Album Notes

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad has roots in Colorado's San Luis Valley going back over 100 years. It played a vital part in the growth of the region, and today it exists as a connection to America's rich railroad history by taking passengers over historic LaVeta Pass. This operation is overseen by people who live and breathe trains, and it's their passion that makes a trip on this rail line a truly special experience. Their love of trains is equaled by their love of music, which has led to the creation of Mountain Rails Live, a mountaintop music festival held at FIr Station and accessible only from Alamosa or LaVeta via the Rio Grand Scenic Railroad. The concert site at FIr Station is completely powered by wind and solar energy, and sits at 9,400 feet with a Rocky Mountain backdrop to perfectly frame the folk music line-up.

In 2011, another part of railroad history joined the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad with the arrival of two club cars form the City of New Orleans train (From the Illinois Central line). Many may be familiar with the popular and often recorded song of the same name, which Steve Goodman wrote while traveling in these cars. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad has brought the spirit of that folk standard back to life with the complete restoration of the Mardi Gras and Calumet Club cars. Passengers can ride them to the Fir Station concerts joined by special guest musicians who play live on the journey and fill minds with images of what is was like to ride the rails in that era. The musicians on this CD are some of the same ones who play in the club cars and at the summit as part of the Mountain Rails Live summer concert series.

As we move faster and faster toward the future, it's important to sometimes stop for a reminder of how we got there. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad serves as one of those reminders and will continue to bring passengers the more simple joys in life - family, food, music, fun, and a train ride.