James McMurtry: Saint Mary Of The Woods (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,632 total)

Published: September 8, 2002

Texas singer/songwriter James McMurtry imparts a high degree of literary insight to (perhaps inadvertently) parallel his famous dad, novelist Larry McMurtry. In any event, the vocalist’s penchant for intertwining his wry wit with cleverly articulated, Southern fried lyricism provides a distinct edge throughout. One component of the artist’s appeal resides within his understated delivery amid his ensemble’s non-intrusive but effective brand of Texas style country-rock. Essentially, McMurtry is an insightful storyteller who utilizes rests between verses. He lets you soak it all in prior to moving on. McMurtry seemingly mirrors an underlying C&W musical approach – where rhyming hooks and finicky notions coalesce with straight four beats and rowdy guitar parts. His band provides sympathetic support while also turning up the volume in spots.

Folks, this isn’t all about the typical twang and schlock oriented stuff, such as lovers' reuniting or - drinking moonshine in the backwoods of Texas. McMurtry’s craft is far beyond that! No doubt, the artist and a few others are reformulating the tried and true into some sort of nouveau spin on familiar territory. Recommended!

Sugar Hill Records

Track Listing: 1.Dry River 2.Valley Road 3.Saint Mary Of The woods 4.Out Here In The Middle 5.Lobo Town 6.Broken Bed 7.Red Dress 8.Gulf Road 9.Gone To The Y 10.Choctaw Bingo

Personnel: James McMurtry: guitar, slide guitar, vocals

Record Label: Sugar Hill Records
Style: Beyond Jazz