Seth James – Lessons
Seth James has a new album covering the songs of Delbert McClinton, Lessons, produced by Kevin McKendree. It’s welcome news to have an album honoring Delbert’s songwriting, as he’s one of the true American greats. His catalogue is so extensive that there’s plenty to choose from, and you’ll notice that the songs Seth James selected may not be the most popular songs that made it highest in the charts for Delbert, but this is a testament to McClinton’s songwriting depth. It’s amazing how polished and just plain great each song is. And Seth James and the band pull out all the stops too, resulting in an ultra high quality record.
The album opens with poetic reading by Delbet McClinton “The Glamour of Life” and then the grooves begin with “Honky Tonkin. (I Guess I Done Me Some)” and the horns and sax herald in the rootsy groove: “Thanks but no thanks baby… I don’t want no lonely lustful woman’s irate husband after me.” Superb!
Seth James and his band are Grammy award winners, and so is producer Kevin McKendree, so the songs are in expert hands, and it’s clear already. “Real Good Itch” starts with drums popping’ – the snare – and and “honey you sure do scratch a real good itch with me….I notice sometimes when I’m drivin’ I’m thinking of you.”
“Who’s Foolin’ Who” serves up some rootsy funk with some clear glassy harmonies in the mix. “The Rub” brings the lights down low and the energy eases down for a moment even as the lyrics never rest: “I never shot him, he shot himself, while he was shooting at me.” “Lesson in the Pain of Love” is clearly one of the important lessons inspiring the title, as it sets up a Southern Rock “Band-esque” groove and “you don’t know how I cry…. this hurting’ in my heart’s been around since my darlin’ left me.”
Great grooves. This album creates a perfect opportunity to check out Delbert McClinton’s songwriting, or to revisit it if you’re already familiar. Great songs in the hands of a great band.
Musicians on the album are Seth James on vocals; Lynn Williams on drums; Steve Mackey on bass; Rob McNelley on guitar; Kevin McKendree on guitar, percussion and keys; Alice Spencer and Nick Jay on backing vocals; Vinnie Ciesielski on trumpet; John Hinchey on trombone; and Jim Hoke on saxophones.
You can find the album on Bandcamp here: https://sethjames.bandcamp.com/album/lessons and you can find more information on his website here: https://sethjamesmusic.com
All songs on the album were written by Delbert McClinton. It was produced and engineered by Kevin McKendree with John Heithous as executive producer for Qualified Records. It was recorded at the Rock House in Franklin Tennessee. Marketing assistant for the album is Andrew White.
