This night in Houston, at the cozy confines of McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, JM sold out the 7pm show and followed with a nice crowd for the 9:30pm show that we attended. Nice work for a dude who was playing solo and got to weave his tales of life like only he can do.

Not a man of many words, McMurtry doles out the tunes one after another and can really fill a room. His guitar work, especially on killer 12 string, produces a rumbling loud sound, in a good way, to let the the audience lock in to his interesting views of the world around him. He has been releasing albums since 1989 and he’s promising a new one produced by C.C. Adcock in early 2015.

“How’m I Gonna Find You Now” was the first single from it and, in classic fashion, he stated making a new record “means I have to learn to play it live.” This crusty character had four drinks-3 beers and 1 wine- on stage and he sipped from all 4! Classic.

Super highlights were “Red Dress”, stalwart “Hurricane Party” and a beyond worth it long version of “Choctaw Bingo” featuring the said 12 string and the lyrics of ‘We’re gonna have us a time’ and we did indeed! He even had his tour manager, Tim Holt, join him for a song.

While rather aloof in personality, JM gets his point across very sincerely and more open than he personifies in his vast catalog. His songs, like “We Can’t Make It Here”, have stood the test of time and the poignant lyrics still ring true today.

McMurtry liked what he did so much he’s headed back to this same venue November 29 for two more gigs. I prefer seeing him with a whole band, but he still delivers big time by his lonesome and it is worth it to be led on a wonderful journey through the stories he tells in his songs. God Bless all the true music lovers out there!