Grammy-nominated artist Jesse Dayton is set to unveil his highly anticipated album, The Hard Way Blues, on May 31st, via Hardcharger / Blue Élan Records. Produced by the acclaimed Shooter Jennings, this album marks a deeper exploration into Dayton’s blues influences, following his recent Grammy nomination for “Contemporary Blues Album of the Year” together with Samantha Fish. Accompanying the album announcement is the release of the title track, “The Hard Way,” alongside an energetic music video. Currently, Dayton is on the road previewing his new music while completing the final legs of the Death Wish Blues tour with Samantha Fish. Next week, Dayton will unveil headline tour dates for the first leg of his record release tour, which kicks off in June with his first Western U.S. shows in three years.
Jesse Dayton stands out as a dynamic figure in the landscape of Outlaw Country, positioned among the esteemed ranks of Texas’s musical icons alongside luminaries like Billy Joe Shaver, Doug Sahm, and Kinky Friedman. Renowned for his virtuoso guitar skills and distinctive style, Dayton blazed trails by seamlessly blending Texas Rockabilly and Country with Punk Rock through his band, the Road Kings. This innovative fusion opened doors for Dayton to collaborate with legends such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson early in his career. Beyond these early triumphs, Dayton’s musical journey has been eclectic, venturing into punk with the band X and crafting memorable soundtracks for Rob Zombie films under alter egos like Banjo & Sullivan and Captain Clegg. His expansive repertoire spans outlaw country, rockabilly, punk, honky-tonk, blues, and soul, defying genre boundaries while staying true to his distinct sound.
Crafted under the expert guidance of producer Shooter Jennings, known for his Grammy-winning albums with Brandi Carlisle and Tanya Tucker, The Hard Way Blues represents a significant milestone in Jesse Dayton’s esteemed career. Recorded in the heart of Hollywood, Dayton and Jennings meticulously sculpted this rootsy gem, drawing from the timeless influences that shaped the Americana genre. Inspired by the raw authenticity of ’70s Dylan, the soulful melodies of old Texas blues, and the legendary guitar sounds of influences from Freddie King to Jimmy Page, the album is a testament to Dayton’s versatility and artistry. With storytelling prowess reminiscent of John Mellencamp, TheHard Way Blues seamlessly refines Dayton’s signature rowdy sound into an irresistibly melodic collection of American music.
Alongside the album reveal comes the debut of the title single, “The Hard Way,” a roots anthem that delves into the wild and rebellious journey of Jesse Dayton. The song encapsulates a tale of making one’s way with a bit of recklessness and swagger. Paired with a lively music video, Dayton’s restless spirit is vividly portrayed against a backdrop of motorcycles, barrooms, and jailhouses. “Of course, the lyrics, like all my songs, are built around situations I’m surprised I lived through growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border,” jests Dayton. “We captured the band’s energy live on a rainy night in LA, with Shooter producing, and this was the third take!”
Jesse Dayton is gearing up for an electrifying record release tour, commencing with a series of concerts spanning the Western United States in June. Stay tuned for forthcoming details on tour dates. In the interim, Jesse is crisscrossing the globe, rounding out the final legs of Death Wish Blues alongside Samantha Fish. Additionally, he’s treating audiences to an intimate series of solo dates in April, offering a first glimpse into his new music.
