July 12: Slaid Cleaves

"Cleaves tells gorgeously compact stories in a voice packed with Texas trail dust."
-- Entertainment Weekly

On his website, Slaid Cleaves describes himself simply: "Grew up in Maine. Lives in Texas. Writes songs. Makes records. Travels around. Tries to be good." Had he wanted to embellish, he might have added that he is a celebrated singer and songwriter known both for the songs he writes and the way he interprets the music of others. He is a modern troubadour who the New York Times calls, "one of the finest singer-songwriters from Texas."

Based in Austin, Slaid's music is raw and honest, weaving together a cast of interesting characters immersed in the highs and lows of everyday life. His latest CD, Unsung (2006), delivers a collection of songs by admired friends and colleagues including Melvern Taylor, Michael O'Connor, and Graham Weber.

For more information on Slaid Cleaves visti www.slaid.com/index.html.

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