Southwest of Elko, Nevada, in the northeastern portion of the state, you’ll find an exceptionally picturesque area along the Humboldt River. With sheer rock walls to the east, there is space for railroad tracks cut through the pink and red rocks of the terrain. The nearby settlement called Palisade (formerly Palisades) is considered a ghost town now, but once boasted a lively and abundant mining and railroading economy before the turn of the 19th century. The beauty of this area serves as a muse to singer-songwriter, Jade Brodie, in her latest release, “Open Roads.”

As a former train conductor, Brodie found the time and inspiration to write many of her songs. She described that on this particular day, she could enjoy the scenery even more than usual because the locomotive was underpowered and traveling very slow. The hypnotic rhythm of the train pacing along the tracks gives a steady beat that is easily put to verses. While listening to “Open Roads,” you’ll find it hard to resist the swaying two-step tempo she and the band deliver. On this Valentine’s Day, Jade found it appropriate to release a song that she says is the closest to a love song that she’s ever written. A railroading career is difficult on relationships. Lots of time is spent away from loved ones and friends. It can be isolating for both the railroader and their partner. Expressing the longing to return home to that partner, Jade sings: