during the SXSW Music Festival that I had a chance meeting with The Muscle Shoals Swampers - August 8, 2017
Fast forward to my old stomping grounds of Austin, Texas during the SXSW Music Festival that I had a chance meeting with The Muscle Shoals Swampers– the legendary session players that played on a lot of American rock, R&B, country and blues records for the past 40 years. Aretha Franklin called them “greasy.”
Within a few months of meeting the boys from Muscle Shoals, I found myself in the coveted town starting to lay down some blueprints of what would be American Mojo with Nutt and his cohorts of players. Little did I know that moment would be a pivotal shift in my life.
It was like a dream, yet, I felt at home. I found myself surrounded by people who still believe in those dreams. For me, it was a once in a lifetime experience, and it felt like I was getting an education from the masters themselves. More importantly, I would find my voice and have an opportunity to produce an album that was crafted by some of the most influential musicians in American history.
“Tennessee River” is a ballad of following one’s destiny. Inspired by the folklore of the “Singing River” (which predates European settlement), this song represents my quest to the Shoals that I am able to relate to. One particular account said to me by Tom Hendrix, was of his great-great grandmother Te-lah-nay who was forcibly removed from The Shoals during the Indian Removal Act of 1830. After facing a two-year journey to Oklahoma on The Trail Of Tears, she courageously returned which took a painstaking five years. She is the only person on record to have walked back home. When asked why she would face such a challenge, she stated that she was called home by the songs of “The Singing River.”
Before relocating here, I was confronted with the choice to pursue a career as a musician. The song “Leaving This Town,” captures the angst of my first leap of faith as I began my full-time touring career. Despite the challenges, I sold my house and my things to help finance the remainder of the project.
Toward the end of the recording process, I was touring and spending lots of time in Texas where I met my wife, Melissa. A true Texan girl, she grew up across the river from me and was even delivered by the same doctor in the same small town. It’s funny how love and faith live in the heart together when one allows it.
The song “Pillar on my Pillow” is a country tune that embraces the love and dedication that I have for this woman. Co-written with Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery, the song captures a George Jones feel, tipping the hat to The Possum, who Peanutt had played with for two decades and pinned 73 of Jones’ songs.
Robert Cline, Jr. Tips His Hat Off With American Mojo
An Honest Homage To Our Musical Fabric
Recorded In Muscle Shoals Alabama
Out September 22th On Mockingbird Records
“ … the story of my path and baptism as a songwriter, troubadour, and producer…” – Robert Cline, Jr.
Robert Cline, Jr.”
Come on board and listen to Robert Cline Jr.’s American Mojo (September 22, 2017) Mockingbird Recoerds: https://soundcloud.com/robert-cline-jr/sets/american-mojo-robert-cline-jr
For a photo – use — for photo credit: Mary Bruton: http://wp.me/a4AfYg-cG and http://wp.me/a4AfYg-cH
For more info: www.robertclinejr.com