Clay DuBose “Father Time Mother Nature”
“Clay DuBose has recruited a crack team of players to support his third album. Opening song When Heroes Say Goodbye includes Steely Dan guitarist Dean Parks and producer and co-writer Ted Russell Kamp on Bass. It’s a fairly routine piece of americana/roots rock, but with the drive and big ambition that a lead song needs. Reflecting on “the emotional impact of losing beloved musical icons like Chris Cornell, Tom Petty, Prince, and Neil Peart,” suggests DuBose has some quite wide-ranging tastes. Or he was hoping to appeal to the maximum possible fanbase.”
“When the artist insists that creating a moment is its own reward, you can either believe them and revel in their vision, or you can scoff silently, or with an unbecoming arrogance, and whisper that artists are only are ever in it for the fame, the fortune, and the favour. It is not quite the argument of flat Earth or the footsteps on the moon that seems to divide humanity, but it is one that vexes the purist and the emotionally satisfied find perplexing to deal with, for how can art be anything other than commercially free and intellectually stimulating.”
www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk
“Clay DuBose had a rich and influential stint as a fledgling Americana artist in the first phase of a career when the genre took a foothold as a radio format. Life subsequently pulled this Texas-based musician in a different direction enforcing an extended recording hiatus. However pent up talent was not destined to remain suppressed and with the helping hand of versatile Californian Ted Russell Kamp, a brand new full length record is hailing the comeback. An awareness void of DuBose’s previous work is not a barrier to grasping the value of FATHER TIME & MOTHER NATURE. The absence has fired up the songwriting juices and a ravenously good record emerges buoyed by relatable themes and a feel right on the mark of the genre he pioneered from the late 80s onwards. ”
https://threechordsandthetruthuk.blogspot.com
“DuBose, a San Antonio-bred voice who once fronted the Sunset Strip’s blues-rock scene with sufficient force to secure major-label attention, has never been short of technical gifts. A vocal range exceeding four octaves, a command of American roots forms stretching from Delta blues through Orbison-style pop balladry, and the kind of phrasing instinct that separates singers from performers — these were always evident. What the earlier records occasionally lacked was the emotional undergrowth that only accumulates through genuine loss. That deficit has been emphatically remedied.”
“The album functions as a kind of secular liturgy for middle-aged reckoning — not maudlin, never self-pitying, but unflinching in its insistence that time passes whether or not you’re paying attention.”
https://indiedockmusicblog.co.uk
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” I’m pretty sure the original intent of that comment was directed to relationships. I’ve observed it to be true about almost anything someone is passionate about, though. Step away from it for a while, and when you come back you rediscover what attracted you in the first place along with a new appreciation for why you love it. If the sound is any indication, that’s what happened with Clay DuBose on his new album, Father Time & Mother Nature, his first in 20 years.”
“DuBose and producer Kamp treat this session as the grandest of reunions, portions of which must have taken place seven years ago or more, given the presence of the late Neal Casal on guitar. Besides Casal, the star-studded lineup includes a who’s who of L.A.’s American scene, including guitarists Brian Whelan, Doug Pettibone, Dean Parks, and Will Ray. Delving further into the credits, we find notables Kamp playing bass, Carl Byron on organ, Whelan also on multiple keyboards, Eric Corne on harmonica, and the great blues vocalist Janiva Magness, who joins DuBose on the title track. Lineups vary by track, but also feature Danny Timms (piano and keyboards), John Schreffler (pedal steel), Sasha Smith (Hammond organ), Jamie Douglas, Mitch Marine, and Mike Clarke (drums). Even the engineers, Mark Rains, Dusty Wakeman, and Kamp, have high-profile legacies.”
“This music opens with a catchy tune, assembled as a somewhat modern country rock number. The lyrics at times teeter on cliches & things heard before, but…but…the focus should then turn toward Clay DuBose’s skillful effort. He’s entertaining, his vocal approach is prominent, a staid side of Eddie Rabbitt (“Drivin’ My Life Away”), B. J. Thomas before he went pop commercial & with a bit of Billy Joe Royal (“Down In the Boondocks”). Yeah, you heard right. Royal had that broad country brush scrawled across his songs. Clay is similar. Variety is evident. There’s a sparkle.”
By Lee Zimmerman
“At first glance, Clay Dubose can claim a lengthy career, one that found him cutting his musical chops on L.A.’s famed Sunset Strip in the late ‘80s, leading to his signing of a major label deal.”
