James Hand finishes recording new CD
Monday, September 15, 2008 – Texas honky tonker James Hand just finished recording his second CD for Rounder Records with a January release date. The disc was produced by Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) and Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks).
Hand will participate in the Americana Music Festival this week with a show Friday at the Country music Hall of Fame.
Last month, Hand and his band filmed in Austin an episode of the NBC series Friday Night Lights.
More news for James Hand
CD reviews for James Hand
Mighty Lonesome Man
Texas-born singer and songwriter James Hand might be the first to laugh at making himself the subject of an old joke, the punch line of which would go something like, "It only took James Hand 40 years to become an overnight (cult) sensation." After decades as an underappreciated legend on the Lone Star honky-tonk circuit his breakthrough 2006 release "The Truth Will Set You Free" transformed him into a cult figure, only reinforced by the follow-up, "Shadow On The Ground. »»» |
Shadows in the Ground
Texas artist James Hand, 57, has long been a Texas treasure, but is finally receiving more widespread acclaim. The 12-song release - his second for the label - includes only 1 cover, a western swing version of Nat King Cole's hit Mona Lisa. The rest of the record contains originals written by Hand that provides proof that traditional country music is still alive and well.
Co-produced by Asleep at The Wheel front man Ray Benson and Lloyd Maines, Hand delivers each song with a passion seldom heard today. »»» |
The Truth Will Set You Free
James Hand has been around the block more than once. His true-life tales make that clear. "I drink too much/I'm too proud/I'm an easy touch/and I'm too dang loud/I do a lot of things that I ought not do/But I'm not different, I'm just me/And that's the only way I know how to be," he sings on "Here Lies a Good Old Boy." Pride, revelry and the independent spirit of Texas are consistently present on his latest.
The album's been a long time coming. Hand has been a regular on the Texas juke joint »»» |
Editorial: Walking the talk –
When names like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon and the Hag are invoked, you're talking hard core country. These are the touchstones of country , the guys who made country music what it was and still is (or maybe can be). When these folks would sing about being down-and-out and the rough-and-tumble, they knew of what they were singing about. Fast forward a few years to the country singers of today. »»»
Concert Review: Steve Earle doesn't rest (on laurels) –
If you didn't realize Steve Earle had a new disc out, "The Low Highway," it would have been no problem realizing that quite and quickly.
That was because Earle started the two-hour show with three straight tracks from "The Low Highway," and he would not be done for the night. The title track of was a midtempo effort... »»»
Concert Review: The Howlin' Brothers leave the radar behind –
The Howlin' Brothers - this trio, in reality, contains no brothers - are about eight years into their career and on their fifth album. To say they've been under the radar screen may be an understatement. You couldn't even say they've been flying under that screen because they have stuck very close to their Nashville environs.... »»»
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