Go West
Self-Released, 2018
8/10
A trio of musicians from New Mexico, if you were thinking that a band called The Cowboy Way are going to write music that goes along with horses, spurs and Western sounds, well, you’d be exactly right.
“It’s A Cowboy I Will Be” starts the listen with fluid guitar work, as the smooth vocals complement the crisp, country sounds, and “Goin’ Home” follows with dusty melodies amid the strong storytelling that is prevalent throughout the entire listen.
Near the middle, “Fool’s Gold” flows with dynamic instrumentation and a precise delivery, while “Let’s Ride” is a playful ditty of tuneful, rural influenced fun. “I Make My Livin’ In The Saddle”, one of the album’s best, then moves with a shuffling pace of vivid song craft in an instantly charming appeal.
Near the end, “Ten Below Zero” enters ballad territory with sublime beauty, and “The Best Horse” continues the authentic atmosphere with a lush and memorable landscape where the 3 members all contribute their respective talents in spades. The title track ends the listen vocally strong that resonates with a timeless quality, something that is recurring throughout the entire 13 tracks.
Doug Figgs, Jim Jones and Mariam Funke, aka The Cowboy Way, know their way around a galloping good time, as you’ll be hard pressed to find a better Western record released anytime recently.
Travels well with: Marshall Tucker Band- Beyond The Horizon; Desert Rose Band- Pages Of Life