Dean Martin, Johnny Cash, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, Carl Smith, Conway Twitty, Hank Thompson, George Jones, Chuck Berry, Jim Reeves, Ray Price, Stonewall Jackson, Johnny Bush, Johnny Horton, Marty Robbins, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, & many others.
Born in a small town outside of Waco, Texas it seemed that life steered James Hand toward the life of a country singer. James didn't choose the life he lives, it chose him. Perhaps when he sat on Lefty Frizzell's lap when he was six months old, fate had already been decided for him. There is nothing fake, false, or counterfeit about James Hand, which is why Willie Nelson calls him "The Real Deal!"
At the young age of 10 he acquired his first guitar and set out to make great music. By 14, James was singing and writing songs for his classmates, friends, family, and eventually barroom patrons. He spent years honing his skill and writing about whatever entered his heart. Whether his songs are about a feisty parakeet trapped in a cage with a mirror, a tender ballad composed just after his heart had been shattered, or a man burning down the place where his memories linger, each song bears a piece of his soul.
After almost 30 years of playing the bars and honky-tonks and sharpening his skills, James finally recorded his first album in 1996 entitled "Shadows Where The Magic Was". This was to be the CD which would allow his music to reach the masses outside of the smoky bars and festivals of Texas.
By 2003, James had recorded two more albums including a live album entitled "James Hand Live from the Saxon Pub". He was, and continues to be, a success in Austin, often playing sold out shows to crowded dancehalls alongside Billy Joe Shaver and Dale Watson.
2006 proved to be a huge year for James. He was noticed by Rounder Records and signed to a record deal with the independent record label. James also went on a successful tour of the U.K. with his long-time friend Dale Watson. Soon after the signing of the deal with Rounder, James set about recording his first nationally released album "The Truth Will Set You Free". Produced by Ray Benson and Lloyd Maines, the album proved to be a cornucopia of talent. Lloyd Maines played acoustic guitar, pedal steel, and dobro. Redd Volkaert and Will Indian topped off each song with their signature lead guitar licks. Of course, the album was only truly complete when Jason Roberts came in with his amazing fiddle. Speedy Sparks kept beat with his bass.
As a testament to the success of "The Truth Will Set You Free", Rounder and James are currently working on a brand new album set to be released in the Fall of 2009. Almost everybody from the first James Hand/Rounder collaboration returned to make the second. Ray Benson and Lloyd Maines are again producing this release, along with Will Indian, Speedy Sparks, and Jason Roberts returning to fill their natural roles. However, this album is already said to be a "steel guitar festival on CD", with Cindy Cashdollar and Lloyd Maines rolling the bars, Speedy Sparks and Kevin Smith playing bass, and John McGlothlin rounding it out on the drums. This album is sure to be the best James Hand album to date.
As most everybody who as seen him knows, James is truly one to be watching. With his career in full swing, and his talent not even at it's full peak yet, there are certain to be many great moments in this singers life.
If you happen by a bar and you hear the lonesome moan of a singer rifting from inside who tells a story of heartache and misery, or perhaps an upbeat rockabilly song about being chased by the rabid dog of an ex, you may be hearing James Hand. Step inside and give a listen, you will never regret it.
I was floored when i seen you walk on stage at the backyard for poodie.I had just been backstage didn't see you wish i had meet you but like your music loved your show
HEY SLIM, I'M SORRY IT'S BEEN AWHILE! I HOPE THAT YOU ARE HAVING QUITE THE WEEKEND AND I'M SURE THAT YOU ARE BUT JUST IN CASE THAT YOU DIDN'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
SEE THE COUNTRY SIDE ENJOY THE ARTS OR JUST TAKE YOUR BOOTS OFF RELAX AND STARE UP AT THE SKY AND CLOUDS WELL THEN HERE YOU GO! YOUR AMIGO, EL BANDIDO @SILVERADO RANCHO
The absolute best show I have ever been too . Hats off to the man, and his great band. Love ya James. Thanks Will, Speedy, John, and Don for the best night. Devoted fan Trish
*Don't miss Johnny Knoxville and Roger Alan Wade's tribute to Poodie Locke this week on their satellite radio show.
Johnny Knoxville and his cousin Roger Alan Wade will be doing a special "Poodie Locke" tribute on their “Big Ass Happy Family Jubilee” radio show, which airs tomorrow (Saturday) at 8 p.m. ET on Outlaw Country, Sirius 63/XM 12.
The show will feature both Paula and Amy Nelson on the show, which will replay Sunday night midnight ET and Wednesday 8 pm ET
“Big Ass Happy Family Jubilee” radio show schedule:
Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET Fridays at 12:00 AM ET Saturdays at 8:00 PM ET Mondays at 12:00 AM ET
It was a kick to meet you down at the Broken Spoke two weeks ago. Johnny Waco and I were serious about promoting a show if you get up this way. Sorry for your recent loss, pard.
HEY SLIM, KEEP ON ROLLIN'BUDDY!! SURE MISS TH' JAM SESSIONS & GOOD TIMES IN WEST,@ TH'"DEPOT" (MISS MIKE TOO)..HOPE OUR PATHS CROSS SOON MAN...BOW LEG BILLY
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