Seth James – Motormouth
Qualified Records – 2026
13 tracks; 42 minutes
Kevin McKendree’s Qualified Records is on a roll with several fine releases already on the books, now comes this fine effort from Texan Seth James. In fact, Seth has already released one previous album on Qualified, 2024’s tribute to Delbert McClinton, Lessons. Recorded at Kevin’s Rockhouse studio in Nashville, most of the tracks use Delbert’s backing band Dick 50, consisting of Kevin on keys, Rob McNelley on guitar, Steve Mackey on bass and Lynn Williams on drums, all familiar names who have played on many records. In addition a three man horn section (Jim Hoke on sax, Steve Herrmann on trumpet and John Hinchey on trombone) adds power to six tracks and backing vocalists Etta Britt, Alice Spencer and Jackie Wilson perform on eight tracks. Two tracks were recorded with The Time Jumpers; Andy Reiss on guitar, Doug Green on archtop guitar, Eddy Dunlop on steel guitar, Jeff Taylor on piano, Brad Albin on upright bass and Billy Thomas on drums, plus no fewer than three fiddle players, Larry Franklin, Kenny Sears and Joe Spivey! Writing credits include four of Seth’s songs, co-written with Kevin, Bob Britt, Gary Nicholson and Pat McLaughlin; covers include songs by Delbert McClinton, Doc Pomus, Leon Russell and Don Bryant. Seth handles all lead vocals in clear and pleasant style, as well as playing lead guitar on half the material.
Let’s start with the two songs recorded with The Time Jumpers. “I’ll Be Gone” is a song written by the late Russell Smith, lead singer of The Amazing Rhythm Aces. The bright country sounds of the fiddle and pedal steel fit the song perfectly and it’s one of those to which you find yourself tapping your toes or nodding along, very infectious! “Start A Brand New Day” is credited to C. Allen and has a very 1930’s feel to it, plenty of swing, a touch of jazz and country, the fiddles sweeping the tune along, a very pleasant end to the album.
The other tracks have that blend of music styles that we all associate with Delbert, who is clearly a massive influence on Seth as he delves into all types of Americana, some roadhouse rockers, some gentle country influences, touches of jazz and soul – it’s all here. Seth frontloads three of his own songs; believing that he is being falsely accused, he asks “Why Should I Suffer”, a loose feel with piano to the fore in the verses before B/V’s and horns beef up the chorus and Seth lays down a short, twangy guitar solo. The funky title track has more horns and B/V’s, the lyrics having an amusing touch: “Sometimes nothing is enough, sometimes a little bit’s a little too much; give me time for my mind to catch up, sometimes enough is enough”. Delbert is definitely channelled in “I’m In Trouble”, the central character admitting that “I been dodging trouble for most of my life but this kind of trouble is the kind I like”! “I Can’t Find Your Mind” completes Seth’s originals as he reflects on how his relationship has changed over time.
As Seth’s friend and mentor, the influence of Delbert is all over this album, but most clearly on two of Delbert’s own songs. “Just A Thought” is the kind of country-tinged ballad that Delbert has always sung well and Seth follows suit here while also delivering a sensitive solo; Delbert himself joins Seth on vocals on “I Can’t Wait”, the honky tonk piano and Jim Hoke’s accordion giving the song a real sing-along feel. Seth shows his soulful side with a great version of Don Bryant’s “I Got To Know”, a song that he originally wrote for The Five Royales when he was still a teenager, the Rn’B sound enhanced by the backing vocalists, one of the highlight tracks here. Doc Pomus’ “Lonely Avenue” dates from a similar period and was famously covered by Ray Charles; nobody does it like Brother Ray, so Seth sensibly adopts a funkier approach with a strong horn arrangement. Another soulful effort is Glen Clark’s “I Feel The Burden”, originally sung by Rita Coolidge. Leon Russell’s “High Horse” and a jazzy take on Colin Linden’s “It’s Later Than You Think” complete the covers.
Motormouth establishes Seth James in the Americana world, the sort of varied performer who can take the genre forward as Delbert and others of his generation begin to fade from the scene. An important, varied and thoroughly entertaining album.
