The idea of creating music had never crossed my mind up until that point. Discovering he was from Lubbock, Texas, my neck of the woods, somehow gave me permission to go against the grain and seek my own path. Delbert is the personification of the great spirit of American music. There is no finer example of authenticity. His music is untamed, resilient, plainspoken, and honest to its core. It does not abide by any rules, it does not seek approval, and it does not compromise. I owe a debt to Delbert McClinton that I could never repay, and I will spend the rest of my life working to make music to honor the lessons I have learned from both Delbert and the music he has created."
In the age of Spotify, making a playlist of songs from your favorite artist has become as easy as the click of a button. Texas troubadour Seth James has taken that obsession one step further and made a deep dive into the catalog of one of his all-time heroes, Delbert McClinton, and recorded an album of his songs as a loving tribute. The eleven-song collection, Lessons, includes well known hits from the four-time Grammy winner and some lesser known “Deep Cuts,” from a member of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame.
| Vocals - Seth James Drums - Lynn Williams Bass - Steve Mackey Guitar - Rob McNelley Guitar - Kevin McKendree Keys - Kevin McKendree Backing Vocals - Alice Spencer Backing Vocals - Nick Jay Trumpet - Vinnie Ciesielski Trombone - John Hinchey Saxophones - Jim Hoke Percussion - Kevin McKendree |
For James, the natural choice for this endeavor was to partner with Grammy-winning keyboardist, guitarist, producer, songwriter and engineer, Kevin McKendree, who worked with Delbert for over 25 years. James & McKendree built an All-Star band for the sessions at The Rock
House including the rhythm section of Delbert’s band, drummer Lynn Williams, and bass player
Steve Mackey along with studio ace Rob McNelley on guitar, the horn section of Vinnie Ciesielski, John Hinchey and Jim Hoke and backing vocalists Nick Jay and Alice Spencer to give each track depth and authenticity.
McClinton recorded several versions of “B Movie Boxcar Blues.” Here James tackles the muchloved tune with gusto swapping out the harmonica for hot sax solos from Hoke before the band busts into a double time outro as a tip of the hat to Jake and Ellwood. The sentimental ballad “Take It Easy” closes the set; a choice that showcases the depths of McClinton’s songwriting and ability to peel away his machismo and reveal his vulnerability.
ith Lessons, Seth James and Kevin McKendree pay tribute to Delbert McClinton’s greatest skill as an artist, which is to surround himself with talented and gifted individuals, who help manifest his dreams and ambitions into reality. Rick J Bowen
WEBLINKS
For more information: Betsie Brown, Blind Raccoon, betsie@blindraccoon.com
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