WHO IS HE? A Texas blues singer-guitarist who should be better known than he is — and might be if he hadn’t put his solo career on hold to be a part of The Departed and to perform with his wife Jessica Murray.
WHAT IS THIS? Just the fourth solo album of his lengthy career — and (unless I’m missing something) his first release under his own name in a decade.
WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE? Not like the rest of the Stetson-topped herd. While James can pick a 12-bar lick with the best (and the rest) of them, these dozen songs have more cut in their strut and more glide in their stride, thanks to hefty portions of mellow southern soul, country rock, R&B and soul, New Orleans grooves and more.
WHAT WOULD BE A BETTER TITLE FOR THIS ALBUM? Long Time Comin’.
HOW SHOULD I LISTEN TO IT? While settling back and enjoying your favourite brown liquor.
WHAT 10 WORDS DESCRIBE IT? Rootsy, supple, authentic, playful, nostalgic, groovy, tasteful, understated, upbeat, soulful.
WHAT ARE THE BEST SONGS? The NOLA-infused Brother; the slinky That’s How You Do It; the funky title cut; the cheeky Ain’t Whatcha Eat But the Way How You Chew It; the growling Medicine Man.
WHAT WILL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY? ‘Is it just me, or does this sound a little like a Little Feat album?’
HOW OFTEN WILL I LISTEN TO THIS? Well, it’s not like Lowell George is making any new albums.
IF THIS ALBUM WERE A FAMILY PET, WHAT KIND OF PET WOULD IT BE? A big, friendly old hound dog named Blue.
SHOULD I BUY, STREAM OR STEAL IT? it’s good as gold.
