Music
Press
“Individually, they are all remarkable. Anders, a diversified musician who easily strides the boundaries among folk, blues, and rock ‘n roll, is one of the most naturally talented musicians I have seen in years. Kelly’s smoky alto works wonders on her audience whether she is caressing a song on her own, or filling the corners and niches behind another voice. Adam, with one foot in the Ottawa Valley and the other in The Maritimes, is one of our strongest local singer songwriters.”
- (Hollis Morgan, 2011)
“The Claytones come across as if they’ve been best friends all of their lives. Kelly Prescott, Anders Drerup & Adam Puddington are the ultimate house concert performers. They put on a phenomenal show; their sweet harmonies and instrumental prowess guides us through a nice mix of genres. Whether it’s of a blues, country or roots bent they make everyone comfortable, in front of 10 people or 200. Their banter on stage appears unrehearsed and “off the cuff” adding to the “comfort zone” all the while keeping the interest of those lucky to be there with their engaging stories. Their music captivates as they follow one another flawlessly from one piece to another. The Claytones’ professionalism oozes well beyond their years, like a comfy sweatshirt swaddling the crowd offering a memorable experience to all they encounter.”
http://www.perthhouseconcerts.blogspot.com - - Sue Tennant (Music On McLean House Concerts)
“The Claytones give what so many other groups only promise. Exquisite, classic, country soaked harmonies; Originals that stand proudly beside the classic songs they cover with conviction; A stage presence that marks them as serious professionals – The Claytones deliver.” - James Keelaghan (Artistic Director - Georgian Bay Folk Society)
Music is the family business for 25-year-old Kelly Prescott. The daughter of Tracey Brown and Randall Prescott, two respected figures in the Canadian country-music industry, Prescott had a childhood that was divided among tour buses, onstage appearances, songwriting trips to Nashville, and playing around in the family studio. In 2011, Prescott showed she’s been absorbing the lessons. A fine singer who’s equally comfortable on stage or in the studio, she stepped out on her own with the release of her first album, I Leave You Dreaming, a rootsy feast of soulful country-blues. What’s more, she also tried her hand at producing an EP for another up-and-coming artist, Sydney Grigg. Now Prescott is set to unveil a new trio project, the Claytones, formed with her husband, Adam Puddington, and duo partner, Anders Drerup. They’ve been writing, recording and planning a trip to Nashville, leading up to a CD release in 2012.
- Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen - National Post
Though “Lake In The Night” is The Claytones official debut album, the Ontario trio of Kelly Prescott (vocals, acoustic guitar), Anders Drerup (vocals, guitar, organ, piano, pedal steel, lap steel) and Adam Puddington (bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, accordion) have a wealth of experience with various bands, solo projects and even the theatre. In fact Drerup and Prescott starred as Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris in a much acclaimed production of “Grievous Angel: The Legend of Gram Parsons”, and their musical chemistry is present throughout the ten tracks of harmony drenched cosmic Canadiana, though importantly, all three members write and arrange together.
So, three writers, three singers, and enough instrumentation for a small orchestra, it’s no surprise that what they lack in numbers, they more than compensate with a full, rich sound topped with heartfelt songs and first-rate vocals. The record begins with the sublime “Brother Hold On”. The level of musicianship is excellent, with Drerup’s steel shimmering gently, filling the gaps and providing depth and emotional resonance. It’s also a desperately poignant lead vocal from Prescott. She’s just as effective on “Out On the Road Tonight”, but here she’s confident and certain, almost a Lucinda Williams(esque) performance, as the guys simultaneously dig in like a country-rock Heartbreakers.They’re currently being touted as one of the top five Canadian bands to look out for in 2012 (The National Post). I’m certainly glad I found them.
Rob F.
- Leicester Bangs
Discography
The Claytones - "Lake in the Night" (07/12)
Photos
Bio
Born in the heart of the Ottawa valley, The Claytones masterfully spin their melodic, vocal driven, Canadiana brand of country soaked roots music with old school sensibilities. With an impressive list of individual accolades this young band currently released their debut album, “Lake In The Night” which blends their unique talents into the group signature live feel. These 3 full time musicians have released over 8 full-length recordings of original music under the names of Kelly Prescott, Prescott, Anders Drerup and Adam Puddington. The National Post listed them as one of the top 5 Canadian Acts to watch in 2012.
