Magnolia (Bullnettle, 2001)

Fans of all kinds of country will find something to enjoy on Texas singer-songwriter Davin James' latest. James kicks it off with country rocker "I Thought, She'd Think" complete with Beatlesque guitar riffs. With the title track and "Heaven on Earth" there is a shift to a more mainstream Nashville sound a Travis Tritt or Alabama.

The ballad "The One That Got Away" is a traditional George Jones type weeper, and the influence of Waylon Jennings is evident on "Real Good Night." James is also equally adept at Louisiana country blues ("N'awlins Night," "Mardi Gras Mamma") and '70's style southern rock ("Ten Foot Pole," "Rolling Dice").

The excellent guitar work by James is well augmented by his Bullnettle Band-Danny Dew (keyboards), Jason Crisp (fiddle), Brian Thomas (steel guitar, banjo), Rod Robert (drums) and bassist Joe Perry, who recently passed away. Though James' third release has no common musical theme, the album is held together by James' strong soulful vocals and tasteful songwriting. (2138 Middle Creek Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339, 281-359-7611, E-Mail:davin_james@msn.com)