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James McMurtry
I can't quit thinking about the show I was fortunate enough to see last night at the Mucky Duck in Houston. It was just James McMurtry, a 6 and 12 string acoustic, and a mic.
I am used to seeing him with a full band, usually in a noisy bar very late at night. This show was just him at 6:30 pm on a Sunday. I already knew he was an incredible songwriter, but this set in a true "listening room" was a perfect showcase for McMurtry's songs. Sitting only a few feet away from him, I also was able to gain a new appreciation for his guitar playing style as well.
Some of the expected McMurtry songs were missing ("We Can't Make It Here", "Too Long In The Wasteland") but I'll hear those again soon in a bar late at night somewhere. This was a night to enjoy "Saint Mary of the Woods", "Levelland", "Out Here in the Middle", "Ruby and Carlos", "Down Across the Delaware", "No More Buffalo", "Peter Pan" and "Hurricane Party" and others from his still growing catalog. He did share a fine version of "Choctaw Bingo" with us so I don't think anyone went home disappointed.
I hesitate putting James McMurtry in the "under-appreciated" category, but I do think he deserves wider recognition. Don't pass up a chance to see him live is my advice.
I am used to seeing him with a full band, usually in a noisy bar very late at night. This show was just him at 6:30 pm on a Sunday. I already knew he was an incredible songwriter, but this set in a true "listening room" was a perfect showcase for McMurtry's songs. Sitting only a few feet away from him, I also was able to gain a new appreciation for his guitar playing style as well.
Some of the expected McMurtry songs were missing ("We Can't Make It Here", "Too Long In The Wasteland") but I'll hear those again soon in a bar late at night somewhere. This was a night to enjoy "Saint Mary of the Woods", "Levelland", "Out Here in the Middle", "Ruby and Carlos", "Down Across the Delaware", "No More Buffalo", "Peter Pan" and "Hurricane Party" and others from his still growing catalog. He did share a fine version of "Choctaw Bingo" with us so I don't think anyone went home disappointed.
I hesitate putting James McMurtry in the "under-appreciated" category, but I do think he deserves wider recognition. Don't pass up a chance to see him live is my advice.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jack on -
Chris, glad you posted this. I recall reading an interview with James during which he said something to the effect his guitar style is the result of "not having the speed". I think that's a good thing, he makes his notes count and the tones he creates are perfect for his music and vice versa. He has a very interesting guitar sound. Love St. Mary of the Woods, the record and the song. He does deserve much wider recognition. WXRT here in Chicago does periodically play You Can't Make It Here Anymore, wish they expand further into his catalog.
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Permalink Reply by Jack Williams on -
Chris, he came through the DC Area in August, but I didn't go as he lost out to Los Lobos and Patty Griffin that month. I've yet to see him live and need to correct that.
Your comment on Choctaw Bingo and the setting you describe made me think of this video on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWEJPqJtZsk
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Permalink Reply by Hal Bogerd on -
6:30 PM start time......that must be a typo!
You are one lucky dog.
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