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And now… The BogaTones
(Being a short essay on the origins of the BogaTones)

From the musically rich southland come The BogaTones. Maybe best described as a modern country rock music group, the BogaTones are a throwback to when it was ‘all about the music’. Formed by brothers Chris and David Murphy shortly after their release from high school, the group began humbly. You know the type. A few pawn shop guitars. A lot of long nights relegated to the basement trying to emulate their musical heroes. However the group’s ambitions escalated very quickly with the addition of Drummer, Brian McDowell. His rock style flair and natural talent for the kit made the band better immediately. His enthusiasm for success moved the group from a simple basement band to performing locally for a time under the name of ‘Crossfire’. Yep. That was really the name.

One night they realized something was missing. Someone said ‘I bet we would sound even better if we had a lead guitarist’. It was an epiphany! Thus Chris, David, and Brian began looking for a lead guitarist that fit better with the musical style they were looking to craft together. Kevin Smith seemed an unlikely fit. But on a fateful summer night it was discovered that his blend of progressive and southern rock styling was just the shot of attitude the doctor ordered and so the basic line up was established. The addition of a new member, of course, required a new name for the band. With some fanfare the name was changed to County Line and they began several years performing at numerous venues and festivals. This is called ‘Paying your dues’.

A chance meeting while performing in Atlanta, Georgia brought the group its final member and long lasting line up. Fred Schendel; originally of Pittsburgh, PA joined the group. Now the attitude got some real finesse. With Fred’s progressive style and expressive keyboard work the group began to aspire for more than ‘due’ payments. A new member of course meant a name change. Murphy’s Law was born and the group began the journey of writing and performing original music, playing multiple venues, and opening for major acts.

Dateline Nashville: Music City USA beckoned. Country music had started to reach beyond its traditional roots. The time was ripe. Murphy’s Law made one last decision to change their name. The BogaTones were born and the people said “BogaTones? What is a BogaTone? Where can I hear a BogaTone? Hmmmm.. BogaTones?”
With the pending release of an independent album, attention was being given to the B‘Tones by the major record labels RCA, Atlantic, and MCA. However, negotiations did not bear fruit and the album was ultimately released independently. This brief brush with a major recording contract did not deter the band in the least. The now hard to find album was a success and they went on to release two subsequent compilations over the next few years staying true to themselves, their music and the loyal fans.

This brings us to the here and now. After several solo projects and working with other groups and studios on various and varied projects, the original BogaTones have returned. In November 2003 work began in earnest on a new album. The new album is expected to be released in late 2004 or early 2005. Said one band member, “It’s about @#$% time!”

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