(3212) James Blunt / James McMurtry

From the ACL Taping Program on November 26, 2006:

Former British Army Captain James Blunt has enamored the world with his compelling songs and captivating voice. With numerous best new artist awards, Blunt is leading the new U.S. invasion of British singer/songwriters. His song “You’re Beautiful” was No. 1 in the U.K. and U.S., making him the first British artist to top the U.S. charts since Elton John did so in 1997.

This relatively quick journey to the top has its roots in Austin. After a performance at 2003’s South by Southwest conference, Blunt signed with Linda Perry’s Custard Record label and began work on his debut album. Back to Bedlam charts a journey through life’s experiences, relationships, hardships and aspirations.

“The core element running through my songs is the lonely path one walks through life, the connections you make, and the thoughts that you don’t generally share with people,” Blunt said. “My songs are about life experiences that anyone can identify with. It’s just about being a human being. And people seem to be connecting with that.”

Fans and critics are certainly finding the connection. Time Out called Back to Bedlam “a work of tender, intimate songcraft” and the Sunday Times wrote that it is “a compulsive, gorgeous slow-burner, packed with solid hooks and love songs with a twist, all delivered in the voice of a fallen angel.”

Link to James Blunt's artist page.

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From the ACL Taping Program on November 29, 2006:

With his “verbose, character-rich yarns” (Entertainment Weekly), James McMurtry has spent almost two decades fusing together roots music and lyrical witticisms that is as expansive as his father Larry McMurtry’s novels. As Rolling Stone wrote, “James McMurtry can compel you to boogie while you consider the plight of his characters.”

His first album, released in 1989, was produced by John Mellencamp and marked the beginning of a series of critically acclaimed projects. His most recent release, 2005’s Childish Things, earned McMurtry the 2006 Album of the Year and Americana Song of the Year for “We Can’t Make It Here” from the Americana Music Association.  The song received high praise as a “brutally eloquent protest song” (USA Today.) The Washington Post wrote “As he rhymes with the adeptness of a rapper and the passion of a doomsday evangelist, McMurtry’s insistent diatribe leaves you no alternative but to pay attention.”

McMurtry is currently working on a new CD here in Austin, which will feature another political anthem, “God Bless America.” McMurtry released this song, which takes the current administration to task for the war, on the internet a month before the elections. “I’ve always been a little put off by activists. So you know it’s a dire situation when I have to become one myself,” McMurtry said.

Link to James McMurtry's artist page.

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