Written by James Killen

The McMurtry legacy continues as James’ son (Larry’s grandson) puts out his second CD, “Hornet’s nest”. Curtis McMurtry has produced an interesting compilation of what I would call “Love? songs” in that they look at relationships more through the eyes of what goes wrong in them rather than how love is so wonderful. Curtis employs the cynical sense of humor that has served his dad so well in his writing career, dishing up clever one-liners to the accompaniment of a minimalist instrumental background. Most of the music is banjo and guitar over a mesh of cello and muted trumpet, with a rhythm provided by Taylor Turner’s upright bass and Mike Meadow’s (Porter Davis) uniquely inventive percussion.

“Hard Blue Stones” explores the obsession that invites abuse, while “Smooth as Thorns” looks at the expectations lovers put on each other. “Loves Me More” is a jazzy exploration of jealousy when romance and “bromance” get mixed together. “Wrong Inflection” is about how what we say to each other within a relationship can so easily be misconstrued. “Rebecca” exhibits the confusion that occurs when we think that we can have a casual sexual relationship, but the emotions prove otherwise. “If I Leave” examines the situation of a relationship becoming awkward. “Together for Now” is about that uneasy phase when you are always saying the wrong thing and the status of the relationship is up in the air.

McMurtry leaves the relationship theme for the last two tunes on this disc. “Shot at the Title” is an inspirational tune set to a heavy cello overtone that entreats the listener to give it his best effort. “Silver World” is an ethereal entreaty that starts with Meadows’ percussion and gradually adds acoustic bass, cello and then muted trumpet, begging the listener to create something that will last forever.

“Hornet’s Nest” is a great study of love and relationships from a decidedly unromantic point of view. The lyrical hijinks alone are well worth the price of the album. The music is ingenious, as well, in its subtlety and simplicity. I am encouraged to see the McMurtry progeny picking up the family trade with such gusto.