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
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 »»» |
Evil Things
James Hand puts the hard back in country. His latest, like his first self-release, is filled with slow, pain-filled, forlorn, low-moaning weepers. "In the Corner, At the Table, By the Jukebox" and "Over There, That's Frank"- both featuring the barroom as the congregation of the miserable = bookend an unrelenting procession of heartache and suffering. The occasional up-tempo or hillbilly number is just as pain-filled and forlorn. The only song that reveals even a glimmer of hope is the closer, "Do »»» |
Editorial: American Idol's Carrie Underwood can sing –
If anyone saw the Super Bowl – what a great great game that was – they would have heard American Idol winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood sing the National Anthem. Underwood did with her voice what Kelly Clarkson did last week with her written words – give it to Scott Borchetta, the head of Big Machine Records,, who tried defending Taylor Swift by knocking American Idol performers. »»»
Concert Review: McBride, Adkins shine sometimes –
As Martina McBride pointed out, the pairing of the country singer with Trace Adkins on their current jaunt was surprising. After all, she's of diva-quality voice, petite, non-controversial unless you call singing songs that empower women controversial. Adkins, on the other hand, has not been afraid to speak his mind with a kick butt attitude.... »»»
Concert Review: Eilen Jewell wears her musical hats well –
Eilen Jewell wears a lot of musical hats. The Idaho native, who now lives in Boston, fronts the Eilen (ee-lin) Jewell Band, a pretty much traditional country band. She's a member the Sacred Shakers, an octet doing gospel country with a country beat. And she has yet another project, Butcher Holler, covering Loretta Lynn songs.... »»»
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