James McMurtry tours year-round and consistently throws down unparalleled powerhouse performances. His fourth appearance at Roy’s Hall will feature songs from his newest “New West” release, “The Horses and The Hounds”, as well as favorites from across his broad and universally acclaimed discography.
The son of one of America’s most celebrated novelists, James McMurtry followed the family’s tradition: he’s a master storyteller who relates his tales in verse and music. Part of the Texas singer/songwriter community, McMurtry has a gift for character studies, documenting lives not in perfect balance, and offering political commentary on how the choices of the powerful impact the lives of ordinary folks. McMurtry’s vocals are dour and plainspoken, but give eloquent voice to the lives of his protagonists, and his artfully unadorned lyrics are often full of warmth and humanity, even in narratives full of chaos. McMurtry made a celebrated debut with 1989’s Too Long in the Wasteland, he hit a creative stride with 2005’s Childish Things and 2008’s Just Us Kids, and on 2021’s The Horses and the Hounds, the performances and production were every bit as compelling as McMurtry’s songs.
“The simple fact is that James McMurtry may be the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation…”
Stephen King | Entertainment Weekly
“BettySoo may well have the most gorgeous voice in Texas …if not in all contemporary folk – its purity and strength can be downright devastating.” – ACOUSTIC GUITAR MAGAZINE
Raised outside Houston by first-generation Korean immigrant parents, BettySoo grew up listening to the Great American songbook and country radio. Older sisters led her to the world of singer/songwriters, and nights spent at The Cactus Café and Hole In The Wall turned her on to the legacy of Texas song.
BettySoo tours nonstop, these days either as a solo headliner or as dedicated support for James McMurtry and Chris Smither. Along with her agile guitar playing, her intelligent, tightly-constructed lyrics and captivating melodies keep audiences entranced, and if you’re lucky, you’ll also find her onstage demonstrating her other super-power when she is singing harmonies with various luminaries.