Michelle Lee On Air 
Back in 2022 during the IBMA World of Bluegrass week, I had the honor of being the host for the Songwriters Showcase. During the showcase, J.M. Clifford definitely made a lasting impression on Marsha and myself. From that time on, J.M. Clifford has been getting noticed in the bluegrass scene. His style of writing and voice is so captivating and smooth. On June 7th, J.M. released his album titled, ‘Trains, Thinkin’ and Drinkin’ ’’.
The album was cleverly crafted with the arrangement of the songs and how it flowed with songs with lyrics and instrumentals. The instrumentals on this album, Billy Goose, Cumberland Mornings, and Old Brown Shoes are packed with best session players in the bluegrass world, including Seth Taylor, Jeff Partin,Jeff Picker, and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes.
To give my perspective on the songs throughout the album:
“As It Was” – this song truly makes me think of Jack Johnson, the feeling of smooth sounds but at the same time, a great cover of a Harry Styles song. This song was one that challenged J.M. but turned out great and loved by J.M.
“On My Mind” – J.M. wrote this song thinking about his fiancé (now his wife) and started daydreaming about her and the life they were building. The delivery of this song is so beautifully done.
“Complicated Man” – to me the song can be interpreted a couple different ways. You can see it as a song that encourages you to be the best you can be. It can also be an example of how an everyday person can have big and small decisions to make on a daily basis.
“Sunburnt Sky” – this song was written by J.M. while playing a show with Ron Pope, album producer, in Phoenix, AZ. The beautiful song describes how the sights of being on the road can be beautiful but wanting to be back at home. Once again, J.M. delivers the song spot on.
“Raised in the Ashes” – having an upbringing that was not in a particular traditional faith, J.M. has spent plenty of time through the years to orient himself and develop an understanding of what we’re all doing here and what the point of all this is. J.M. wrote this song along with Ron Pope to share some of his thoughts at this point in his life.
“Trains, Thinkin’ and Drinkin’ ” – title track of the album came from a simple conversation with a friend on a summer evening. Some of all the great things that make a great bluegrass song is in this one.
J.M. Clifford has generated a well-crafted album with the help of Ron Pope and many top-notched artists on Brooklyn Basement Records. I highly suggest checking out https://www.jmcliffordmusic.com/ to learn more about J.M. Clifford, purchase your copy of ‘Trains, Thinkin’ and Drinkin’’ or downloading the album wherever you stream your music. You can also read more about J.M. Clifford on https://www.MichelleLeeOnAir.com under the June Artist Spotlight.