Kelly Prescott hails from two musically renowned family lines, spanning three generations from Northern Ontario, Nova Scotia and the Ottawa Valley. She has naturally inhered the foundation to follow her musical heart, drawing inspiration from her great Canadian roots. Imbued with experiences gleaned from growing up in an award winning studio, she has hit the ground running in pursuit of her own musical expression. In April, 2009 she and brother, Kaylen recorded their debut album, "Lakeside Sessions" under the name of “Prescott" which garnered great reviews along with regular airplay on CBC Radio 2, Bob Harris and Karen Millers BBC 2 shows in the UK. 2011 saw the release of Kelly's debut solo project, "I Leave You Dreaming", a soulful collection that transitions effortlessly from beautiful ballads to high energy blues. The album was declared one of the the Ottawa Citizen's ten best indie albums of 2011. "The heart and soul of this record is Prescott’s smoky, rich voice – an instrument in itself, and a treat to hear." - David Yasbeck, Ottawa Tonite. Her distinct voice can be found on countless projects including Jeremy Fishers c.d., “Blue Monday” produced by Hawksley Workman and MonkeyJunk's latest Juno award winning release, "To Behold."
Anders Drerup - This native son of the Ottawa Valley has always been drawn to music. At the age of 15 he began teaching himself to play the guitar to accompany his voice. During his early twenties Anders played in rock and country bands where his skills grew and the opportunities for touring opened up. Fearlessly he dove into other genres and instruments, performing live and in studio on his secondary instruments of piano, pedal steel, banjo, mandolin, trumpet, drums and bass. This musical journey of blues, rock, Cuban and jazz took him on tours of Canada and the U.S. as well as Europe and Australia. Anders has recorded two full length solo albums and his growing catalogue and collaborations cover heavy hitting blues rock to horn-soaked shuffles and heartbreaking country ballads. In 2009 he was cast as the lead role of Gram Parsons in the critically acclaimed theatrical production "Grievous Angel the legend of Gram Parsons" alongside Kelly Prescott in the supporting role of Emmylou Harris. Grievous Angel was awarded the number 4 spot in the Montreal Gazette’s top 5 shows of 2010 next to Paul McCartney and Allen Toussaint. Their undeniable chemistry led them to the forming of this promising alt.country/roots trio, "The Claytones."
Adam Puddington rounds out the trio on vocals and double bass. Born and raised in Almonte, Ontario, he taught himself guitar at the age of twelve, drawing on influences ranging from Ray Price, Buck Owens and Charlie Pride to CCR, Neil Young and Lucinda Williams. For ten years he lived between Nova Scotia and Almonte, immersing himself in the musical traditions of the Ottawa Valley and the East Coast while working extensively with such artists as The Guthries and Matt Mays. Adam released solo roots recordings “For the Meantime” (2005) and “Back in Town” (2008), both of which earned rave reviews from international alt-country media as well as considerable airplay on radio in Canada and abroad. A seasoned veteran of the studio, Adam has worked on sessions with many of Canada’s top recording musicians. “Combining excitement and honesty, this Canadian singer-songwriter bears the hallmarks of a unique and gifted talent… Adam Puddington’s songs hold a coveted familiarity that sits at the core of the best country music.”- Maverick Magazine
Kelly, Adam and Anders have also been a part of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Tour, traveling across parts of the U.S. and Canada raising money, food and awareness for North American Food Banks. At the age of 19, Kelly was awarded a Gold Record for her work on the CP Holiday Train album.
2012 performances include JunoFest, The International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, the Ottawa RBC Bluesfest, Brampton Flower City Music Festival Series, Stewart Park Festival, Owen Sound Summer Folk Festival, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, a private function in Tuscany Italy, and an official showcase at the OCFF conference. The band also spent 2 months in Nashville co-writing, rehearsing and networking.
“‘The Claytones are both fresh and classic. Stunning harmonies, beautiful arrangements and th
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