Born in the soul-basted countryside of Alabama, then brought to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains to marinade and mature, Red Clay Revival delivers an experience that continues to reshape the parameters of roots music with skillful, heart-driven compositions. Bandleader and songsmith extraordinaire, Doug McElvy, lays a solid foundation at the epicenter of Red Clay’s musical magnitude. The band’s high energy shows are filled with slam-grass/bluegrass breaks, with a rock feel; it’s an entertaining performance sure to get the crowd moving regardless of musical taste.
“I love this band! These musicians carve an irresistible groove that always gets the party started. Doug Mcelvy is an authentic, soulful powerhouse of a vocalist and songwriter, not to mention a world class fly fisherman! Fishin and pickin— what could be better?!” says flatpicking legend Larry Keel and bassist Jenny Keel, "Doug McElvy and his Red Clay Revival render a rootsy blend of folk rock foundation and inventive yet catchy lyrics. It's earthy and fun music with dark overtones too.”
Red Clay Revival is excited to release a new song: “Gold.” McElvy calls it, “A song to remind us to connect with the natural world to let go of the everyday stress that life brings our way; it’s an expression of my happy place where I go to find peace and clarity.”
Filled with jubilance and written and sung by McElvy, he leads “Gold” on guitar and is backed by Zebulon Bowles on fiddle, Jacob Baumann on drums, and Daniel Ianuccie on bass and harmony vocals. The track was recorded by Matt Williams and The Eagle Room in Asheville, NC.
Leftover Salmon’s Andy Thorn says, “Red Clay Revival’s new track ‘Gold’ takes you straight to the fly fishing streams of western North Carolina. Singer-songwriter Doug McElvy (who’s also a fly-fishing guide) is as natural on his guitar as with his fly rod. With festival-scene veteran Zeb Bowles on the fiddle, this is roots rock at its finest!”
Red Clay Revival’s powerful songs and live performances harness an energy that electrifies any space, leaving audiences with an embedded musical experience. “Red Clay Revival always brings the most fun and energetic crowd to Salvage Station and never fails to impress everyone with their spontaneous jams, high energy performances, and musical talent,” says the Asheville venue. “You know you have a great band on the stage when the entire crowd refuses to let a summer downpour stop the fun!”
“Gold” has been a long time coming and a new studio album is in the works. Previous recordings include Barefoot, McElvy’s 2012 LP in which he teamed with resophonic guitar master, Billy Cardine, as creative consultant and co-producer, as well as collaborating with decorated pros, such as Keller Williams, Larry and Jenny Keel, as well as Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth. In 2014 he released an EP, Chilly, once again pairing with Cardine in production, and recruiting the talents of world class violinist, Casey Driessen, and beat master Jeff Sipe for backing elements.
