A pleasure I have had in recent years is booking the Young Artists Showcase at the Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival. One of the bands who played the showcase last year was the Clay Melton Band. Since that time they have played multiple gigs at venues like Dosey Doe and Tuts. Coming up, they will play at the Texas Music Throwdown at the Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe on Saturday, September 11, will make their debut at Westfield’s-by-the-Railroad (which is currently roaring back to life) on Saturday, October 2 and will mark their return to the Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival on Saturday, October 9, where they will be on the Pub Stage at 4:30 p.m.

     At a time when most kids his age are obsessed with the music video game Guitar Hero, 16 year old singer/songwriter Clay Melton is proving his real world Guitar Hero status. As leader of the Clay Melton Band, he’s already impressed his live audiences with his Blues-infused Rock style. At just 11 years old, Clay found his calling in life - playing guitar - after listening to Jimi Hendrix’s blistering version of “All Along The Watchtower.” Clay knew what he was meant to do and got to work straight away. He took a one-week guitar course at the local community college and spent all of his spare time in his room just playing.

    The Clay Melton Band does some impressive covers of a few Jimi tunes including “Voodoo Chile,” “Little Wing” and of course, the song that started it all, “All Along The Watchtower,” but Clay is determined to become a lot more than just a top notch cover artist. He’s determined to make a name for himself with his original songs - following in the footsteps of one of his idols, Stevie Ray Vaughan. He’s recruited two strong players, Wes Arvin on bass and Noah Coffelt on drums to help him make this dream a reality.

     Clay Melton was born in 1994 in Lake Charles, LA, but by the age of 2 was calling Texas home. He credits his father, Jack with exposing him to all kinds of great music from the Blues pioneers Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy to modern performers like John Mayer and Dave Matthews. When asked what his long term musical goals are, Clay simply says, “I want to bring the blues back.” And if he wasn’t so polite and soft spoken about it, you might mistake him for an arrogant child prodigy who believes he’s already got the world all figured out. Instead, what you find is a very down to earth young man who isn’t afraid to work extremely hard at his craft and make the most of the opportunities he’s been given.

     What’s next for someone who is already competing against adults in The International Blues Challenge and who’s playing more live dates than many musicians twice his age?  Clay says, “Our mission is to be the best live band in the world. We don’t need flashy costumes and we don’t need crazy dance moves - for us, it’s all about the music.” There’s a refreshing simplicity to Clay’s original songs too. “I’ve Heard” is an up-tempo Blues Rocker with energy to spare. The guitar work and lyrics are reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Cold Shot.” You have to wonder how someone so young can write lyrics like this: “What you doing to me baby it should be a sin, You know it ain’t right baby and you see it too, I’ve found out your plans to make me blue (look out!), I ain’t gonna lie baby I’m leavin’ you”

     But that’s a story for another day! Clay swears this song is not about anyone in particular, it’s more about the human experience of love and loss in general. Clay has an emotional depth that you don’t often find in people his age. His dad Jack, who also manages the band, explains it like this. “Clay is an old soul. He has wisdom that’s well beyond his years, but he’s also easy going and fun to hang out with. He’s really talented and he works hard for it. I’m here to support him in any way I can. We’re in this for the long haul.”

     With a full schedule of live dates, The Clay Melton Band is picking up some great momentum. They band is currently working on their first album. When asked if he has any advice for young (and older!) musicians Clay simply says, “In life you get back what you give. It’s the same thing with music.” It will be a pleasure to hear the songs Clay has to give in the coming months and years. (www.claymelton.com)