I like mountain music, good ole mountain music. Played by a real hillbilly band.
Clay Street Unit only formed in 2021, but they are already touring the nation with their new juxtaposition of Southern country/folk, bluegrass and Appalachian music.
Could they herald a new genre? Maybe “Rocky Mountain Music?” Maybe “Colorado South?”
The Colorado-based group has two Alabama stops on their first tour: March 16 at Mobile’s Soul Kitchen and March 21 on Birmingham’s southside.
Clay Steet’s introduction to the world reads:
Based out of Denver, CO, Clay Street Unit is rooted deep in homegrown southern Country/Folk and branches into the bluegrass sound that’s heard throughout the Appalachian hills.
Forming in early 2021, the band just recently released their first EP and is working on developing and pushing their own unique sound, with a high energy, fresh take on the tradition of American folk and country music that is sure to keep you moving.
Think of a blend of John Denver, Marshall Tucker and Roy Acuff. Actually, that won’t adequately describe Clay Street. They have created their own sound.
The Mobile show is Saturday at Soul Kitchen, 219 Dauphin Street in LoDA, the Lower Dauphin Street Entertainment District. They have a guest appearance by The New Cahoots. Downbeat at 8 p.m., doors open at 7. More information here.
The Birmingham show is Thursday, March 21, at 8 p.m. at Code R Productions. They have guest appearances by Teddy and the Rough Riders. More information here.
The group consists of a five-string banjo, guitar, bass, pedal steel, drums and mandolin.
Aftermidnightnews.com describes the new group as follows:
The six musicians balance electric honky tonk stage right with acoustic melodies floating over from stage left, held steady by Sam Walker’s powerful voice. The Unit’s songwriting takes creative turns catered to each member’s strengths. Their infectious camaraderie bleeds off the stage.
While Walker smiles at his bandmates and croons, it’s easy to picture the early days of Clay Street Unit hanging out in mountain town living rooms. Walker on Saturday said the Unit recorded its latest album over a memorable six day-romp, before the band graciously performed a slate of its new material for the Mission audience.
Clay Street Unit played ‘Drive’ off its upcoming record, giving the crowd a first listen in on the elevated songwriting and attention to detail the group poured into its latest project. The sextet also delivered its standout version of The Last Revel’s ‘Engine Trouble,’ which Clay Street Unit released as a single this weekend. The band mixed in tunes from its 2022 release ‘A Mighty Fine Evening,’ including ‘Weight of the World’ and ‘1200 Miles,’ before its special guest sauntered out to help debut another new song.
Clay Street welcomed Lindsay Lou to join on the new tune ‘Choctaw County’ from Clay Street’s upcoming album. They had never performed the song for a live audience, only adding to the special feel of the chemistry they shared as a duo.
Clay Street Unit’s energetic opening set of a dozen songs included a take on Blackfoot’s ‘Train, Train,’ and a closing tear through original, crowd favorite ‘Tired of Being Tired.’
Clay Street has released a new single, “Engine Trouble.” With all that traveling in the mountains, it’s a subject they could know a lot about.
Venues on their impressive first tour are:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Pelham, Tennessee
Olympic Valley, California
Longmont, Colorado
Palisade, Colorado
Asheville, North Carolina
Beaufort, North Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Washington, D.C.
Richmond, Virginia
Martinsville, Virginia
Cincinnati, Ohio
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Denver, Colorado
Livingston, Montana
Notice the unusual number of mountain venues. Mobile is an exception to the mountain travels unless you count Spring Hill.
For locations, times and to purchase tickets, go here.
“'Clay Street Unit' is a new find, but I cannot get enough. The group was formed in 2021 out of Denver, Colorado, combining their love for bluegrass with folk and Appalachia sound." - WhiskyRiff.com
Jim Zeigler is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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