“The new album “Father Time & Mother Nature” by Clay DuBose is an incredible roots production that feels completely alive. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Ted Russell Kamp, and the title track stands out as a sprawling progressive journey that runs for a full 05:32. It avoids modern studio tricks and relies instead on the raw energy of a phenomenal studio band. The arrangement builds beautifully, moving toward a massive finish that hits you right in the chest.”
“Clay DuBose‘s “Fading Away,” captures the feeling of watching something big disappear, driven by relentless forward motion, not quiet reflection. The track explodes with passionate guitar lines traded by Doug Pettibone and Brian Whelan, a kinetic and classic roots-rock spirit. Everything looks purposeful, tough, and polished. The track is a potent showcase of creativity, a reminder that great songwriting and inspired performances still make for a winning combination.”
THESE DAYS
“DuBose offers a superstar vocal delivery on each track of this twelve cut release. These Days is a remarkable project that employs some of the best pickers around. Some things are done to express artistic freedom, make good on a solemn promise, or to impress a girl. I’m not sure which caused DuBose to include Dylan’s ‘I Threw It All Away’ on the album, but it was a genius move. The song bookends a terrific disc that is masterful on many levels, making it one of true treasure releases of the year”.
“The second release from Texas singer/songwriter Clay DuBose has a retro late 80’s/early 90’s feel to it. The opening track ‘Long Lonely Life’ is a George Strait style honky tonk tune, while several tracks recall some of the early work of Dwight Yoakum. The Mavericks are another apparent influence. With strong tunes and an excellent supporting cast, this is a solid effort from DuBose.
“I’ve seen many of the reviews written about Clay and while they all sang his praises, just as I intend to do, there is more to Clay DuBose that sets him apart from many of his peers. You cannot pigeon hole him in any one package. He is in a class of his own, which I have dubbed Clay Country as he does what suits him and delivers it in his own unique styling.”
“There is a lot of rockin’ country in this CD, it is done well, and Clay’s great voice makes this album a must listen.”
Mule Dog Magazine
“DuBose delivers a healthy dose of C&W honky-tonkin’ that’s as natural as an old pair of Levis. His subjects run from hard luck stories to philosophical ruminations, and features tasty licks combined with catchy hooks and bridges. A healthy twist of leathery musical truth.”
Vintage Guitar Magazine
“At the recent Texas Music Awards, three Americana artists received significant recognition. Clay DuBose received the Rising Star Award.”
Radio & Records
“Clay DuBose is another strong vocalist and tremendous songwriter whose new release These Days is also reminiscent of releases from past eras. DuBose’s music has a steadfast traditional bent, even as he incorporates more modern arrangements and instrumentation on various tunes.”
Nashville City Paper
“It’s been too long since his last disc, which featured a killer country version of The Doors’ ‘Love Me Two Times’. This disc is more Texas in sound and scope, and shows a greater maturity in focus and performance – it’s essential stuff”.
“After scoring an impressive showing with his debut solo outing, Rewriting History, at Americana radio, Texas musical chameleon Clay DuBose has kicked things up a few notches with his sophomore effort, These Days. DuBose has fulfilled his promise by becoming a core artist for Americana radio.” Radio & Records
“Clay DuBose is a man with many interests and passions and it shows in his music. His latest album has risen into the Top 10 of both the Americana and the Roots Music Report charts immediately upon its release and continues to have an impact over 3 months later.”
Take Country Back
“These Days is a successful recording that will take Clay further in his career, establishing him as a strong voice in both Americana and country music.”
Singer Magazine
REWRITING HISTORY
“There’s no two ways around it. Clay DuBose is a little bit country and a little bit rock n’ roll, making both his music and voice distinct. He’s a refreshing addition to the country music industry”.
www.CountryInterviewsOnline.
“Singer/songwriter Clay DuBose has a lovely singing voice which is a pleasure to listen to and he puts great feeling into these self-penned songs. An album well worth owning”.
Southern Country Magazine – Britain
“Rewriting History” is singer-songwriter Clay DuBose’s debut disc, this solid crooner having made an album that is primarily of a country basis, though so much of it borders upon the rock and pop that its brimming with the possibility of DuBose becoming a successful cross-over artist.
NOHO LA
“The Texas native’s material is influenced partly by his honky-tonk roots, but also by the city of Los Angeles, as well as the ghost of Jim Morrison. His vocal chords handle a mixture of ballads and country-rock dance numbers with ease.”
Music Connection Magazine
“They say if you have a dream and don’t lose sight of it, good things will eventually come your way. That seems to be the case for Clay Dubose. Since, it’s release, the project has developed an impressive story at Americana radio and continues to climb the chart.”
Radio & Records