Trains, Thinkin’ And Drinkin’
Brooklyn Basement, 2024
9/10
Listen to Trains, Thinkin’ And Drinkin’
A Brooklyn, NY singer-songwriter with a penchant for folk, bluegrass and Americana, J.M. Clifford brings along Jeff Picker, Jeff Partin, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and Seth Taylor for these 10 genuine songs.
“Complicated Man” starts the listen with a warm and fluid approach of soaring storytelling and rootsy flavor, and “Old Brown Shoes” follows with Keith-Hynes’ meticulous fiddle guiding the rural melodies.
In the middle, “As It Was” showcases Partin’s intimate dobro in a very cautious interpretation of the Harry Styles tune, while “Raised By Ashes” is a poetic and heartfelt album highlight that meshes bluegrass and folk with powerful imagery.
The title track exits with 2 different versions. The take with vocals comes with plenty of mountain-esque flavor and harmonic singing, and the reprise finisher really highlights Picker’s bass amid some jam band ideas.
Clifford takes influence from legends like Norman Blake, Gillian Welch, Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits, where the strategic picking and wealth of melodies and organic song craft immediately strikes a chord.
Travels well with: Amy Annelle- The Toll; Lana Nauphal- Wildland