A Salty Piece of Land

By Jimmy Buffet

   Tully Mars is a cowboy with the heart of that little boy who idolized Roy Rogers still a-bucking. Raised in Heartache, Wyoming, he discovered the hard way that life isn’t anything like the movie, but this didn’t stop him from shaping himself after those great, noble cowboys he worshipped. After making the decision to not become the foreman of a poodle ranch owned by a modern-day witch, Thelma Barston, he swore he’d never work for anybody else but himself - that is, until he meets Cleopatra Highbourne, a 101-year-old woman who has spent nearly her entire life on the ocean. Agreeing to go along with her on her schooner and help her rebuild her lighthouse, Tully discovers himself taking a completely different path the a salty piece of land called Cayo Loco.

    Many Buffet fans will immediately recognize Tully from Buffet’s “Tales from Margaritaville.” He’s a unique character whose personality and soul radiate all that Buffet’s music embodies. Buffet’s always been a master storyteller, and the bonus songs about the story that are one the CDs are indescribable delights! I love the odd characters and the refreshing adventures that Tully encounters. Tully covers not only his adventures with Cleopatra and the other characters, but also his past as the adolescent cowboy who finds his way through the mysterious world with the help of his family and his friends.

    John David Souther is the narrator of this first person tale and brings to life the rustic, nature-ruled Tully Mars. He’s a songwriter who’s works have been recorded by many famous singers like Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, the Eagles, and Don Henley among many others. He’s a great addition to the CD and brings his own bucolic flavor to the entrancing tale.

    I recommend this to anyone who loves a wonderful, relaxing tale of adventure and the rich imagery that is Buffet’s trademark.