[rating=7.00]
Like many in Nashville, James House has a built a career of writing hit songs for others. If you’ve not heard of House, you have probably heard these tunes that have reached well int the millions for radio spins – “A Broken Wing,” “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” and “In a Week or Two.” Count Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, The Mavericks, Dwight Yoakam and Martina McBride, among others who have benefitted from House’s pen. Yet, this prolific and versatile musician has a powerhouse Michael McDonald -like voice that should have him in the lead role more often. His recent work writing for Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart had fans wanting House to do his own blues, roots-rock album. And, like so many in Nashville, who ply their craft in country and Americana worlds, House has always had a love for the blues and it’s been an undercurrent for much of his work. Thus, the self-titled James House and the Blues Cowboys.
The Blues Cowboys is indeed a touring band (more on that later) but these sessions were built around some of the best musicians in Music City. House lured them to his studio, Cabin in The Woods, located in a rural area of Nashville. Will Kimbrough plays lead guitar on the first five tracks (side A) while A-list session guitarist Kenny Greenberg joins blues guitarist Todd Sharp on the last 5 tracks (side B). Mike Bradford (Uncle Kracker) plays bass throughout as does drummer Crash Jones. Nashville’s most in-demand fiddler Eamon McGloughlin sits in on Side A while House sings and plays his Fender Strat and organ throughout.
That kind of arsenal is built for fire and the sparks fly immediately on “Jail House Blues” with House wailing on lines like these – “Mama killed Daddy in self-defense/Never was one to sit on the fence” as Kimbrough’s slide duels with House’s guitar. “Arkansas Woman’ and “Ain’t No Way” continue the soul aching blues vibe until reaching on of disc’s outstanding tracks “Long Way Down.” It’s taken at a slower, haunting tempo as if John Lee Hooker were singing verses from William Faulkner. “Well Ran Dry” on Side B carries a similar approach. How about this lyric? “I’m an empty soul/At the holy water bowl/Waiting on a rising tide.”
Other highlights on Side b include the more roots driven “Gone Again” and the rock tune “Ballad of the TKIngs,” short for Troubadour Kings. Now, let’s go to the touring Blues Cowboys. Singer/guitarist Roddy Romero who just joined Yvette Landry for her recent release, if from Lafayette Louisiana as is lesser know drummer/percussionist Smoove Ras. They back House on the final cut, “What Side of the River Are You on?” the song was inspired by House attending the Buddy Holly Songwriting Retreat and listening to Mary Gauthier sing Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” along the river in Lafayette. In a songwriting meeting with Romero and Ras, his vision for The Blues Cowboys was shaped.
Great songs, achingly powerful vocals, and first-in-class musicians make this a terrific album. House has already indirectly put his stamp on contemporary blues with his work with Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart. Now he’s set to make his mark directly with the Blues Cowboys.
