Texas singer/songwriter Davin James possesses a deep, rich voice; virtuoso guitar chops; and a roving muse that runs the gamut from traditional country to rock to jazz inflections to distinct echoes of Cajun and Gulf Coast blues. Throughout his career, James has steadily built a reputation as a dynamic live showman. He was born in Jackson, MS, and after stints in Louisiana and Arkansas, ended up in South Texas at the age of 12. James developed a love of country music from his dad, who passed on a taste for the likes of Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Bob Wills. James was especially influenced by Hank Williams Jr.'s "Whiskey Bent and Hellbound" because of its blending of various genres (an attribute for which James himself would become known). He debuted with the album Making My Mark in 1995, following that with Nowhere Lounge in 1999, and the delightfully versatile Magnolia in 2001. The title cut of the latter spent eight consecutive weeks on the Texas Music Chart. ~ Erik Hage