If you ask Mike Clifford why it took 4 years to complete his forthcoming CD “Backroads In Bare Feet”, you’ll get an interesting answer. “I met the love of my life, got married, we had a baby daughter, sold both of our houses, bought a new house, and dealt with the death of two immediate family members. All while playing 175 shows a year.” The 11 songs on “Backroads In Bare Feet” reflect Clifford’s current role as husband and father, with a definite maturity in both themes and style. But the album still has a fun, upbeat feel to it. “I really think this CD offers something for everyone, with everything from heartfelt ballads to raucous honky-tonk to out-and-out rockers. I wrote about 40 songs in the 4 years since my previous CD, and from that I chose the 11 strongest songs, regardless of what stylistic category they fit into. So you have a collection of what I feel are very strong story songs, spanning a wide range of musical styles, but always with a definite nod towards true country music.” Written and produced by Clifford, the album features members of George Strait’s Ace In The Hole Band and Asleep At The Wheel, as well as Clifford’s backing band. As might be expected, the musicianship is top-notch all the way around, and Clifford’s voice has never sounded better. “It’s really a remarkable CD” according to Gary and Greybeard from Dallas-based Texas Country internet station TXMRS.com. “’Backroads In Bare Feet’ shows what modern country music can be and should be… memorable songs and melodies, great vocals and musicianship, traditional country and modern influences, all wrapped up in a truly Texas sound.” Bill Gregory, program director for KRXT-FM radio Rockdale agrees. “I’ve been playing a lot of Mike’s early demos of these songs on my Texas Music Radio show, that’s how strong the material is. So when I heard the finished CD tracks for the first time this week, I may be a bit biased in saying the songs are instantly memorable. I realize the tendency is to overlook independent artists like Mike Clifford in favor of the major label releases, but in my opinion the major labels could learn something by taking a listen to this album.” About Mike Clifford: Mike Clifford is an Austin-based singer/songwriter who’s been nominated for 2 Texas Music Awards and has charted 5 consecutive singles on the Texas Music Chart over the past several years. He and his band currently perform all over the great state of Texas and points beyond. For more information, please visit the official website www.mikeclifford.com .