September 2009 marks the 70^th anniversary of the first recordings of what was then called Hillbilly music by an Australian born recording artist. It was when Buddy Williams first stepped up to the Regal Zonophone microphone and began a recording career that stretched over nearly fifty years. Buddy was a boy from the bush and it was only natural that he sang songs about the life he knew. Over that long career Buddy picked up a legion of fans, right around Australia, who also loved the ballads of our land. The genesis of the Australian bush ballad was certainly amongst Buddy’s early recordings. Songs like “Where The White Faced Cattle Roam” and “Music In My Pony’s Feet” set the stage for a musical form that is uniquely Australian.
Seventy years down the track and more than twenty years after Buddy’s death, those songs have become part of our musical legacy. I know that after all those years Buddy would have been mighty chuffed to know that those songs are still being sung and that young Australian Bushmen and women, not only remember his songs but have gone on to develop the musical style he pioneered and epitomized.

Ashley Cook is a fine example of a boy from the bush who continues the traditions Buddy developed. Ashley sings songs from the land we love, paying tribute to the roots of our music but at the same time he’s part of the process that continues to build on that heritage.
Ashley, this album is a fine tribute to Buddy. You feel the songs while at the same time breathing a fresh energy into them.

On behalf of Buddy’s fans, thanks for a new experience with old favourites. We tips our lid to you and look forward to catching you on tour singing the music you so obviously love.     
                                                                                    Garry Coxhead.