Won’t Have Far To Go
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to Won’t Have Far To Go
The esteemed songwriter Paul Bogart mixes originals and covers here, as he brings his authentic cowboy spirit with him across the 10 country music inspired tracks where his glassy smooth and laid back vocals are immediately inviting.
Bogart starts the listen with the warm lap steel and soothing vocals of the original “When She Gets A Hold Of You”, which carries a traditional country template with it, and “Ain’t No Sunshine” follows with intricate strings and plenty of rugged grit in the Bill Withers tune.
In the middle, “Never Grow Out Of It” flows with rural beauty as Bogart’s storytelling unfolds with much grace in the calm setting, while “You Just Can’t See Him From The Road”, one of the first songs Bogart learned to play when he was 10, is redone here with his stirring brand of Americana. The aptly titled “When It Swings”, which is one of the best tracks present, then gets your body moving with its retro swing flavor and bouncy rhythm.
As we get towards the end, “I Won’t Have Far To Go” recruits a spiritual quality to its thoughtful nature, and Bogart turns in a gospel version of U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” to finish the record on a very high note.
There’s a long history of rodeo and country music being intertwined, and Bogart, who is actually a world champion roper, is further proof of how that lifestyle lends itself to the craft with his relatable themes of love, marriage and children packaged in a nostalgic and very pleasant effort.
Travels well with: Terry McBride- Rebels & Angels; Buzz Cason- Buzz Cason & Sons: 2020