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DREAD CLAMPITT – Dread Clampitt
Dread Clampitt DC 8328
Playing Time: 34:11
www.dreadclampitt.com

Eight of the ten songs on Dread Clampitt’s eponymously-titled debut album were written by guitarist Kyle Ogle and mandolinist Balder Saunders, who both also share lead vocal duties. Their first songwriting collaboration resulted in “Stars (over Walton County),” and they turn some interesting phrases in their moving personal statements, rich in roots sensibility. Rounding out this north Florida band that plays “reggae-bluegrass fusion” are Justin Lewis Price-Rees (fiddle, harmony vocals) and Duke Bardwell (acoustic bass guitar, harmony vocals). The band’s name originated from a combination of Jed Clampett (from the Beverly Hillbillies) and dreadlocks, a hairdo common among certain reggae musicians.

Their contagious acoustic energy is presented without any self-consciousness. Saunders and Price-Rees share much of the spotlight with their proficient instrumental interplay, and their finest work is found at the third track, a song appropriately named “Dread Clampitt” that sets out their musical approach and objectives. “Dread Clampitt in the house, playing a soulful tune, Pickin' on the back porch, writin' in the living room, Dread Clampitt, we have a good time, Cause we don't care if we make a dime. You got to earn to make a living, You make a life by what you give, You may not believe in karma, But you can't receive unless you give.” More lyrics are at their website. The fiddle and mandolin also shine on Price-Rees’ Dawg-like instrumental, “Walkabout” and the bass and guitar impart a powerful rhythmic intensity.

Some might find the numerous drug references in “Ridin’ High” somewhat offensive, but the underlying message is to not give up on life. The song tells of Ogle’s trip to Crested Butte, California and his reasons for returning to Florida. They guest Franko “Washboard” Jackson with his instrument on “You Been Around [and I Need a Square].” Dread Clampitt closes their project with a snappy original that could become a jamgrass standard, “Ain’t Got Nothin’ but Love.” A bonus track is an a cappella gospel number that bids listeners a good night.

A song written by Saunders’ uncle, Dwight “Potter” Brown, called “Crooked Island Sweetie” is a leisurely-paced rag that almost begs for some fingerpicked guitar. A unique companion book written by Balder Saunders’ father and self-professed word mechanic, Jack Saunders, is called “Root Doctor.” With its ginseng root on the cover, epigraph from W.B. Yeats, and strange mix of prose and poetry, the booklet includes a number of anecdotes about the band. Instead of rock-and-roll, says Saunders, “they play wrack-and-ruin.” One of the band’s plans for merchandise includes a line of BBQ grills with blown-out wheels.

Dread Clampitt's songs cover a gamut of personal life experience. The band has some impressive songwriters, and, because of their emphasis on original material, I wish the CD’s jacket would’ve included lyrics. Dread Clampitt’s instrumental cohesion is another strength that pushes the acoustic envelope. Whether you want to categorize their songs as roots music, reggae-bluegrass, or wrack-and-ruin, it is simply down-home and good-time fun. Bluegrass purists will ignore this project, but it’s got many strengths that will appeal to those with more adventurous tastes for an Austin-like Americana sound. Not an indisputable triumph, but certainly a very promising debut! (Joe Ross)

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