James McMurtry Tickets

We drove to St. Louis from northwest Illinois for this show. We are James McMurtry fans and we love the Pagaent so we were really excited about the show. Unfortunately the show was not worth the trip. I had never seen James McMurtry before and maybe this is the way his shows have always been but there was absolutely no emotion or energy at any time during the night. The feeling I left with was that he was punching a clock and I had anticipated more. As I said maybe that is how his shows have always been but if that is the case I will just stay home listen to the studio records from now on.

We stood up at a pub table in the balcony all nite but the view from there was still good and the sound was great! The show was not sold out so the balcony area was not crowded at all. Overall, we had a great time and would definitely go back again.

Second time I've seen him. This was the first time solo. Montrose Room was an excellent venue for an intimate show and prefect for a solo McMurty show. Got to talk to him before the show and learn more about a singer/songwriter I truly appreciate. He's the Woodie Guthrie of our generation. He played "Can't make it here anymore" in the middle of the set and received a standing ovation! "Choctaw Bingo" got all of the ladies dancing. "Calling out" took on some poignancy during a cold Chicago night. Great show. Don't miss him live! Venue is akin to a mini Park West. Free parking voucher at the Intercontinental.

James McMurtry played an amazing solo set Friday night at the Montrose Room. Switching back and forth between 12 string and 6 string acoustic guitars, his guitar work was dazzling. "Solo" is a great way to see a "poet-rocker" like McMurtry, so you can hear the words that mean so much. He was witty and self-effacing between songs, and responded to multiple standing ovations with an encore. The only songs missing for this fan were "Lost in the Backyard" and "Where'd You Hide The Body." I'll just have to see him again tonight in Evanston!

Great venue. Closest I've ever been to a performer without being pressed by a human wall behind me. Great sound. McMurtry may be known for his song writing but he plays a great guitar. Gets a fantastic sound out of it.

McMurtry is an amazing songwriter, musician and singer. He doesn't have a pretty singing voice but it's real. His songs are about real people - not necessarily happy but honest with humor and nostalgia. His band is first-rate. See him!! He's based in Austin and plays at the Continental Wednesdays at midnight when he's in town (so he said).

Mr. McMurtry's command of his guitars and voice was as usual perfect. The only reason I give it a 3 instead of a 5 was because of the audience. I sat in the back where I could still get a good view of the stage and could hear quite well. Quite well of course but for the dozen or so concertgoers who would not shut their mouths. They were there for the socializing not the music. Most of them seemed unaware that a concert was even going on. Maybe it's just the Mizzou fans???

my second James McMurty concert, and he didn't disappoint. The venue was great, the music was outstanding, what a blast! Can't wait to catch him in concert again. People that don't know his music are really missing out. PS: Has anyone ever seen McMurty smile?

James did a great job. Playing some of his best stuff. Of course Chactaw Bingo is a classic done perfectly by both James and the crowd. Would like to have heard something off his latest album and off of my favorite album "Candyland"

One goes to hear McMurty for his lyrics-- But the drums and guitars overwhelmed his voice

My brother in Texas recommended James to me. Glad he did. He's a great guitar picker and songwriter!

I'd be careful about letting Ray Wylie Hubbard open for me (expecailly given his incredible backers, son Lucas and a great drummer whose name i've lost). He's great and offered many surprises, laughs, and copecetic insights. This is not to take anything away from James McMurtry, who was also great--what a storyteller! There seemed to be constant guitar-tuning and sound mixing problems with McMurtry's set, which was distracting but understandable.

If you like Leo Kotke's guitar playing and Paul Kelly's songwriting, it's McMurtry you want. James is unique -- deep lyrics, with a ringing 12-string guitar that mesmerizes, and beautifully written word-stories that make you listen hard. You'll remember them in the morning. Gratifying but not stodgy grown-up music.

the fact that McMurtry didn't play "We Can't Make it Here, Anymore" Otherwise was great.

Grateful these two performers could come up from Texas to the Birchmere. It seems like so many texans don't venture outside of the state enough. Ray Wylie is such a natural entertainer and I was captivated by his performance. There is something real deep down in these old guys you can feel when they play. His guitar playing is restrained and soulful, very dirty blues style that matches well with his voice. His son was on electric. Must be cool to tour with the offspring. James McMurtry grabbed my gut with his rhythm and tempo. I was stunned by his playing style. Partial capos, double capo and alternate tunings like I haven't seen before. I wanted the show to go on a couple more hours. But James was wearing me out with his energy and driving guitar. I Wish Ray Wylie could have played longer. I could listen to him all day.

James McMurtry is reluctant, or perhaps uninterested, when it comes to conversing with the audience. He seldom sets up his songs with a story as many performers do. At times he'll throw out a quick tidbit of biting social commentary. Instead he seems to prefer to let his songs tell his stories; and do they ever. His writing is among the best out there. His lyrics are as clever as they get and range from heart-breaking love songs to political commentary. It is a joy to learn his lyrics and to hear him sing them is a great pleasure. The most amazing thing about his shows is his guitar playing. If you close your eyes at his show and listen you'd swear he had a couple of pals up there accompanying him on the guitar. Open your eyes and you see a right hand that is seemingly unmoving and a left hand that is gracefully gliding up and down the neck; fingers moving across the strings with unimaginable speed and dexterity. It is an amazing thing to watch and to hear. It makes me want to go home and burn my guitar and take up the flute. It would be sacrilege to make the noises I make with the thing when there are soundwaves like that still vibrating in the air.

Unbelievable talent. Great songwriter, phenomenal guitar player.

great great show. about 200 people, small, intimate, intense.

Like good bourbon, McMurty is an acquired taste, but gawdamighty can he paint a picture and take you to some places you may have never visited Ferocity. Range. Heart. He's one of the best singer songwriters in the galaxy. I spent an amazing evening at a Hurricane Party, growing older with my friends, playing a little bingo with Uncle Slaton, sitting on the back porch in the flatlands and watching Ruby and Carlos screw things up. Freeway View has to be one of the ultimate passing lane recordings of all time.

he just rocks if you like his albums, you will just be amazed in concert. The CDs are good, but man, when he cranks it up in person it's too wonderful. Go see him, any chance you get.