James McMurtry Tickets

Betty Soo was fine as opener and James joined in on her last two before she left stage. James is a great singer/songwriter and fantastic solo guitarist, which was allowed to shine brighter in a way without a band. Estimate he played ~60% on 12-string (my favorite). Crowd's favorite song was Choctaw Bingo. Wish he had played "You can't make it here." This show (unlike last year's) could be called "Where'd you get that red shirt?" Betty Soo rejoined for another couple before James' solo encore.

Sound was perfect, staff at the show was very friendly,

James McMurtry has been one of the best singer-songwriters and guitarists for decades. His shows have been uniformly excellent and this show was no exception. While he plays solo, his sound fills the room. His guitar playing is better than ever. If I have any complaints, it is that his singing sounds a little too similar from song to song. I also wish he'd play some of his oldest songs, like "Outskirts"and "I'm Not From Here", from his first album 35 years ago. Although it was his debut album, it was so polished and mature that he hasn't really improved on it since. Some people have the maturity and perspective of old age even in their 20s. James is one of them. You really owe it to yourself to see this master in person.

The full-house crowd at the Birchmere seemed to hang on every word, even though most had obviously heard the songs countless times. That's the thing about a James McMurry song: the stories are just as good the 100th time as they were the first. He was in good voice, and when he's alone, you really see how good his guitar-playing is. Can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night. Opener Betty Soo also did a very nice job, and the songs she and McMurtry did together were all first-rate, regardless of who wrote them. It's hard to imagine anybody at this show not wanting to see him again.

I've seen one of America's best songwriters multiple times over the years, and his voice is stronger than ever. What a performance. I was not sure what to expect at a solo show, but he was tremendous. His work on those guitars was stunning, especially when it came to the sounds he brought out of that 12-string. Of course, he was as wry and funny as ever. Oh, and his songwriting ain't slipping either, as he played a new one off the hopefully upcoming album. GREAT stuff. BettySoo, the opener, was also fantastic. She, too, was in fine voice, played some killer guitar, and had the audience laughing with her dry quips. McMurtry is a national treasure whose work should be known by many more people, but then again, that'd take away from the singular sensation of seeing an artist of his caliber in such intimate settings.

McMurtry is one of the best songwriters/storytellers of our age, and he did not disappoint Saturday night! His band was in fine fettle, and they delivered top notch music to go with his amazing songs.

The artist rocks! He is 12 on a 10 scale. The venue is a 1. Super expensive drinks. Not even a place to lean on, on the main floor. Extremely limited balcony seating….but those go before the doors open! I’ve been to this venue 3 times….and each time is worse than the time before!

Fantastic. Husband had surgery recently and couldn't stand for the entire show. He was given a chair. McMurty was awesome.

James, 'you got to me'! As a connoisseur of pop lyrics, yours are Laffite '61! Had never seen you. Your rich guitar work, wonderful, heartfelt singing with great words and phrasing created powerful images (Rachel's Song esp) I have only experienced from a select few of pop creators (Dylan, Joni, Townes). I'm 69 and can really relate to your musical domain; 'You can't be young and do that'. Thanks for a great show!!

James McMurtry is the definition of cool. He is supremely who he is and has no need to butter up or flatter his audience. He’s there to play his music and to sing his wry, trenchant songs. Which he does in a long and rewarding set with a minimum of banter. He is a talented wordsmith and has a sharp sense of outrage over the plight and exploitation of working people. He is the balladeer of disappointed people. I had forgotten what a fine guitarist he is and hope he comes back soon.