Clayton John’s “River” starts off simply enough. It’s John and his keyboards working together as John muses about his birth by a river. He never names what exact river he’s referring to, but that doesn’t matter. It’s a symbol. His deft poetic touches, never slathered on, are one of the critical reasons why his new single is ultimately so successful. They elevate an already fine song several notches. He’s toiled in relative obscurity thus far, but that hasn’t stopped him from developing his considerable skills as much as even marquee performers working a similar style. “River” has polish and authenticity in equal measure. He’s making an intensely personal statement with his new single and compels us to continue listening once the song begins.
This would be an excellent song in a live setting. John has structured the arrangement in such a way that translating “River” over to the stage is far from a daunting task. The way that the song comes together and extends its musical reach from the first note to last would undoubtedly go over with concertgoers in a big way because the drama generated never fails to sound natural. “River” sounds like a confessional, a cry from the heart, rather than a premeditated exercise intended to push predictable buttons.
His singing strikes the same note. It’s cliched to say, but John sings from the heart and you won’t hear a single instance where it sounds like he’s switched over to autopilot. John hangs with every word and, as a result, the listener does as well. It isn’t often you hear songs where the vocalist establishes near instant credibility with his audience. His phrasing is a big reason why. He conveys obvious respect for his material, there isn’t a single moment or line that he treats as a throwaway moment, and he has a tight grasp on how much emotion each line demands. John treats the lyrics much like he does the arrangement; everything is orchestrated, but it also sounds like an utterance from the soul, unfolding in the right way rather than being ramrodded through.
The piano work is the musical heart of the piece. His melodic skills are evident throughout the piece and his playing style buttresses the already strong percussion with an intensely physical style of playing. A final crucial musical element is the guitar presence during the song. It culminates with particularly outstanding lead playing in the song’s second half, but the six string plays an important role throughout the recording, adding color and accentuating already strong emotions.
He’s hit a home run with this performance. “River” will move all but the most cynical and even if it isn’t especially groundbreaking, it’s a deeply affecting and moving tune. Clayton John will impress you as one of those individuals who would still be writing and playing songs for his own satisfaction even if recording and releasing them proved impossible. He’s an unquestioned “lifer” and the commitment he places in both the song and his developing talents suggest that his best work is still to come.
Heather Savage