James McMurtry in Twyford

James McMurtry is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, born in Fort Worth in 1962 and associated with Austin’s roots-music scene. His narrative rock and country songwriting first appeared on the John Mellencamp-produced debut Too Long in the Wasteland; later touchstones include “Choctaw Bingo,” “We Can’t Make It Here,” Childish Things and The Horses and the Hounds. Live in Aught-Three documented McMurtry’s road band, the Heartless Bastards, and Live in Europe later captured the same guitar-led concert format overseas. He has played listening rooms and theatres including The Birchmere in Alexandria, while his Austin history includes a long-running series of Wednesday-night sets at the Continental Club.