I was in Nashville last month, and I visited Ernest Tubb Record Shop. I decided to buy a Whitey Morgan record, and the cashier asked me if I had heard of James Hand. I thanked him for the recommendation. As I walked out, the cashier says, “The truth will set you free.” As I browsed James Hand’s albums on Amazon, I realized that this was the name of one of his albums. I purchased it, and I’ve been hooked ever since. From the moment I heard “Banks of the Brazos,” I became amazed that this kind of music was still being made today.

I was planning on purchasing “Mighty Lonesome Man” after I had given “The Truth Will Set You Free” its time. This review increases my excitement for that purchase. Another online review reads, “‘Old Man Henry’ might be the best song you hear all year long.” It’s a relief to know this style of songwriting is still relevant.

I knew the first time I heard OLD MAN HENRY that we had to cut it on an album – what a great story!! And THE DROUGHT is so timely and well versed that we couldn’t leave that one off either. As the producer, I picked out most of these songs (even though, at first, James thought his best songs went on his two Rounder albums), so I’m so glad to hear you think – as I did – that these songs exhibit some of his strongest writing. James and I are so proud of this album, and so happy that it is being so well received in the music community around the world!!

And yes, Cindy Cashdollar and Earl Poole Ball were a feather in the cap that gave this James Hand album the timeless honky-tonk sound that I was determined to bring out, and one which we’ve longed to hear in his music.

Keep up the great writing, and from James and I to you…THANK YOU A LOT!!

“His plaintive baritone channels Sun-era Johnny Cash on a frenetic cover of “Get Rhythm””

I wonder if anyone ever thought Townes Van Zandt’s or Guy Clark’s singing channeled Johnny Cash.