Traditional singer James Hand dies

Stormclouds in Heaven

It's not necessary to have stepped foot in a church recently to find true pleasure in James "Slim" Hand's latest effort, a 14-song gospel album on which he wrote or co-wrote everything. There is delight to be found in the ease of Hand's vocals, which slide capably between joy and mournfulness, and his words, charged by the Holy Spirit and the ghost of Hank Williams. Just as with his secular work, Hand writes vivid, deceptively simple songs that quickly have their way ...

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. ...