In his day job, Rob’s a range technician for the B.C. Ministry of Forests, working with ranchers and their cattle on the rugged crown ranges of the Interior. He spends a lot of time in the saddle, which inspires a lot of good songs.

  Hands Up showcases nine of Rob’s originals, plus David Wilkie / Stewart MacDougall’s Wind In The Wire. He digs into history for songs about the province’s legendary cowboys, cattlemen and stage drivers. Rob’s western swing side is always close to the surface, and Dancin’ on A Saturday Night shows off some fine “up the neck” jazz chords. The first track to make The Spirit of the West playlist is Jimmy McDonnell, a tribute to the legendary cutting horse trainer. Rob also re-recorded his popular song, Born to Be A Cowboy, with a new arrangement as well as some mandolin from Dixon Zalit. The album offers a colourful ride through B.C. ranch country, with a tip of the hat to legends like Val Haynes and, of course, train robber Billy Miner. Order Hands Up!