Clay McClinton’s musical roots are firmly planted in the traditions of his Texas birthplace, where strains of country, blues, rock ’n’ roll and Tex-Mex blend effortlessly into a sound he likes to call “Texas gumbo.” After spending 10 years diligently honing his own version of that sound, McClinton showcases his range as an artist and writer on his fourth and most ambitious album, Bitin’ at the Bit (Red Chili Records; Feb. 18, 2013).