Hailing from North Carolina, Joshua Ray Hudson is an award-winning singer/songwriter and his latest release, ‘The Dreams of a Working Man’, is pure gold. Written about and for the hard-working Americans, this album has a real salt-of-the-earth feel to it. With elements of country and americana, ‘The Dreams of a Working Man’ touches on relevant topics that many people will relate to.
The record features Joshua Ray Hudson on vocals, guitar & bass along with The Blue Ridge Canyon Boys: Chalmers Croft-lead and acoustic guitar, mandolin, Nikao Wallace–drums, Josh Hamrick-bass guitar, Scott Sanders–keyboards. Justin Schipper–steel guitar (tracks 2, 3 & 10), and Bruce Bouton-steel guitar (track 5). Together these fine musicians have created music that speaks to the masses.
Joshua is howling away about life’s struggles right out of the gates on “The Wolf”. Joshua Ray Hudson has a lot to say about this ‘n’ that as “The Wolf” is relentless! Next, get ready for a heartfelt song called “I Had A Dream Last Night” where Joshua displays such richness in his voice with golden lyrics to boot. “I Had A Dream Last Night” offers up touching material where memories are revisited and portrayed for the audience. Get ready for a down-home sound and charming number with “Barefoot Southern Heart”. Nothin’ fancy about “Barefoot Southern Heart” but if feels oh so right and just perfect. We’ve reached the “The Silver Lining” where there is a real sense of truth pouring out that will move you. The title track is up next and the listener will understand once and for all that it is all about “The Dreams of a Working Man”. Joshua has so much grit and is so sincere when singing about “The Dreams of a Working Man”. Get ready to jam out to one fun tune on “Moonshine Runner” where you won’t want to waste a drip. On track seven, “That’s Why We Stand”, it’s all about the red, white and blue, our military and Old Glory. This prideful song about our country’s flag warms my heart with its patriotic theme as “That’s Why We Stand” is one stand-out single. Next, get a dose of “Roots” that grow stronger each and every day and never wither. Musical wisdom is hitting you hard on the following number titled “Old Too Quick, Wise Too Late” where you’ll just want to listen and let the words sink in. You will receive strong lyrics that pierce your ears on “Look At Me (the Autism song)” as Joshua is in the zone and delivering a commanding performance. There is also an excellent acoustic version of “That’s Why We Stand” that truly captures the heartbeat of America.
Joshua Ray Hudson has written over 350 songs, recorded four studio albums and has won the Don Gibson singer songwriter award three times. ‘The Dreams of a Working Man’ is some of Joshua’s finest work to date. Joshua Ray Hudson is a genuine country artist with roots music at the core of it all. Hard work does pay off and Joshua Ray Hudson is a true testament to that with his new release ‘The Dreams of a Working Man’.
By Jimmy Rae