I have always appreciated Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, mostly for its unapologetic, casual character and playful storytelling; melancholic lyricism delivered with carefree flair. JD Hinton seeks to do the same, paying homage to the blues tradition with a slow-paced, gritty rendition of the timeless classic. Soaked in modern blues-rock but with a nostalgic twist, ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ finds a new lease of life in Hinton’s smoky, jagged vocals and alluring charm, adding a decadent character to the original song.
A talented singer, songwriter and actor, JD hails from Texas with an impressive artistic resumé. His take on ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ is informed by countless live performances, as he gradually sculpted the song to please his audience. Eventually, wholesome slow-tempo blues and country goodness found its way home, blessing Hinton with a hard-hitting, resonant livery for the studio version. Mostly known for his forays into Americana, JD here showcases his wholehearted ability to sing the blues.
‘Folsom Prison Blues’ features fellow musicians Taylor Kropp (guitar), Rob Humphrey (drums), Joel Gottschalk (bass), and Rick Solem (piano). Delving deeper into his appreciation for the song and the way he connects with it, Hinton explains: “Those people—not me—keep moving. I’m stuck in Folsom Prison, hearing the trains go by, and knowing from now on… everything will keep going by me.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ on Spotify:
