2008 Woodie Awards
Lulling sounds: a review of Jay Clifford
Lindsey Hughes
Issue date: 10/16/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Have you ever heard that sound you don't necessarily despise, but doesn't exactly intrigue you either? Have you ever felt the words someone sang but didn't believe that they felt themselves? Have you ever listened to a voice that has the serenity to lull you but also has a way of sounding monotone and truthfully boring? Well, I did. Just listen to Jay Clifford's debut album Driving Blind and you'll hear what I mean. That is, if you're still in a state of consciousness.
Formerly a member of Jump, Little Children, Jay Clifford is a singer/songwriter hailing from Charleston, S.C. Spending 14 years with Jump, as they are most commonly known, Clifford and the rest of the gang developed quite a fan base. Jump's genre of indie rock has escaped from Driving Blind and is nowhere to be found. Clifford's debut solo album is anything but rock, more a blend of pop and alternative. After a successful run with Jump, Little Children, Jay Clifford, in my opinion, needed to step up his game in order to make it as a solo artist in the harsh reality that is the record business. Unfortunately, Driving Blind just doesn't cut it.
This 11-track album was put together with the help of some surprisingly amazing musicians such as drummer Travis McNabb from Better Than Ezra; bassist Dan Rothchild from Beck, who also played bass for Fiona Apple; and guitarist Dave Levita, who played for Alanis Morissette and Daniel Powter. With the assistance of these fine musicians and the "ordinary" songwriting skills of Clifford, the singles that will be released from this recording are, "Driving Blind," "Invisible Sun," and "Know When to Walk Away." Keep in mind that a song being released as a single in no way entails that it's going to be a hit.
If you are oddly interested, you can check out his websites at either www.jumphq.com or www.myspace.com/jayclifford. If you are really interested, or just feeling like giving the old man a break, he'll be performing at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem on Oct. 17, at Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh Oct. 18, or at The Orange Peel in Asheville on Oct 26. If you'd like more details on these events, visit the sites because that's about all the promotion I'm going to give this guy.
If you want to make the attempt to listen to Clifford, be my guest. I have only one suggestion: Don't listen to him while driving. Frankly, that's just not safe.
Formerly a member of Jump, Little Children, Jay Clifford is a singer/songwriter hailing from Charleston, S.C. Spending 14 years with Jump, as they are most commonly known, Clifford and the rest of the gang developed quite a fan base. Jump's genre of indie rock has escaped from Driving Blind and is nowhere to be found. Clifford's debut solo album is anything but rock, more a blend of pop and alternative. After a successful run with Jump, Little Children, Jay Clifford, in my opinion, needed to step up his game in order to make it as a solo artist in the harsh reality that is the record business. Unfortunately, Driving Blind just doesn't cut it.
This 11-track album was put together with the help of some surprisingly amazing musicians such as drummer Travis McNabb from Better Than Ezra; bassist Dan Rothchild from Beck, who also played bass for Fiona Apple; and guitarist Dave Levita, who played for Alanis Morissette and Daniel Powter. With the assistance of these fine musicians and the "ordinary" songwriting skills of Clifford, the singles that will be released from this recording are, "Driving Blind," "Invisible Sun," and "Know When to Walk Away." Keep in mind that a song being released as a single in no way entails that it's going to be a hit.
If you are oddly interested, you can check out his websites at either www.jumphq.com or www.myspace.com/jayclifford. If you are really interested, or just feeling like giving the old man a break, he'll be performing at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem on Oct. 17, at Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh Oct. 18, or at The Orange Peel in Asheville on Oct 26. If you'd like more details on these events, visit the sites because that's about all the promotion I'm going to give this guy.
If you want to make the attempt to listen to Clifford, be my guest. I have only one suggestion: Don't listen to him while driving. Frankly, that's just not safe.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Anne
posted 10/24/07 @ 2:23 PM EST
Wow, I could not disagree more with this review. Jay has a unique, unbelievable voice and is a true songwriter with immense talent. If anyone is interested in genuine reviews written by folks who recognize a rare and beautiful collection of songs please do so on itunes where Driving Blind is rated 5 out of 5 stars. (Continued…)
annebrad
Anne
posted 10/24/07 @ 8:22 PM EST
Although I understand that music taste is based on a matter of opinion ~ I could not disagree with this review more. Jay is an amazing songwriter with a distinct and incredible voice. (Continued…)
Dan
posted 10/29/07 @ 2:10 AM EST
I think this is the same idiot who felt the need to slam JLC in a concert review once. I don't know what Ms. Hughes has against JLC, but, if you are already biased against a band or act, one can hardly expect a fair review out of you. (Continued…)
johnbo01
John Boschini
posted 11/10/07 @ 1:12 PM EST
I feel as though I need to come to the defense of this critic. It seems as though the two people above me are threatened by the fact people have opposite musical tastes then they do. (Continued…)
Rob
posted 2/23/08 @ 1:51 AM EST
Are you kidding???? Jay Clifford's new album Driving Blind just confirms what we all already know, that he is an absolute amazing singer and songwriter. (Continued…)
Olga
posted 8/02/08 @ 12:35 AM EST
There is no greater songwriter, musician and singer than Jay Clifford! No more beautiful voice could possibly exist.
Whoever wrote the above review - you're simply not evolved enough human to hear the divine beauty of the Driving Blind album. (Continued…)
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