The truth will set you free
Review of James Hand CD

By Julius Timmerman
Posted Monday, March 19, 2007

Honky Tonk Country Revival

This country album will bring the listener back to the days of Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb. At 54, this is James Hand’s mainstream debut album.

With his distinctive Texan drawl, aching moan and quiver, this horse-trainer come singer revives the swing and honky-tonk of a fundamental era in country music, the 50s and 60s, in a highly professional setting with hot accompaniment particularly by Lloyd Mains on pedal steel and Jason Roberts on fiddle. Swing numbers like “Banks of the Brazos” and crooners like “I’ve Got A Lot of Hiding Left To Do” could have been written 50 years ago, but every song here is original.

From poetic despair to rootin’ tootin’ good times, this is professional and dedicated country revival for old-time fans.

ROUNDER 11661-3241-2 (PLANET DIST.)