... but it's all in fun.
THE WYOMING COMPANION
|
| "Land Mines" (released 2003). You've got to hear this to believe it! All original poems with the same demented sense of humor, this CD is sure to rattle your funny bone. "Natural Selction" and "Lack of Communication" will have you holding you sides and trying to catch your breath, while "Ridin' With Jim" and "Code of the West" will communicate with your inner cowboy. With the perfect combination of poetry, background music, and the occasional sound effect, it is almost illegal to have this much fun.The CD sells for $15.00 + shipping and handling and can be ordered via the info posted in the "Contact & Links" section of this website.
|
|
