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Call Of The West
Cerrito
Chris Curtice
Clay Blaker
Clay Dubose
Clay Rigdon
Cody McCarver
Cookie Evans
Cosgrove Rushing
Country Generations
Crazed Cowboys
Dan Nash
Dave Hahn
Dave James
David Jewell - Songwriter
Debbie Dukes
Debbie West
D' Ramirez
Dr. Fry Band
Dustin Hunt
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As native of Florida,
Clay formed a band called the "Bottom Dollar Band", who
performed more of a southern rock style of country music. I reviewed their CD some years
ago and to this day folks visiting the MKOC Stars on the Horizon browse to that review and
write asking how to get them to perform, or sending them messages saying how much they
enjoyed their music... well, the Bottom Dollar Band dis"Banded" a few years back
when Clay decided it was time for him to go to Nashville and really work on his career.
Since then, he's come a long way and is "runnin' with the big dogs"! |
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Clay wrote all of the songs on his self
titled CD, "Clay Rigdon"... and believe me, it's solid, hardcore, traditional
country and Honky Tonk music all the way. There are eight songs on the album but they are
all top of the line, quality songs, so much so that you don't think about it
"only" having eight songs... then suddenly, it hits you, you want MORE of Clay
Rigdon. I don't feel cheated in the least by not having those 2 extra songs, I just
play the same eight over and over again and I'm enjoy it more each time I hear it. I'm
satisfied because there's a great mixture of songs... "A lid to fit every pot"
as my Ma always said... and all of them sung perfectly. The up tunes make you wanna
dance.. and if ya don't dance, you won't be holdin' still because the music will make you
move in one way or another... you just can't help it.
"Hello Old Friend" could have
been among the other great music from "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou", then you go
into "I Didn't" and if you didn't know better, you'd be asking, who wrote
that?... "Isn't that an old song? I can't remember who sang it".... That's how
"traditionally country" it is; as if Clay stepped back in time and was one of
those great songwriters of days gone by. From there, you go to the other end of he gamut
to track 6, "You Go, Girl" and you've got a rockin', Honky Tonkin' southern rock
song, which also has a play on words that's bound to bring out some chuckles. From one end
of the spectrum and back again, there's nothing but GREAT country music on this album...
my favorites, as always are the ballads, " "I Didn't" and "What I
Won't Do" are works worthy of George Strait or Alan Jackson. All in all, "Clay
Rigdon" is a true "keeper" for your music collection and one that you'll
play often.
Clay wore many hats in the creation of
this CD. He was the Producer and Engineer. It was mixed by Clay and Chuck Davis. Aside
from vocals, Clay played keyboard, drums and acoustic guitar. Is he good at all of these
jobs? Apparently so because this production is equivalent to anything produced on Music
Row and Clay's voice is top of the line, 100% solid country.... and addictive. I also want
to give credit to all the great musicians that Clay chose to work on this album with him.;
Charles Lilly, Bass; Jason Roller, Guitars, Fiddle and Mandolin; Randy Hess, Pedal Steele
Guitar; Buddy Leech, Saxophone (Stand by Love) and Ms.Aaron Marshall, Background vocals
(Stand By Love). These artists complimented each song to the fullest. Keeping the rest of
it in the family, Clay's wife, Debbi did all the photography and album design, as well as
his website design. So much talent between one couple means you're getting one fabulous
album.
I have only one regret regarding Clay
and his music and that is that I had a chance to see him perform live and due to the fact
that I was in Nashville to attend a Child Alert Foundation benefit, that chance passed me
by. Actually, Clay was at the benefit most of the day to donate his time and talent to
raise money for CAF, waiting for his chance to get on stage to perform, but the scheduling
had been grueling and I'm not sure what went wrong, but time ran out and Clay was
scheduled to be at a gig he was performing with Don Ellis (half of the famous "Ellis Brothers" country
duo who now perform as singles). I was invited to go, but couldn't as I was obligated to
remain at the benefit. As deeply involved as I am in CAF, it was indeed disappointing. I
wanted to see Clay perform and I'm a long time fan of Don Ellis so it was a double whammy
for me. Don and Clay work together quite often and I can tell you first hand, this is a
very high tribute to Clay's talent. Others that have worked with Clay and encouraged his
work are "Whisperin'" Bill Anderson, and singer songwriter, Billy Montana. I
could go on, but this isn't about who Clay knows, it's about his talent and his CD,
"Clay Rigdon"... So all I have left to say to Clay is, "When's the next
album coming out?!"
© 2003 Clay Rigdon All Rights Reserved
Info on the Musicians and techs:
At the time of recording, Chuck Davis was a sound engineer at the Grand Ole Opry.
Charles Lilly used to play bass for Joe Diffie, as did Jason Roller. Charles is now with
Opry Legend Billy Walker, Jason is with Tracey Lawrence, and Buddy Leech is with George
Thoroughgood and the Destroyers.
I'd like to add some personal comments about Clay and
his wife, Debbi and this isn't about the music, it's about them as humanitarians and their
caring and giving of themselves to help others. The show in Nashville wasn't the only time
they donated time or merchandise to CAF. While Clay was with the Bottom Dollar Band there
was a benefit being held by my dear friends, Shay and Skip Gosnell in NC. Clay was in FL
and unable to come to perform, so Debbi made a HUGE basket of goodies, filled with tons of
Bottom Dollar Band merchandise and had it all wrapped up like a gigantic Easter basket. It
was absolutely lovely and extremely generous and brought in quite a good bidding price in
the auction. Lastly, one of the things that was so wonderful about having Clay's CD is
that when he, Debbi and I were together, poor Clay didn't get a word in edgewise! Debbi
and I had been friends for years through email, but this was the first time we could
actually sit down and talk to each other and since we're both into PCs, web sites and
designs, it was non-stop geek talk. Clay and Debbi came to take us (my Ma, my aunt and me)
out to dinner. Clay quietly looked after my Ma and my Aunt Louise keeping them company so
the truth is, I not only didn't get to hear him sing, I barely got to hear him talk..
LOL... Man! It's a good thing you're such a great singer, Clay... this may be the only way
to shut up the women and be heard! ;) Thanks to you both for all you've done... you're
true friends that I know I can always count on. And to all of you reading this, Clay
didn't get a rave review because I like him as a person, he got it because he deserves
that and more... I'm just not as eloquent as most reviewers so I use more words. ;)
Marlene Slater (Marli)
10-2-04
Visit the Clay
Rigdon web site for more information and to buy his CD!
E-Mail
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