The Distance by Mark Baughman's Working Theory

The Distance

The Distance is both more focused and expansive than Mark's previous efforts. The songs explore themes of disillusion and affirmation. As always, Mark uses his ability to seamlessly pass between musical genres to explore the songs' concepts, yet it all holds together as a single work.

The album opens with an alt-rock Time and Space - a kind of 21st century John Donne poem. The Reverend Donne might have even heard the guitar solo from wherever he is now.

The infusion of jazz with an exceptional saxophone solo, gives breadth and depth to the desperate soul searching of Go The Distance.

Never Coming Home is about a memory, set off by a scent, that comes back hard.

Gabby Petito is a haunting, rocking song about the young Instagram phenom who was abused and eventually murdered by her boyfriend. The singer is speaking for the boyfriend, who does not deserve to be named. The real police bodycam audio was used in the outro. Apparently they encountered the couple not long before Gabby was killed.

Mariupol is the story of a Russian soldier who finds out that what he thought were standard maneuvers turned out to be an invasion, And, more horrifying, he discovers his unit is attacking his Uncle's farm where he vacationed as a boy.

The Fields was a happy instrumental written as a diversion for an old friend who was very ill and seeking many kinds of exotic treatments in vain hope.

Sparrow's Song was written about a young woman we met on tour in Colorado. She was probably an addict and sweet as she was, it sure seemed like the whole universe was ganging up on her. Making her smile that night seemed like the most worthwhile thing I'd ever done, even for just a moment.

I Wouldn't Want You is the story of a long-time, long-distance and likely futile relationship.

Ordinary People is a Chicago Blues-style number with maybe as few words as Mark has ever written in a song. Direct and heartfelt lyrics and guitar work.

All instruments and vocals by MB except:

Drums - Brian Petry

Organ & Paino: Marco Cremaschini

Saxophone: Jeff Miguel

Recorded, Engineered & Mastered by MB.