Clay Hess Releases New Single – Blue Night.
World-renowned acoustic guitar player and vocalist Clay Hess has released a second single, Blue Night, from an upcoming full-length project to be released on his 7Flat Records label.
Clay Hess’s new release navigates all the best elements of hard-driving bluegrass through his distinctive vocals, guitar-picking prowess and powerhouse studio band. The instrumental dynamic and arrangement thrusts a classic song from the past into the future.
I have been singing this song for decades now but had never thought of recording it. Folks are always asking me at shows which CD of mine it’s on and I was thinking a few months back that I didn’t remember hearing a recent cut of it. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one with that thought, haha! There are certain songs that just have an instant groove from kick to outro. This is one of those, and these guys absolutely crushed it. I couldn’t have asked for a better studio band to record it with – Clay Hess.
Blue Night follows the smash hit Sixteen Tons, which spent an astonishing 15 weeks in the number one spot on the Roots Music Report Traditional Bluegrass Song Chart. Both songs are part of a full collection due to release in 2025.
The musicians on this newtrack include: Clay Hess on guitar and vocals, Nick Keen on mandolin, Trent Callicut on banjo, Randy Kohrs on resonator guitar and Zak McLamb on bass.
The new single is available worldwide from all the popular online distributors,
About Clay Hess:
Clay Hess is from Athens, Ohio and is the leader of The Clay Hess Band.
Clay Hess (image by Ted Lehmann)
Clay’s first introduction to many was as the lead guitarist for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, winning a Grammy Award during his tenure there. After departing Skaggs, Hess toured and recorded with several of the top bands in the genre. With the help of long time friend and musical comrade Randy Kohrs, Clay recorded his critically acclaimed solo CD “Rain” with the title track going to #1 on the Bluegrass Today chart. The success of the project directly led to the formation of The Clay Hess Band in 2012.
“Growing up in a musical family, it wasn’t hard to find an instrument laying around to plunk on”. Pair that with having a desire to learn, a passion for music, and a wealth of people to learn from and you get a musician. “Having a family of talented players and singers is an advantage if you can keep your ears open and your mouth shut. I should have done more of both.” Today with The Clay Hess Band you can hear the result of all the jam sessions, bar gigs, bluegrass festivals, and hours learning from relatives/musicians/recordings. Known for his syncopated sense of timing, Hess always tries to keep you guessing what is coming next .
The Clay Hess Band goes back into the studio this fall to record their sophomore effort. Join the mailing list to receive updates on release or upcoming events. For anything else email us at cl***********@***il.com
