Focus On: Slaid Cleaves

Slaid Cleaves is a rising star in the "Americana" singer/songwriter tradition whose new album, Wishbones, is racking up critical acclaim. Cleaves started out playing bars in his home state of Maine before deciding to move to musical hotbed Austin, Texas to better pursue his artistic vision. In 1992, Cleaves won the Kerrville Folk Festival's New Folk competition, following in the footsteps of previous winners such as Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen and Steve Earle. Cleaves signed to Rounder Records and released his first album, No Angel Knows, in 1996. His follow-up album, 2000's Brokedown, was called "the first great Texas album of the 21st Century" by The Austin Chronicle. Cleaves' storytelling style has been favorably compared to the legendary Bob Dylan, but with a voice of his own. In an era filled with pretentious pop stars, Cleaves is a breath of fresh air—he even shares personal stories on his web site.

Slaid's interview and performance

Folk Alley’s Jim Blum and Bob Burford invite Americana singer/songwriter Slaid Cleaves up to their room for an impromptu recording session at the 2004 Folk Alliance Conference in San Diego, CA. Slaid and his band play four songs, including the title track off the “Wishbones” CD.

Jim Blum with Slaid Cleaves & his band at Folk Alliance

Slaid's Web Site

Stories — Slaid shares his stories on his website