2009 Archives

Correction--Charleston, SC, Post and Courier Article Contains Misinformation

A recent article in the Charleston Post and Courier contains an error.   The article states, "Ian McLagen [sic] joins in for the second hour."  In fact, Tim Holt, sound man extraordinaire and a great guitarist, joins the band for the second half of the show.  McLagan joined McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards on their tour of Europe earlier this year, but is not joining them on the current tour.  Otherwise a great article!

LIVE Album/DVD Set For October 13 Release

On October 13, 2009,     Lightning Rod Records will   release Live in Europe, a   document of McMurtry’s   first European tour, on   which he was joined by   keyboardist Ian McLagan   and fellow Texas   songwriting legend Jon Dee   Graham. The set will be   available as a CD with a   bonus DVD, or as a deluxe   vinyl LP package with a CD   and DVD insert.

In early 2009, James McMurtry and his trio traveled overseas to play their first European tour. The guys played for enthusiastic crowds in Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, The Netherlands, Scotland and Belgium. Joining the band on keyboards for the tour was the legendary Ian McLagan (who also played on McMurtry’s latest studio album, Just Us Kids).

The best recordings from the Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Geislingen, Germany concerts were combined to create Live in Europe. The album includes a bonus DVD featuring performances from the Amsterdam show. This marks the first time fans will be able to purchase video footage of McMurtry live in concert. The deluxe vinyl version includes inserted copies of the CD and DVD. Fellow Austin-based songwriter Jon Dee Graham opened the shows and joins the band on a version of his tune “Laredo” on the bonus DVD.

McMurtry is a favorite around the world whose songs have appeared on the iPods of Stephen King, Matthew McConaughey, George W. Bush, and most recently, Jewel.

Click here to read the entire press release, including track lists.

Courtesy Cary Baker / conqueroo

We Can't Make it Here Anymore

When George W. Bush left office, his hometown of Crawford, Texas welcomed him home with a great affair. The band hired to perform at the Welcome Home Bash included Josh Garner (former drummer of rock band The Dedringers, who shared the stage with James McMurtry, Hayes Carll, Ryan Bingham and others on numerous occasions)  Bush's Secret Service screened everyone involved with the big event. As they ran the routine background check on Garner, a flag went up. They specifically asked him, "What is your affiliation with James McMurtry?"McMurtry's recent political activism had definitely been noticed by the Powers That Were. His two songs "We Can't Make it Here" and "Cheney's Toy" were not particularly flattering to the ex-president. In response, McMurtry said, "They never pull me out of the airport line. I guess they must be meticulous if I'm on the radar."

 
This fall, McMurtry will tour the U.S. and Europe in support of his upcoming release, Live in Europe on Lightning Rod Records, in stores October 13th. Former Dedringer frontman Jonny Burke will open the U.S. dates. 

Check Out the Recent Interview with James on Wyoming Public Radio

Click Here to Listen

McMurtry Featured on

Gaffney Tribute 

James McMurtry is featured on "Man of Somebody's Dreams: A Tribute to Chris Gaffney" (in stores now). A founding member of the Hacienda Brothers, Gaffney passed away in 2008 after a courageous battle with liver cancer. McMurtry recorded Gaffney's "Fight (Tonight's the Night). Other artists on this amazing tribute include Los Lobos, Alejandro Escovedo, John Doe, Joe Ely, and of course, Dave Alvin. CLICK HERE for more info.   Click to LISTEN and DOWNLOAD songs from  Man of Somebody's Dreams: A Tribute to Chris Gaffney.

JAMES McMURTRY AND BAND TO TOUR EUROPE AGAIN!

James McMurtry and The Heartless Bastards have announced their second European tour.  Watch this space for more info and possibly more dates.  Here are the dates that have already been confirmed.

 10/3     Groningen, NL, Take Root Festival

 10/4     Antwerp, Belgium, Arenberg Schouwburg

 10/5     London, UK, The Borderline UPDATED

 10/6     Nottingham, UK, Rescue Rooms

 10/7     Bristol, UK, Fiddlers

 10/8     Buckingham, UK, Old Town Hall  UPDATED

 10/ 9    Manchester, UK, Club Academy  NEW!

 10/10   York, UK, Duchess of York

 10/11   Newcastle, UK, The Cluny

 10/12   Edinburgh, Scotland, Bongo Club  NEW!

 10/13   Belfast, Northern Ireland, Errigle Inn 

 10/14   Kilkenny, Ireland, Langtons Theatre  NEW!

 10/15   Dublin, Ireland, Whelan's

JAMES McMURTRY PERFORMED SOLO ACOUSTIC SET AT pat mAcdonald's STEEL BRIDGE SONGFEST ON JUNE 13TH IN STURGEON BAY, WI

---

LIVE PODCAST

I'm sorry to say that the archived podcast of James McMurtry and The Heartless Bastards' live concert at the Paradiso in Amsterdam is no longer available.  Sadly, fabchannel.com has shut down operations permanently.  For more information, click here.

However, the concert MAY be released on DVD in the near future, and parts of the performance are to be included in the new live album, to be released in Fall 2009.  Watch this site for more info.