A Pound Of Rust
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
The Nashville singer-songwriter JD Graham delivers deeply personal songs across this unique perspective that stems from a 5 year prison sentence where he wrote 160 sober tunes.
The title track opens the listen with gorgeous acoustic guitar complementing Graham’s smooth, inviting voice that tells the story of his drug fueled days, and “2 Days South Of December” follows with a dreamy spirit of forthright and emotive songwriting that’s poetic.
Deeper into the listen, the sublimely intimate “Part Time Lovin’” welcomes light drums to the reflective tone, while “Sidewalk Bobby” is a more upbeat delivery of sincere storytelling that illustrates Graham’s powerful voice.
Landing near the end, the stirring “Her Memory”, the album’s best, is a bare, beautiful display of heartfelt folk song craft, and “Stories From The Grave” exits with an atmospheric and eloquent illustration of an artist who has lived a challenging, difficult existence.
A drug addict since the age of 11, it took prison to allow Graham to find his soul, and with his mind now clear, he’s sharing a lifetime of stories that unfold with much grace, insight and warmth.
Travels well with: Matt Hillyer- Glorieta; Austin Gilliam- I’m Sorry, I’m Fine