Rik “Yonder” Goodell – Why We Cowboy & Saddle-Borne Lessons
Rik “Yonder” Goodell – Why We Cowboy & Saddle-Borne Lessons. These releases appear to have been released as companion volumes, from their identical packaging and introductory notes. In any event, it’s not a bad idea to acquire them both!
In those aforementioned notes, cowboy poet Rik “Yonder” Goodell freely admits he has never actually been a working cowboy. There’s a general rule of authorship that states you should write about what you know. Goodell successfully brings what he knows to his subject instead, having found Cowboy Poetry to be an apt vehicle for his thoughts. His poems come off as being accurate, authentic and exceptionally well crafted. Then there is his delivery to consider. Goodell’s experience as an actor serves him well. I have to say he is one of the best interpreters of verse I have ever encountered.
Frankly I am hard-pressed to name specific “picks” from among his gems, but I’ll try. First from “Why We Cowboy” we’ll choose the title track, “”Ridin’ For The Brand,” “Campfire Scchoolin,’” “Die First Then Quit,” “The Cowboy Way” and “Handles & Horse Thieves.” Then from “Saddle-Borne Tales:” “Moose Ropin’,” “Gift From A Lusty Holstein,” “Hearing Gratitude” and the double-meaning parable “The Wide and The Quick.”
His CD “Why We Cowboy” contains an annotated booklet providing backstories for that album’s works. The other album offers no such guide. Maybe Goodell took his own Harley-inspired advice “if I have to explain, you wouldn’t understand!” But all together, Goodell and his works are a cut above in all departments. Both CDs have fourteen tracks, both are very highly recommended.
CDs: (available through music.amazon.com/artists/BOBB3G1J1R/rik-yonder-goodell)
– by Rick Huff
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Rik “Yonder” Goodell – Why We Cowboy & Saddle-Borne Lessons