Don Rich was the leader of The Buckaroos, Buck Owens' band, as well as Owens' collaborator and friend. He was a noted guitarist and fiddler who died in a motorcycle accident in 1974. Owens is quoted in the liner notes of this anthology saying "I think my musical life ended when his did." Rich is recognized as one of the chief architects of the Bakersfield sound.[1]
Rich performed lead vocals on some of Owens' albums, and the Buckaroos released their own records. The tracks of the anthology are taken from The Buckaroos' solo albums.
The extensive liner notes by music historian and journalist Rich Kienzle include a biography, rare photos, and tributes from Owens, Dwight Yoakam, Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart and others.
While praising the compilation and Rich's contributions to Buck Owens' career, music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine called the songs "solid, respectable songs, delivered handsomely" and "[It] might not be a lost classic, but it's fine listening and an appropriate, loving testament to one of the finest guitarists and musicians of his time."[2]
Writing for No Depression magazine, David Hill expressed similar sentiments, writing: "Country Pickin’ makes it clear just how talented Rich was. Most of the songs were culled from the Buckaroos’ solo albums on Capitol, and while you can’t really compare them to the best of Owens’ work — classics such as “Cryin’ Time” or “Act Naturally” or “Together Again” — that’s not really the point. These were recorded in a different spirit, probably at the end of Owens’ regular sessions. But they hardly sound tossed-off. Country Pickin’ may not be essential listening, but it sure is a lot of fun."[1]
