Press kit

"Clayton's delivery is up-close and addictive on Duke of Rural. When I'm dancing across the floor with Miss Darlene or to the bluesy Bye-Bye- Chicago, the only thing that keeps me from hitting the replay button is that I know the next track is just as good! Hey, can you drink a CD?" Nikki Mitchell

"Duke of Rural is a wonderful album that grows on me each time I listen to it. It's a rich brew that's understated, but not undercooked. Everything is very tasty; nothing is superfluous. I especially like Don't Play Dominos With Angels. It's an amazing piece of work that is Dylanesque without being derivative. Snow Fell On Pawnee is my number-one favorite. It's a great song, no doubt, a really special piece. It works on so many levels, and whether it is based on a true or personal experience or not, it certainly feels that way. It's very touching and evocative. There is something I like about all the songs on Duke of Rural and I appreciate the 'consistent variety' Clayton presents in this fine collection of songs." Dan Tyler

Dan Tyler has written numerous hit songs, including 'Modern Day Romance' for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 'The Light in Your Eyes' for Leann Rimes, 'Twenty Years Ago' for Kenny Rogers and 'Bobby-Sue' for the Oak Ridge Boys.

David Mead is a singer/songwriter from Nashville who has toured the USA, Japan, UK and Ireland with Joe Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, Fountains of Wayne and John Mayer. His recordings include Luxury of Time, Mine and Yours, Indiana, Wherever You Are and Tangerine.

"On Duke of Rural, singer/songwriter Clayton Laurence Cheek serves up equal doses of heartache and good- natured ballads. Mr. Cheek has a great imagination for the just right, slice-of-life songs that enable you to fill in the details on your own. The lyrics just sound good, like songs you'd enjoy singing yourself. Mr. Cheek's lyrics remind me of Chip Taylor's songs. Lots of country sounding songs on the CD, including the two opening tracks, Raining and Miss Darlene. Mr. Cheek really hits his stride on the bluesy numbers; a Cajun inspired, accordion-driven toe-tapper, No Parely-Voo, a blues number, Bye Bye Chicago and a Dixieland inspired track called Say Bye Bye." Calvin Powers

Calvin Powers is a Music Reviewer for Taproot Radio

Clayton Laurence Cheek has worked in the Arts for more than thirty-five years as an Actor, Art Director, Designer, Writer, Musician, Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist. As an actor he has appeared in numerous films and music videos and in dozens of stage plays. He was a Classical Music Announcer on PBS for eleven years and his many character voices have been heard in countless commercials for radio and television. Clayton's complete resume is available upon request

“Duke of Rural” is Clayton's newly released recording of eleven original songs. It was recorded in Nashville and features many of Music City's finest session players and backup singers.

“Duke of Rural” is now available for purchase online at Glyptodont Music, www.glyptodont.net.
“Duke of Rural” is also available at Candyman Music in Santa Fe and other independent music stores and is available at CD-Baby, i-Tunes and other single-song download sites.

"A Senor Moment," "Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Ya-Ya" and "New Rural Pathways," Clayton's three new music projects, are now being recorded at the new Glyptodont Studio in Santa Fe.

Clayton's highly-acclaimed book of fiction, “The Journals of Emlyn Harness,” sold out its first printing in the hardback edition and is scheduled to be reprinted in trade paperback edition to coincide with the publication of the second book in the series, “The Journals of Emlyn Harness: In the Wake of Dreaming.” Clayton is now writing the third book, “The Journals of Emlyn Harness: The Secret of the Nine Elixirs."

Clayton lived in Nashville for several years and has traveled extensively in the United States and internationally. He currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he is Executive Administrator for "Music From Angel Fire" Clayton continues to write, record and occasionally perform music in House Concerts. Clayton also draws and paints, designs and builds furniture, grows tomatoes and enjoys a more peaceful life.