J.M. Clifford Releases Album Things That We Can't Change
The New York City-based musician blends bluegrass instrumentation with original songwriting on his new record.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Folk
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New York City public school teacher and musician J.M. Clifford has released his latest album, Things That We Can't Change. The record features a collection of tracks centered on themes of life choices and personal acceptance.
Why it matters
The album highlights how individuals navigate life challenges and uncertainties through a mix of traditional bluegrass sounds. It serves as a creative extension of the artist's work within the New York City folk scene.
The album features performances from musicians including Wes Corbett, Shaun Richardson, and Justin Moses. J.M. Clifford provides lead vocals and guitar on the production, which was produced by Ron Pope.
The players
J.M. Clifford
He is a New York City public school teacher and folk musician who was a 2025 Telluride Troubadour finalist.
Ron Pope
He is a producer and musician known for his work in the independent music industry.
The details
Produced by Ron Pope, the album pairs traditional bluegrass instrumentation with original songwriting to examine life choices. The project features musical contributions from artists including Wes Corbett, Shaun Richardson, Christian Sedelmyer, Jeff Picker, and Justin Moses.
Timeline
The album Things That We Can't Change was released on October 16, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The album release follows Clifford's participation in the IBMA Business Conference, a key event for professionals in the bluegrass industry. His career trajectory continues to evolve following his recognition as a 2026 Grey Fox artist and prior finalist honors.
Listeners can explore the new tracks, including Empty Glass of Gin and I'm Alright, which highlight the artist's focus on original songwriting. The album is available for those interested in the intersection of traditional bluegrass and contemporary folk music.
The takeaway
The album encourages listeners to reflect on their own life choices and the necessity of acceptance in the face of change. By blending traditional instrumentation with personal themes, the record offers a distinct perspective on the modern folk experience.
Further reading
Discover more about the local roots scene in our Folk section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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