From the recording Leon (Move. I - Ah! Ha! San Antone for Orch.)
Ah! Ha! San Antone commemorates “western swing” steel guitarists who performed in the popular, western-swing bands such as Bob Wills, Spade Cooley, and Hank Penny in the 1940s. The title is taken from a “call” by Bob Wills on his recording of San Antonio Rose (recorded 4-15-46). The performers are Leon McAuliffe (famous for Steel Guitar Rag), Noel Boggs, and Speedy West. As a steel guitarist in his youthful years, the composer considered these musicians as heroes. (SEE PROGRAM NOTES)