Chris Jones and The Flycatchers: Songs For Red
Songs For Red, the powerful debut album from Chris Jones and The Flycatchers, is comprised of ten tracks that will connect to a wide audience of music lovers. Lyrically, Chris explores many aspects of life and tells stories that can be visualized with greater depth through the accompanying instrumentation. As Chris and his band, Brandon Aguilar on bass, Andrew Dolman on drums, and Isaac Stalling on guitar, blend a variety of genres to share his stories, we are thankful that he changed his status from college dropout to singer/songwriter.
Photo Courtesy of Cameron Gillispie
Talking to Chris about how this album came to be, he said he wanted to make it his entire life, but it just took longer than he thought to do it. He needed the time to be confident in his own ideas. While he had been writing and playing music since his early years, it wasn’t until after he left college that he came to a much-needed crossroads. Deciding whether to continue on, or to remain in the workforce, Chris woke up one morning and told himself he was going to finish one song. As he started with that determination, the words kept flowing and right then, he knew he was on the right path, professionally. Feeling that success, and being on a creative and artistic high, he continued writing. As he reflects on that time now, he continues to be inspired by what came from that moment to this day.
Chris Jones also takes inspiration from his biggest encourager and supporter in life, his grandpa, James “Red” Moore. The album title Songs for Red is his way of dedicating the songs that he wrote to his grandfather, who unfortunately passed away from cancer prior to him hearing his work. Chris explained that a lot of his grandpa’s spirit that stays with him is also in the record, “I knew these songs would be important to him.” The album is divided into two sides, and each of the ten songs has a unique story to tell.
Photo Courtesy of Sierra Kovash
The up-tempo opening track of Side A, “Skin,” kicks this album off with great meaning. It seems to explain exactly what Chris talks about with his writing for this album, as well as express feelings in his life that are relatable to many who feel anxious about situations they may be dealing with currently, and then what the future may hold, “I’m alright, I’ve just been dealin’ with uncertainty/ It’s been pushing at the door/ Held my breath to try and keep it all from gettin’ in/ For a while.”
The next three songs are “College Dropout,” “In the Throes,” and “Expectations.” Released in that order as singles prior to the full album release, they are biographical reflections on how Chris came to be where he is now. “College Dropout” reflects on a time when he had first decided to drop out of college to pursue music fully. He didn’t feel overly supported by his friends at that time, and said he took a lot of shit from them for doing it. “I’m just a no-good freshman year drop out/ From college 2012/ Ya, that’s what they say/ When I went away to figure out some things for myself.”
“In the Throes” is a song he wrote and was the turning point for him to continue his dream. It was written in about an hour, at a time when he was making that significant life decision to continue to stay the course, even through periods of uncertainty and difficulty. “Like a 10-mile tank with 50 to go/ I’m runnin’ outta gas for the end of the road/ It’s like I’m tied to a chair by an open door/ I’m in the throes of fighting harder than I ever have before.”
“Expectations” shares his observations on some of the desperation in the world today, and the idea came to him while he was sitting in a bar watching the news on television. “I’m not sure how anyone can wake up/ And see the tv screen for all the news/ It’s guns and violence, politics and riots/ Just another public form of muse.” The life he observes and the life he has lived are demonstrated clearly in those three songs.
Rounding out Side A is the song “Covered in Red,” where the steady beat and slides on the guitar set the tone for a story I didn’t expect. When I saw the title, I thought it would be related to his grandfather, but I was wrong. Describing a murder that seems to be the result of ongoing painful events in the protagonist’s life, this song recounts those things that drove him to kill. While he tried to overcome, it was just too much to handle anymore. “Thought I could keep it in line/ Couldn’t wrestle down the time/ I guess its better off that old man/ Than me instead/ I’ve paid up the pain with some weight in lead.”
Flipping it over to Side B, the first tune feels like the beginning of a soundtrack to an old Western, and it is aptly named “Cowboy Memories.” Starting off on a horse in Osage County, the lyrics actually speak to a vivid tale of two people on a trail ride. They meet up with a man who narrates an event that ends in a gunfight. When I was young I rode through Osage county/ On a pretty fine pony both stubborn and old/ We tread through the hills on a wind out of nowhere/ Through creeks and pastures for seven long days.”
“Try” is a beautiful ballad that talks about getting beyond mistakes, and what it takes to be in a loving relationship that faces trials. With forgiveness and time to work through issues, this song has a hopeful tone that things will work out. “I’m gonna try a little harder now than you ever thought I could/ Won’t let the cut of a mistake hang around/ Fighting us down in the rut/ Bullets they burn and time I’ve learned/ They’re part of the good to be earned/ Nothin but love you deserve.”
“Wolves” is a more of a rocker with a message that seems to confront people who are out there trying to take others down with negative words or actions. Telling them to move on and mind their own, Chris calls them out by saying, “Is that what it takes for you to feel something good about yourself/ Get a life, I’ve got mine/ It’ll do some good for your health.”
“Desperado” features Chris Blevins, and the harmonies in the beginning singing “Roll on Desperado/ Run on back to them hills/ Roll on Desperado/ Move on before you’re found” set off this tune in a cool way. They swap vocals throughout the song, and this works perfectly to tell the story that illustrates the life of a desperado. “Thought you’d settle down and surely find some better days/ But the gavel in your mind from all the crime has kept you riding in the rain/ All those endless nights you’ve had to spend alone/ Have calloused you bitter to the bone.”
The album closes with “Texas Line” and is a honky tonk sounding tune that tells about being on the road to Texas and playing honky tonk shows in bars. It is the perfect last song to be played when listening to it from start to finish as it describes what Chris, Brandon, Andrew and Isaac are doing together, “Got a band that’s putting in the time/ And Lord they’re sounding mighty fine/ So I’m running hard as hell for that Texas line.” Yes, they absolutely sound mighty fine!
Recorded and produced by Wes Sharon, whom Chris acknowledges as a huge influence and incredibly creative mind who provided guidance and encouragement throughout the recording, he expressed, “I got to work with some great people on this record and make new friends. I think the songs speak for themselves.” He further explained that every decision that was made was his intention of leaving everything on the table, saying, “The last thing I wanted was to look back and wish I could have done something more.” Set to release on October 4, 2019, Chris Jones and The Flycatchers have given the music community a collection of well-written tunes that are thoughtful, engaging and overall make for a fantastic album that we can sing along to as we spin it again and again!
Listen to the full album:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/songs-for-red/1479931000
Chris Jones and The Flycatchers:
https://www.facebook.com/chrisjonesandtheflycatchers/
https://www.instagram.com/chrisjonesandtheflycatchers/
Cover Art and Band Portrait Courtesy of Cameron Gillispie
Additional Photos Courtesy of Sierra Kovash:
