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The new single from Reed Jones and former Redline members, “Ran Out of Road”, is an original written and sung by Jones. The band’s bassist and primary songwriter’s smart move of surrounding himself with one-time bandmates isn’t a PR move. It proves to be an obviously astute artistic decision as musicians such as banjo maestros Russ Carson and Evan Ward memorably trade lines with Jones’ guitar playing. Including high-caliber fiddle players such as Mason Wright and Patrick McAvinue ensures “Ran Out of Road” packs the required melodic punch without cluttering the arrangement or clashing with the other parts. No one takes a meaningful lead break throughout the new single, and each musician enjoys an opportunity to illustrate their skill.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AudieBlaylockandRedline
It is a song before anything else and never an instrumental showcase. Anyone hoping to hear pseudo-virtuosic displays of bluegrass instrumental prowess will be sorely disappointed, but the gifts of each musician nonetheless shine bright. The core is the marriage between the three voices present in the mix, the lyrics, and the arrangement. Vince Gill and Darren Nicholson’s tenor and baritone supporting vocals, respectively, are well-chosen for blending with Jones’ voice.
The latter has a plaintive, affecting quality. He’s a wise singer in the way he understands the physical limitations of his voice and focuses on phrasing. Jones never pretends to be something he isn’t. Instead, the intense attention he brings to enlivening each line and never singing key phrases the same way twice generates audible energy with the musical backing. Casual and hardcore bluegrass fans will admire and enjoy how Jones approaches his performance.
A running time of a smidgen over four minutes may seem initially excessive. It never plays like a song that long. The breezy yet sober treatment moves you along at an appreciable clip rather than succumbing to side trips and self-indulgence. “Ran Out of Road” is the verbiage of desperation, as if remarking that Blaylock came to some sudden disastrous end, but judgments are scarce. The predominant feeling I experience hearing this single is longing. It is palpable from the beginning.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/gh/album/ran-out-of-road-feat-vince-gill-harry-stinson-single/1774765045
The song shows that he’s internalized Blaylock’s voice and lessons. It’s pushed Reed Jones’ talents to another level. He has a real, but never domineering, presence throughout “Ran Out of Road”, and listeners of any ilk will feel confident with him from the start. His confidence is clear. You will also get the sense that the overall confidence is high for the project; the participating musicians began the recording process with a vision and the wherewithal to make it live.
“Ran Out of Road” is a document of a life well-lived. Audie Blaylock may have shuffled off this mortal coil without mention on CNN, a New York Times obit, or other laurel leaves that the famous often enjoy. Nevertheless, he left an indelible impression on the lives he touched, and their work shoulders his enduring spirit. Reed Jones and Redline’s “Ran Out of Road” is an excellent example of that and a thoroughly outstanding composition.
Mark Druery
