The Pioneers album: “By Request”

When family from Oak Harbor acquired a turntable, they also scored on a collection of record albums from grandma. Among them was this one: “By Request,” recorded by The Pioneers. The album cover features band members posed at the iconic tree at the top of the Loop Road in Washington Park. The photo was taken by Vallentyne Photography of Anacortes. After a Facebook post, I learned more details about the band from longtime friend Arnie Deckwa of Whidbey Island. Arnie reported that band member Andy Stevens still lives in Anacortes. Bandmate Johnny Galvin lives in Florida, Bob Taylor possibly in Memphis. Drummer was Jeanne Anderson. The album was produced by Fathom Records, with some originals and a cover of Johnny Cash tunes including the Folsom Prison Blues. Other tunes include “Lock Stock and Teardrops,” “I Tell Myself a Lie” and “A Secret Meeting Place.” A narrative on the back side of the album states: “The songs inside were not picked as their best effort but because they reflect the overall versatility of the group.”