J.D. Graham (from the album A Pound of Rust

J.D. Graham (from the album A Pound of Rust

J.D. Graham (from the album A Pound of Rust available as an independent release) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
J.D. Graham’s new album is a decidedly downcast affair, one that dwells on past mistakes, poor judgement, regrets, and remorse. Admittedly, he’s had a hard life to draw from, though he deserves credit for baring it all, given the fact that by his own admission, he was a drug addict, narcissist, and an ex-con. Each of the songs relate in some way to his past failings and poor choices, some of which could have easily cost him his life. Consequently, this isn’t easy listening, or, for that matter, an apt choice for upbeat evening entertainment. Yet, it ought to serve as a life lesson of sorts, one that warns of the pitfalls of falling prey to vice, abuse, and ignorance. Accordingly, he meets his demons head-on, and the fact that he survived is impressive in itself.

J.D. Graham credits God, music, and the time he spent behind bars for his recovery and redemption. On the inner sleeve, he states the circumstances while making no excuses. ‘The events that led to making this album were truly extraordinary and would take a novel to explain’ he says. ‘These songs chronicle my journey through addiction, prison, grief, loss, faith, self-doubt, depression, and redemption’.

Whew! That’s a lot to take in, and given the sobering tones of the album overall, it certainly requires time to grasp the full effect. The confessionary stance shared by way of the title track sets a standard, and songs such as the worrisome and reflective “Days South of December”, the hazy happenstance detailed in “Adaline”, and the unequivocal mourning cited in “Letter From My Conscience” provide no respite in terms of the mellow melancholia. Other offerings — “West Virginia”, “Growin’ Old”, and “Her Memory” are equally sad and subdued. J.D. Graham doesn’t spare himself, or anyone else, the ugly imagery of a dark abyss and the severe circumstance that he and others he knew fell prey to. It’s an unrelenting narrative up until the end, when J.D. Graham changes course to tell a tale about the Civil War. Even so, the dire designs of “Stories from the Grave” don’t offer further opportunity for any light to shine through.
 
Granted, the premise alone may be enough to keep would-be listeners away, and given the fact that life today is often depressing enough, that reticence to dig in deeper can certainly be understood. Still, depression has its place. Given the notoriety of artists like Elliot Murphy, Jeff Buckley, Joy Division, The Cure, Nick Drake, and others that bask in mostly dreadful designs, it’s very possible that Graham could, in fact, gain similar acclaim.  (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of JD Graham from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit J.D. Graham website