SXSW Record Reviews
Jason James
Jason James (New West)
Reviewed by Jim Caligiuri, Fri., March 18, 2016
This young Texas City native's eponymous debut impresses with the wide range of country he emulates – all of it original compositions. Whether adopting George Strait's smooth croon on "I've Been Drinkin' More," honky-tonking à la Hank Williams with "True Blues," and riding as roughshod as Joe Ely in a "Fancy Limousine," Jason James pulls off a variety of traditional and contemporary styles. Despite production being split between Austin and Nashville, all 13 tracks present a seamless whole, although one wishes he'd drop the simulations and display more of himself. Highly listenable. (Wed., 8pm, Velveeta Room)