Judy James

Western Horseman – January, 2007

The most recent offering from former teacher and choir director – turned radio disc jockey and Western singer Judy James provides listeners with a great collection of easy-listening ballads. Mixed with the occasional history lesson, James’ music offers a great way to unwind after a long day horse back.
Among the standouts of the CD are two songs James authored, “Lizzie” and “My Palo Duro”. Here’s where those history lessons come into play. “Lizzie” is the story of Lizzie Johnson, who drove her own cattle from Texas to the Kansas railways, while “My Palo Duro” tells the tale of Molly Goodnight becoming the first white woman to call the Palo Duro Canyon home. The nearest town, at the time, was some 200 miles away.
The CD’s remaining 10 tracks are a collection of other artists’ songs, some familiar, some not, but all sung in classic fashion by James. Ian Tyson’s “La Primera” makes an appearance, as does Cindy Walker’s “Texas Waltz”.
“Everyone loves a good waltz, and Cindy Walker does it best,” James offers in the CD’s liner notes.
Closing out the CD is Greg Brown’s fun “Canned Goods” – a tribute to grandma’s canned vegetables.
“Supper’s ready, everybody come on in, Taste a little love summer, grandma put it all in jars,” James sings.
One of the more upbeat songs on the CD, “Canned Goods” is a sure-fire finale that’ll keep you coming back for more. – KP
- January, 2007

What a pleasure it is to be asked to critique Judy James’ newest album, Beneath These Western Skies. It is a unique collection of songs that took me back to another time and place much like where Judy so vividly portrays in her song. Judy James with her rich voice, range, perfect pronunciation and pitch add qualities of perfection that add so much to each of the twelve selections. I almost wanted to hear her sing a cappella. Her songs are historically accurate and authentic. It is an album that adds to the history and tradition of the American West. Judy James could be a star in any venue, but she chose Western Music, and we are richer by far for albums that she produces of the quality that we have of her newest release. - West Quest

"A talented lady shows off her talents on this album! This is one album you will be hearing songs from on the radio and well deserved." - Tommy Tucker

I just received your CD "Beneath These Western Skies"

This is a very good CD overall and I will be playing some cuts from it during my Cowboy Hour - 10am to 11am.

Personal favorites are 6, 9, 10, 11, 12. You write a good song. Keep it up. I like Gary Prescott's work too.
- Cass Resor

What a pleasure it is to be asked to critique Judy James’ newest album, Beneath These Western Skies. It is a unique collection of songs that took me back to another time and place much like where Judy so vividly portrays in her song. Judy James with her rich voice, range, perfect pronunciation and pitch add qualities of perfection that add so much to each of the twelve selections. I almost wanted to hear her sing a cappella. Her songs are historically accurate and authentic. It is an album that adds to the history and tradition of the American West. Judy James could be a star in any venue, but she chose Western Music, and we are richer by far for albums that she produces of the quality that we have of her newest release. - West Quest

Judy James along with the incomperable Rich O'Brien has produced yet another western music masterpiece. Beneath These Western Skies, arranged so wonderful, one listen and you'll return to the yesteryears of our great western roots, we all love so much. We all work so hard to preserve the western heritage and Judy defines it all in her music. Destined to become western music album of the year, Beneath These Western Skies is the best I've heard in a long time.


- Joe Baker

Each of the dozen songs on this CD features the clear, lilting voice and rich vibrato of Texan Judy James. The minimalist arrangements, generally consisting of some strumming (Rich O’Brien on guitar or mandolin), Steven Story on fiddle and Ronny Ellis on bass, provide a fitting, attractive platform for James’s vocals.

Given that James is a teacher as well as a singer, it should come as no surprise that songs with historical themes figure prominently. I’m a historian, so my favorites on this collection are both historical songs written by James. “My Palo Duro” tells the story of Mollie Goodnight, Charlie Goodnight’s wife who lived on a west Texas ranch 200 miles from the nearest town. Lizzie” celebrates Lizzie Johnson, “Cattle Queen of Texas,” who drove her own herd of cattle up the Chisholm Trail to Kansas. James also includes Ian Tyson’s “La Primera,” the legend of the first horse to arrive in the Americas from Spain.

The remains eight songs offers glimpses into the western culture that James clearly loves. The CD title tune by Larry Hannon, “Who Will Watch the Home Place?” (Kate Long), “Fair Blows the Wind” (Gary Prescott), and “Canned Goods” all offer lyrical vistas of cowboy and ranch life. James also gives an excellent rendition of the Herb Newman and Stanley Lebowsky classic, “Wayward Wind.” The “Texas Waltz,” by Cindy Walker, will have you kicking up your heels in no time. James provides a delightful range of melodic treats for reminiscing, listening, or dancing.

Richard W. Slatta

- Richard Slatta

Judy James along with the incomperable Rich O'Brien has produced yet another western music masterpiece. Beneath These Western Skies, arranged so wonderful, one listen and you'll return to the yesteryears of our great western roots, we all love so much. We all work so hard to preserve the western heritage and Judy defines it all in her music. Destined to become western music album of the year, Beneath These Western Skies is the best I've heard in a long time.


- Joe Baker