Jesse Smathers, he of Lonesome River Band fame, has released a new single with Mountain Home Music, a mournful number from the prior century called Dark Clouds.
Let’s have him tell us all about it.
“Dark Clouds is a beautiful, thought-provoking ballad I learned from early country music pioneer and Grand Ole Opry star Kirk McGee. The original recording is obscure, but the song he composed carries a thoughtful and deep lyric, painting a lonesome image of feeling existentially lost. This song is a prayer for finding one’s way in life; a desperate plea to be put on the right path.
I am fascinated by the lyrical weight of many old tunes. It’s so beautifully and poetically written. Though the chorus eerily goes to a minor chord, the beautiful major melody backing up the verses, help tonally convey the sense of hope in finding where ‘one’ belongs. For me, this song is a beautiful reminder of those low times I’ve experienced, and how a similar prayer placed me on the right path.
I hope you enjoy Dark Clouds.”
Smathers sings the plaintive lead vocal and plays guitar, with assistance from Hunter Berry on fiddle, Nick Goad on mandolin, Corbin Hayslett on banjo, and Joe Hannabach on bass. Harmony vocals are provided by Goad and Patrick Robertson.
It’s a fine rendition. Have a listen.
Dark Clouds is available from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
