James McMurtry grew up understanding the power of the written word: his father is Larry McMurtry, who won the Pulitzer Prize for the historical epic Lonesome Dove and wrote screenplays for landmark films based on his novels including Hud, The Last Picture Show and Terms Of Endearment. In his father's footsteps, McMurtry followed a bohemian path as a young man, traveling and working odd jobs until his muse led him to express himself through words.
John Mellencamp came into McMurtry's life in 1987, when Mellencamp starred in and directed Falling From Grace, a movie based on a Larry McMurtry screenplay. After hearing a demo tape of James' songs, Mellencamp invited him to take part in the creation of the film’s soundtrack, which had a stellar lineup including Joe Ely, Dwight Yoakam and John Prine (a.k.a. the Buzzin' Cousins). Mellencamp consequently co-produced McMurtry's acclaimed 1989 debut Too Long In The Wasteland.
Lyrically and philosophically, McMurtry's literate songwriting developed in spirit with outspoken rebels such as Mellencamp, Steve Earle and Bob Dylan — and it became increasingly politically aware and socially conscious as he progressed through his career.
Just Us Kids, his ninth full-length, follows his fiery 2005 release Childish Thing, which featured the pointed, but well-received, diatribe on American politics "We Can't Make It Here." On Just Us Kids, he once again takes the podium as a witness and commentator on the human condition, artfully accompanied by his longtime band, The Heartless Bastards (bassist Ronnie Johnson and drummer Daren Hess) and special guest Bastard Ian McLagan of The Faces.
Provenance: Fort Worth, Texas
Latest Release: Just Us Kids (2008)
© 2008 Nigel Music Media LLC. Used by permission.
James McMurtry
