What many need to
consider in today's market place where new country artists are overtaking airwaves and I
might add, with some very fine songs, I still find myself trying to distinguish one from
another. While their choice of material is A+ and they are blessed with the vocal talent
to make the charts, there is one thing lacking in many of the "new acts" I've
encountered... a "distinct sound". A voice that is instantly recognizable the
moment you hear them. Yet I find myself waiting and hoping that the DJ will announce who
that artist was, which rarely happens during my listening time.
All of the above
is what brings Clay to the forefront. You cannot pigeon-hole his style or sound to any one
package. He is in a class of his own, which I have dubbed as "CLAY COUNTRY". He
sings what suits him and delivers it in his own unique styling.
It takes more
than just talent to really make it when you're swimming in a sea of 1000s of vocally
talented artists. Instant recognition is as much a prerequisite (if not more-so) than the
ability to sing well. Distinction, style and the art of delivery" making each song
"your own"(regardless of who may have sung it before or may sing it later). Any
good singer can croon, "He Stopped Loving Her Today" but I have yet to hear
anyone who could "own" it. The Possum still holds the musical black belt.
No matter the choice of song, or how he performs it, when Willie sings, you know
instantly... "that's Willie Nelson". You'll find no less from Clay Dubose.
“These
Days” features 12 new songs, all but one written or cowritten by Clay Dubose. The
production/musical talents of Will Ray (Hellecasters), Brian Hofeldt (Derailers), Augie
Meyers (Texas Tornados, Sir Douglas Quintet, Bob Dylan), Garth Hudson (The Band, Burrito
Deluxe) Ed Adkins (Derailers), Scott Mathews (Derailers), Danny Timms (The Highwaymen,
Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos, Delbert McClinton), Mike Daily (Ace in the Hole Band), Rami
Jaffee (the Wallflowers), Dusty Wakeman (Dwight Yoakum, Lucinda Williams, Jim Lauderdale)
and Big John Mills. Clay was not only intelligent about choosing such talents to work
with, he was blessed that they realized his talent enough to want to work with him. That
in itself is a true testament to his talent!
I have to take a
moment to mention my all time favorite song on "These Days" and that's track 12,
written by Bob Dylan, "I Threw It All Away". Backed only by a piano, Clay truly
"owns" this song vocally. This is where you can best hear the pureness of his
vocals, the reality of his heart and soul pouring out as he sings... this is what makes
Clay a cut above.
Bottom line...
Mr. Dubose has the ability to make a song his and make you believe it's there just for you
and there will never be a doubt in your mind as to who is performing the song.
Keep your eyes
and ears pealed because Clay Dubose is climbing the country charts world-wide and I
believe he's gonna make his mark.
"CLAY
COUNTRY" is My Kind of Country!
© 1-6-06 Marlene "Marli" Slater 
My Kind of Country
Here
