Many things have been said of music. Quotes such as “Music is an international language.” “The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.” On and on they go, yet one stands out among the rest. “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” So, if you are ready for a good soul dusting, then you’re ready for the Hallelujah Cowboys. For more than a dozen years now, this band has been sharing their style of Christian music with Midwest audiences who are looking for something a little different than the mainstream.
With founding members, guitarist/vocalist Bob Butler and bassist/vocalist Randy Gaylord, the band was formed in 1992 with a desire to bring a sound less typical to Christian music. Joining shortly thereafter, singer/songwriter/guitarist Joe Dekat brought on board an abundance of lyrical ideas. Rounding out the sound of the Hallelujah Cowboys, drummer/percussionist/banjo picker Kyle Tomes has set the pace and been an integral part since 2001. With a special touch on harmonica, Mike Fowler, who “sat in” with the band in early 2003, became a permanent member later that spring. In June of 2005, Anthony Dominquez, keyboards/percussionist/vocalist, found his spot with the band. The lastest addition came at the end of 2006 when Doug Bennett, guitarist/vocalist added his touch. Musically, you will hear influences as wide as the Mississippi. Lyrically, you will be exposed to songs that come from deep within the heart with words of emotion and conviction of being in the presence of an Almighty God to praises of excitement looking forward to heaven.
In the studio, the Hallelujah Cowboys have captured their sound, first with “Uncivil War” recorded between 1998 and 2000. Twelve selections were laid down by Joe, Bob, and Randy along with former original members, guitarist/mandolinist/vocalist Doug Rippee and drummer/percussionist/vocalist Ken Dolan. Their sophomore effort “Set Free”, completed in early 2005, puts forth nine more originals and a few old favorites most will recognize. Both projects unveil the lyrical depth of Joe while leaving room to also offer up work written by long time friend and regional artist Jerry Dowell.
Airborne Audio, Kansas City’s world class studio, has been the hangout of choice for laying down all the tracks on these recordings. The Hallelujah Cowboys have been richly blessed to have Don Miller engineer and produce their efforts. Don has spent many years honing his craft working with some of the best known names in music, ranging from jazz legends Ida McBeth and Jay Mcshann to the Backstreet Boys and 2003Grammy award winner John Mayer. Bringing Don Miller and the Hallelujah Cowboys together has truly been a “God thing”.
The goal of the Hallelujah Cowboys has been to offer Christian music in a fresh way to anyone who will listen. With testimonies and stories that inspired the songs sprinkled throughout a concert, it doesn’t take long to figure out that these are “regular guys” standing in front of you; “regular guys” who aren’t perfect but know what it means to have accepted the free gift of salvation offered by Jesus Christ.
The Hallelujah Cowboys would like to bring their music to you. They believe the talents that God has blessed them with are not to be hidden under a basket but should be shared with a world of hurting, hungry, and searching people. The songs of the Hallelujah Cowboys are full of real life and hope; hope that can only be realized through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
“What is to reach the heart must come from above; if it does not come from thence it will be nothing but notes, body without spirit.”
Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
For booking information contact Randy Gaylord at 913-764-2026 or 913-530-6702
or Bob Butler at 913-897-3750.
