Born and raised in Hagen, Germany, Frank Renfordt developed an early interest in music. Receiving an acoustic guitar from his parents at ten, he dived into learning the basics of chord progressions; afterward, he started playing melodies intuitively. In his teens, Renfordt joined RING, a rock band from his hometown, as a fretless bass player. This gave him valuable live and studio experience early in his life, laying a good base for backing tracks. It was many years later that Renfordt felt the need to provide for his family, and making music became merely a sideline.
Renfordt was set on country and roots music, deeply in love with their lean toward narrative lyrics. Under his project “The Cumberland River Project,” Renfordt self-released two full-lengths that showed his burgeoning stylistic evolution. His sophomore album, “A Smell of Gravy,” went on to take Best Country Album at Germany’s Rock & Pop Awards. Renfordt was awarded one of the Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting trophies at the Great American Song Contest.
“Highway Blue” is the newest single from The Cumberland River Project—a breathtaking piece that will take listeners across open roads. Written and produced by Renfordt on acoustic bass, the track includes further live instrumentation from some of the greatest musicians across the globe: skillful fingerstyle playing by guitarist Ender, who creates graceful accompaniments, and American guitarist JL, adding electric textures with tasty leads and chords. Neemias at the piano adds sweeping tones that help to further enhance the emotional landscape. Together, their contributions better lift Renfordt’s core composition to a higher expression level.
It’s Easton Driver who brings real life to his heart-filled lyrics. His vocals are now intimate and expressive. His phrasing mines deep emotion from this poetic narrative. Universally, this story of moving forward by leaving one chapter behind will resonate. Each word’s solemn resonance is well-placed with Easton, who sincerely draws listeners in through his vulnerable delivery.
“Highway Blue” conveys the feel of rolling down an open road with the windows down on a sun-baked afternoon. A gently swaying acoustic guitar figure sets a smooth pulse, while a second guitar joins with complementary arpeggios that shine like the countryside racing by. Warm bass notes provide a calming emotional anchor throughout the shifting textures. Together, these elements create a reflective mood and afford a sense of peaceful escape. His seasoned range communicates equal parts wisdom and longing in an understated delivery. Every syllable is alive with authenticity as he draws listeners into the driver’s voyage. It is comforting as it closes, but it wonders what is waiting further down the open road—”Highway Blue”.
I have always been more of a rock, pop, and hip-hop type of person, per my musical tastes. However, I must say that “Highway Blue” by Renfordt surprised me in some ways since I resonated so strongly with it. There is something sublimely human, yet transcendental, about this song that speaks beyond genres to me. I can understand why diehard country fans love Renfordt, he has talent and songwriting that will appeal way outside those borders too. “Highway Blue” has turned me into a new fan; I am in a hurry to see what Renfordt comes up with next.
I hope you’ll take a listen, just one single stream of this masterly track should be enough to convince any music lover of The Cumberland River Project’s gift. So get on your favorite streaming service now and let “Highway Blue” transport you down the open road.
