Jason James Releases HONKY TONKS IN MIND Single Ahead of CUT THE CHAIN Album
Producer John Evans and musicians including Dave Roe and Kenny Vaughan appear on the upcoming record.
Heart of Texas Records announced the release of Jason James' new single, 'Honky Tonks in Mind,' the latest preview of his forthcoming third album, Cut The Chain, due September 11 via Heart of Texas Records.
The new single, 'Honky Tonks in Mind,' is a lively traditional-country romp about a man who knows a night out may leave him hungover, broke, and in trouble at home—but cannot resist the jukebox, the rounds of drinks, and the call of the honky tonk.
'This barn burner is about a man who has a wild hair in him at times,' James says. 'The honky tonks are calling and commanding him to spend his whole paycheck on a night out. He knows he will wake up hungover, broke, and in trouble with the Mrs. Yet he keeps putting money in the jukebox, buying rounds for people, and telling himself he will leave shortly. Maybe he thinks it'll be better to ask for forgiveness than permission?'
Born in Texas City, Texas, James first perfected his craft playing for blue-collar crowds in the beer joints and dance halls of his home state. In the early, lean years, his mother helped book his shows and manage his career; a home demo she sent to New West Records eventually helped open the door to his recording career.
James soon formed a lasting creative partnership with Texas songwriter and producer John Evans. His 2015 self-titled debut, recorded between Texas and Nashville, earned approval for its 13 original songs and introduced his raw narration and unmistakable vocal style to a wider audience. His 2019 follow-up, Seems Like Tears Ago, further established him as a convincing standard-bearer for classic country's enduring sound.
Cut The Chain features 10 self-penned songs recorded with producer John Evans and an all-star cast: bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam), steel guitarist Steve Hinson (Randy Travis, George Jones), guitarist Kenny Vaughan (Lucinda Williams, Marty Stuart), and late bluegrass legend Ronnie Bowman.
After personal challenges and funding delays interrupted the project, James connected with Heart of Texas Records founder Tracy Pitcox and returned to Nashville to finish the album. Following Roe's unexpected passing, James chose to complete the record at Roe's studio in his memory, reuniting with the core musicians from the original sessions.
'I've watched Jason James throughout the years and have been impressed with his talent and love for traditional country music,' says Pitcox. 'There's still a great love for the traditional sounds, and although we may have to look a little harder to find it, with folks like Jason James, The Malpass Brothers, and artists like them, traditional country music has a secure future.'
James also recently performed 'Cut The Chain' and 'One More Cry' on RFD-TV's The Malpass Brothers Show.
Jason James carries the torch for traditional country music with conviction, celebrating its roots while making the sound unmistakably his own. Rooted in hard-earned experience, timeless melodies, and the spirit of the Texas honky tonk, his music speaks to listeners who have never stopped believing in country music's heart and soul.
Track Listing
01. 'Cut The Chain'
02. 'Another Day In A Nightmare'
03. 'One More Cry'
04. 'Honky Tonks In Mind'
05. 'A Heart When It Cries'
06. 'As Long As I Have You To Hold'
07. 'To Have Loved And Lost'
08. 'She's Gone Again'
09. 'Tonight I'm Steppin' Out'
10. 'I Can Get Used To Gettin' Over You'
Tour Dates
supporting The Malpass Brothers
09.11 Tocca, GA @ Historic Ritz Theater
09.12 Liberty, NC @ Liberty Showcase
09.25 Hodgenville, KY @ The Lincoln Theater
09.26 Benton, KY @ Kentucky Opry Theater
10.10 Steelville, MO @ Maramec Music Theatre
10.11 Moberly, MO @ 4th Street Theatre
10.22 Arlington, TX @ Arlington Music Hall
10.30 Goldsboro, NC @ Paramount Theater
For more information, visit thejasonjamesband.com and heartoftexasrecords.com.
Photo Credit: Kimberly Manning
Photo Credit: Kimberly Manning
