Album Cover for Blue Sky Sundays Via Rounder Records
Country singer JD Clayton is known for the song “Brown Haired Blue Eyed Baby”, with musical styling and topics similar to country music legends such as Johnny Cash, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Willie Nelson. On January 13, JD Clayton released a new single titled “Dirt Roads of Red” and an accompanying music video.
JD Clayton has perfectly captured the classic and traditional country music feeling through this song, making “Dirt Roads of Red” feel like a musical time capsule. The bass guitar notes have a similar presence to the ever-famed “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash, while the drums take on a slightly quicker, more upbeat tone akin to “I Walk the Line”. Instrumentally, the song is extremely well-written and produced. There is some mixing and more modern elements to the song, however, and they are used to complement the raw and gritty feeling of traditional live country music.
The vocals of this track are just as well balanced, which can be a feat in a traditional country style since soft vocals tend to be drowned out or difficult to understand. The lyrics themselves are equally well written. Some of the primary lyrics state “And reverend if you would ever be so kind as to send a message up there on my behalf, It ain’t much to ask, It reads “Good God Almighty I beg you please, just before I’m dead, Turn them streets of gold, To dirt roads of red”. For JD Clayton, an ideal afterlife is one where the roads in heaven are the red dirt of Colorado instead of the more traditional view of the Heavens’ typical depictions. Despite having grown up in Arkansas, it is clear that Colorado holds a special place in Clayton’s heart and this song feels like an expertly crafted love letter to the state.
A Still from the “Dirt Roads of Red” Music Video Via YouTube
The music video perfectly matches the flow and cozy atmosphere of this smooth beat. The video focuses on filming JD Clayton and the instrumental band as they perform the song from a comforting living room setting. It is not uncommon with overproduced music videos that they lose the warmth that would be generated by the song’s recording process or live performance. This video, however, manages to perfectly perpetuate this feeling through warmer-toned lighting and the casual setting. It feels more like finding an old tape recording of a group of friends playing music than it does watching a formally produced music video. It is highly recommended that as listeners delve into this single they also take the time to take in the homey and welcoming atmosphere that this video perfectly creates.
An Image of JD Clayton Via Rounder Records
This song is only one of the 9 tracks that will be featured on JD Clayton’s new album release, Blue Sky Sundays, which will be released in full on February 28. There are several guest features, the most notable of which is Tracy Chapman, most notably recognized for the song “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution” which was released in 1988. JD Clayton’s new album can be pre-saved or pre-purchased through many locations and the currently released songs can be streamed through most available streaming platforms. Clayton will also be touring three American states including Tennessee, Montana, and Arkansas. Tickets are available for purchase through JD Clayton’s website.
