Submitted by Don Graham
It’s been a long time, too long, since Americana folk country blues singer songwriter James LeBlanc released some new music. But the good news is, the long wait is over. He has completed a new album and if the lead single “Desperate Things” is any indication the wait is well worth it. James is the total package, a songwriter with a depth that only experience can bring, a gifted guitar player and a raw vocal style that demands attention. He combines the social conscience and primal messages of Steve Earle, the flair of Townes Van Zandt and the poetry of Guy Clark and the deep south sensibility that keeps his art distinctly James LeBlanc.
Check out James LeBlanc: Desperate Things (Official Lyric Video) here:
James LeBlanc was born and raised in Shreveport Louisiana, and picked up the guitar at age seven, inspired by his father James Sr. By the time James was 18, he knew he wanted to make a life and living in the music business. After formative years of bumps, struggles and obstacles. James finally got his chance when he was connected with Rick and Rodney Hall of FAME enterprises in Muscle Shoals Alabama. James signed a production agreement and a publishing contract with FAME and not long after he began getting songs recorded by the likes of Martina McBride, Bryan White, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Thompson Square to name a few. James co-wrote the hit song “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde” for Travis Tritt. He also co-wrote the hit “Relentless” for Jason Aldean and “Learning how to Bend” for and with Gary Allan. James’ songs have been on records which have sold over 25 million copies.
“Desperate Things”was recorded at The Nutthouse in Muscle Shoals, Alabama with long time friend, producer and fellow Shreveport, Louisiana native and Grammy and Juno Award winner Jimmy Nutt producing and features James LeBlanc on bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and lead vocals, Justin Holder on drums, Jim “Moose” Brown on keyboards and Angela Hacker, winner of Nashville Star and James’ wife, on background vocals.
We caught up with James at his home in Muscle Shoals to talk about his new music. “I write every day, it’s what I do and with “Desperate Things” I knew we had something special as soon as it was finished. I love the three-finger rolling finger picking pattern and this song just fit into my style perfectly. I’m real happy with how the track evolved and turned out. “And its message is timely with the state of the world today, “When There’s no hope, no rhyme or reason, It’s hard to tell what the next breath will bring. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And desperate people do desperate things.” Amen and amen!
If you like your music honest, pure, raw and thought provoking then James LeBlanc and “Desperate Things” is a must for your playlist.