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Man alive, this is one righteous roots rock bill. Sprung from the loins of western novelist, Larry McMurtry, James McMurtry takes a similar approach to his big sky-borne music. McMurtry is essentially a folk artist (think an amped-up John Prine) and you could say that without hesitation if it were not for the electrified locomotive feel he and his band, the Heartless Bastards, dish out.
Also on the bill, and sporting folksy roots as well, is St. Louis upstarts, The Bottle Rockets. This is an excellent example of classic American roots rock done loud and proud. No frills, balls to the wall rock 'n' roll that guys like Mellencamp can only dream of.
James McMurtry with guests The Bottle Rockets play Wednesday, June 4, at The Club at Water Street Music Hall, 204 N. Water Street. 8 p.m. $25. Waterstreetmusic.com; Jamesmcmurtry.com
FRANK DE BLASE