JAMES MCMURTRY brought the house down on Sunday. It was all beyond amazing: His killer full band (that would be the Heartless Bastards; Tim Holt, Daren Hess and the incredible Cornbread), his amazing new stuff from Complicated Game, his epic closing expanded bayou chooglin’ long version of “Choctaw Bingo,” his patience while he signed many CD’s and LP’s and heard many declarations of love…all incredible.
Red wine was quaffed, BBQ snarfed and great stories exchanged. A good time was had by all, most certainly. BIG love to James and Daren, Tim and Cornbread. Tip of tha hat to The Bohemian Cafe, the new owners/neighbors Kevin & Jennifer Lucas, the staff, our amazing soundman Steve McGowan and course all the Horizon Records crew. it did rock.
JAMES MCMURTRY is an American song-master. He can cram a lifetime’s worth of detail into five minutes like few others, and his hopeful-but-hurt worldview makes him an uncannily adept chronicler of the beat-down dreamers scattered all across the country, and a true spokesman for the common overlooked Americans.
We’re beyond thrilled to announce that James will be visiting us once again on Sunday, Sept. 13th. He’ll be playing his 3rd show at The Bohemian Café, bringing only his wry, plainspoken vocals, his dazzling guitar skills and one of the most consistent song catalogues in all the land.
“Complicated Game,” is in stock on CD & LP, as is most of James’ amazing discography, from his visionary 1989 debut, “Too Long In The Wasteland” to more recent works of genius like “Just Us Kids” and “Childish Things.”
“Complicated Game” has been driving the critics (and the humble denizens of Horizon Records) crazy since its April release. In fact, Rolling Stone just placed it at the top of their “30 Great 2015 Country Albums You Might Not Have Heard” list.
“So when James McMurtry follows up two excellent records with his best work yet, the richly detailed and keenly observant Complicated Game, is this the peak? Or merely another step in a powerful streak?
Either way, the seven-year wait between Just Us Kids and Complicated Game is quickly forgiven, the new record showcasing McMurtry’s unparalleled songwriting voice while taking a turn toward more traditional acoustic Americana.” – Eric Swedlund, Paste Magazine
“Enmeshing heartfelt stories into a roots sound, McMurtry crafts an Americana classic.” – Mark Allister, Popmatters
“Honey don’t you be yelling at me while I’m cleaning my gun.” In lesser hands, an opening line like that might signal a shallow, stereotypical piece of country-rock bombast was on its way. Good thing then the line in question is the kick-off for James McMurtry’s new album Complicated Game, which trades in honesty, humor, eloquence, and integrity every step of the way.” – Jim Beviglia, American Songwriter
James performs “Copper Canteen” from “Complicated Game.”
American grit, unfiltered politics and a penchant for bringin’ it; we can’t wait for our next session with James McMurtry.
