“If That Ain’t Country,” Jessta James’ New Video, Premieres Today on Huffington Post
Dates Added to U.S. Tour in Support of James’ Debut Album, Time To Get Right
The video for Jessta James’ new single ~ “If That Ain’t Country” ~ premieres today on the Huffington Post. The clip was lensed by David Hogan (Sheryl Crow, Bob Seger), who thoroughly evokes the modern Wild West vibe of Jessta’s Montana lifestyle.
“Out here it’s about the cowboy way, ranching and rodeos,” says James, who recently released his debut album, Time To Get Right, an imaginative blend of country, hip-hop and rock.
“If That Ain’t Country” follows “Back in the Day,” which garnered spins at 40+ stations across the United States. Charlie McCoy (Chet Atkins, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan), one of several top Nashville musicians who played on James’ album, brought in the bass harmonica that he played on Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” when it came time to record “If That Ain’t Country.” The track also features Ricky Gunn, a singer Jessta discovered through his YouTube videos.
“Every once in a while an artist comes along that is refreshingly different from the norm, and Jessta James certainly is that,” observed Atlanta Music Guide. Yahoo! Music praised his “unique musical blend” and TasteOfCountry.com called Time To Get Right “…a mostly rowdy, but plenty meaningful collection of songs. His delivery is vulnerable and his message is real.” “Think Jason Aldean meets Colt Ford meets a little AC/DC,” said GotCountryOnline.com. “All the while it creates a feel of a Midwest town with a swinging door saloon, tumbleweeds and horses hitched to posts.”
Released by indie label New Canvas Entertainment, Time To Get Right was produced by Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra). James co-wrote the album’s 13 tracks with Hannon and the pair also brought in Sam Tesh and Emily Lynch to collaborate on a few tunes.
James, whose songs were heard in the first (and only) season of the MTV reality series “Buckwild,” has added numerous dates to his current U.S. run. See below for itinerary, which includes a December residency at The Saloon in Charlotte, NC, where Jessta recently brought down the house.
“When Jessta James took the stage at The Saloon in Charlotte, NC, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Country. Hip Hop. Would the crowd be into it?” asked TheReelSpin.com in a live review. “…within the first two songs, he had won over the entire venue. Charlotte audiences can be a tough sell at times, so I was amazed at how quickly James had them all under his spell. Perhaps it was his blend of infectious tunes like ‘If That Ain’t Country’ and ‘Back in the Day’ alongside softer, heartfelt numbers like ‘Better Man.’ Or maybe it was his incredibly fun cover of Alabama’s ‘Dixieland Delight.’ Whatever it was, he had the entire audience on their feet…dancing, smiling, and singing along.”
Jessta James – Upcoming Tour Dates
9/11 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
9/13 – Silas, AL @ Warbama
9/14 – Decatur, AL @ Riverfest 2013
9/19 – Wilmington, NC @ Ziggy’s
9/20 – Greenville, SC @ The Blind Horse Saloon
9/21 – Eden, NC @ Eden Fairgrounds
9/28 – Decatur, AL @ Frederick’s Outdoor
10/4 – Kimberly, AL @ TP Miller’s
10/5 – Bonifay, FL @ Bonifay Rodeo Dance
10/17 – Knoxville, TN @ Cotton Eyed Joe
10/18 – Sanford, NC @ Schooly’s Bar
10/25 – Tuscaloosa, AL @ Rhythm n Brews
10/26 – Decatur, AL @ Herb’s Music Hall
11/2 – Silas, AL @ Warbama
11/8 – Vero Beach, FL @ Indian River County Firefighters Chili/Salsa
11/16 – Kernersville, NC @ Bucked Up Super Saloon
11/23 – Decatur, AL @ Herb’s Music Hall
12/6 – Charlotte, NC @ The Saloon
12/13 – Charlotte, NC @ The Saloon
12/20 – Charlotte, NC @ The Saloon
Additional dates to be announced.