Don’t underestimate Seth James. The songwriter steps onstage like an unassuming guitar cowboy but unloads an absolutely grooving mix of Texas honky-tonk, Memphis rockin’ soul, and New Orleans funk. This year’s fourth LP Lessons aptly digs deep cuts from Delbert McClinton’s catalog, homage from the student to the master, but James’ horn-blasted, keyboard-licked romps kick swampy-rocking goodness somewhere between Little Feat and Shinyribs. “River Girl” Kelley Mickwee follows with some of the richest vocals in Central Texas and new songs from Everything Beautiful, her first album in a decade expected later this summer. – Doug Freeman
