For those unaware, Livin’, Writin’, Singin’ could very well be the motto of Jason James. This talented troubadour hails from the Lone Star State and has been performing his brew of country music for over a decade. Jason James was born in Texas City, TX, a small coastal town that sits roughly 50 miles southeast of Houston, TX—a town known primarily for its refineries, as well as its tough, rough, and hard-working inhabitants.

James began honing and polishing his craft at a young age while performing for the blue-collar patrons who came to drink and dance their blues away on the weekends. After years of singing in beer joints and countless rejections from record labels, it was finally a home demo that landed on the owner’s desk of the esteemed record label New West that would forever alter James’ life. “We immediately heard the raw, unique talent this kid had,” said the executive.

The demo tape was sent by Jason’s mother, who helped book shows and managed Jason’s career in those early, lean years. The album spawned four singles, one of which was the whiskey-soaked powerhouse “I’ve Been Drinkin’ More.” James formed his own label, Melodyville Records, and with producer and friend John Evans back in the producer’s chair, they began work on the much-anticipated follow-up. Released in October of 2019, Seems Like Tears Ago was met with critical acclaim.

In 2022, with John Evans once again by his side, Jason returned to the studio to begin work on his third record—this time at the studio of acclaimed bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam, Vern Gosdin, Jerry Reed), who also played on Jason’s debut album. Together, James, Evans, and Roe assembled an A-team, a true who’s who of country music musicians, many of whom are legends.

Four songs were recorded, with plans to resume the project a few months later. However, personal challenges for James and funding issues stalled the sessions. Determined to move forward, James reached out to country music label owner and promoter Tracy Pitcox. Pitcox owns Heart of Texas Records in Brady, Texas, as well as an impressive country music museum filled with artifacts that would make any traditional country fan’s mouth water. A friendship quickly formed, and Tracy expressed interest in working with James. With funding secured once again, plans were made for Jason to return to Nashville to complete the record.

Tragically, during the hiatus, bassist and studio owner Dave Roe passed away unexpectedly. Other studios were suggested, but James insisted on finishing the record at Dave’s studio in his memory. When James and the band returned — along with the same core players — they discovered that the knobs, levels, and microphone settings on the mixing boards had been virtually untouched for nearly two years. It was as if they had only stepped out for a short lunch break.

The album has finally been completed and is out now entitled Cut The Chain via Heart of Texas Records.

1. Cut The Chain
2. Another Day in a Nightmare
3. One More Cry
4. Honky Tonks in Mind
5. A Heart When It Cries
6. As Long As I Have You To Hold
7. To Have Loved and Lost
8. She’s Gone Again
9. Tonight I’m Steppin’ Out
10. I Can’t Get Used to Gettin’ Over You

This emotively cultured, dutifully crafted new recording opens on the melodiously upbeat title track Cut The Chain and the lush hipsway of Another Day in a Nightmare and then we get the beautiful ballad One More Cry and both the joyful country-pop bounce flow of Honky Tonks in Mind and a lonesome yearn that threads throughout A Heart When It Cries.

Along next is the sweepingly decadent As Long As I Have You To Hold which is itself backed seamlessly by the impassioned To Have Loved and Lost, the affectingly fulfilling She’s Gone Again, the set rounding out on the Dave Edmunds-esque pop-country brilliance of Tonight I’m Steppin’ Out, coming to a close on the all-embracing tones and rhythms of I Can’t Get Used to Gettin’ Over You.

Official Spotify Purchase Link

www.TheJasonJamesBand.com

Jason James @ Facebook