There’s a long tradition of dark stories, darker personalities, and black-hearted endings in Americana and folk music. They range from the myriad of circumstances highlighted in the plethora of murder ballads to the teary ending of an outlaw motorcycle rider, or a fervent prayer to not have one’s last minutes be in a cheap motel. The best ones aren’t just stories, but convey a sense of connection to the protagonist. In the case of JD Graham and his songs, that sense of connection is personal, courtesy of lifelong addiction and 5 years in the Arizona State Penitentiary.
In 2022 he emerged from his cell a free and reformed man. He took his newly created library of 160 songs and headed to a recording studio in Nashville, where he recorded his upcoming album, A Pound of Rust. Forsaking fancy arrangements, Graham and producers Neilson Hubbard and Ryan Culwell chose to emphasize the intensity of the stories by minimizing the layers of instrumental accompaniment. Guitar, bass, drums, they all direct you back to Graham’s tales of personal demons.
One of my favorites on the record is Sidewalk Bobby. It follows the trajectory of a man who goes from Wall Street victor, Uptown Robert, to a down-and-out junkie. All that wealth couldn’t save his fall from grace, and most assuredly helped propel the downward spiral. We’re pleased to offer the premiere of that song. Here’s Sidewalk Bobby.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.