The Forgotten West
The 10th Release from The Black Irish Band

   "The Forgotten West" features Patrick Karnahan's latest efforts. A prolific songwriter, Patrick has put together a very diverse and well mastered collection of songs. "The Sierra (The Train I Ride)" and "The Fate of Miss Gregg" feature the strong vocals of Steve McArthur. Like "Oceans Away, Mountains Apart" and "California Story" it spotlights the talents of many guest artists who help create the varied musical styles featured on this recording.

"We said our last goodbye to those that had come before us. They, like us, played a part in the story of the American West. As we took the last look we knew that this world in their youth, it is to their memory that we celebrate in music the life they loved, the roads they traveled, and the times they knew in their passing they will not be forgotten."

To hear a song sample, click on any song title below that is followed by

1.  The Sierra (The Train that I Ride)
One of the most celebrated short line railroads in America. The Sierra Railroad has been serving the Sierra Nevada foothills since 1897.
MP3 Audio

2.  The Fate of Miss Gregg
In the year of 1869 the steamship Northerner ran aground off Centerfield beach (Ferndale, California.) Many of the passengers tried to make it to the beach in lifeboats. One young girl and her brother decided to take their chance with the ocean and tied themselves to the large iron paddle wheels. Her brother was never found. This song is dedicated to the memory of Miss Gregg and the other 36 who were lost at sea.

3.  Picture Book
In loving memory of Kerry Tweedy's mom, Karen.

4.  I'll See Alaska
God's greatest gift, always wild and always the final frontier. This song is for the people who call the great state of Alaska their home.

5.  Train to Utah
Dedicated to the thousands of men and women who work daily for America's Railroads.

6.  Jack Tone Road
Band member Rick Restivo says, "I am not sure where it starts or where it ends?" In celebration of California's valley highway to nowhere and the longest straight road in San Joaquin County!

7.  When I held You
(A Night at the Rawhide Saloon, Jamestown, California)

8.  I'll Never Understand Women

9.  The Friends I Knew
To all the boys and girls that played in my back yard with me and my sis Laura when we were children. This song is dedicated to their memory wherever they may be. I miss them and my youth.

10.  Baby I Love You
A song for George and Ruthanna, Patrick's parents.

11.  Underneath the Montana Skies
The story of the tragic 1949 Mann Gulch Fire which claimed the lives of 11 US Forest Service Smokejumpers. Dedicated to the firefighters that died on that warm Missoula day.

12.  One Last Look
"As the sun sets I look from my Forest Service fire tower window. The sky is full of light as the clouds dance by." The next day it snowed, the tower was closed for the season. I will miss my view of the West: I will never forget that summer.