This young Texas City native’s eponymous debut impresses with the wide range of country he emulates – all of it original compositions. Whether adopting George Strait’s smooth croon on “I’ve Been Drinkin’ More,” honky-tonking à la Hank Williams with “True Blues,” and riding as roughshod as Joe Ely in a “Fancy Limousine,” Jason James pulls off a variety of traditional and contemporary styles. Despite production being split between Austin and Nashville, all 13 tracks present a seamless whole, although one wishes he’d drop the simulations and display more of himself. Highly listenable. (Wed., 8pm, Velveeta Room)

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This article appears in March 18 • 2016.

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