REVIEW: AGS CONNOLLY – YOUR PAL SLIM: THE SONGS OF JAMES HAND (2024)

I read someone’s review of the new Dwight Yoakam record and described it as “old school”.

It was, up to a point. This, though, goes the whole way.

James Hand was lauded by everyone from Willie Nelson to Kris Kristofferson before he died in 2020.

“At The Corner, At The Table, By The Jukebox” is a perfect introduction, and it’s no exaggeration to say that it could have come out at any point since recorded music began and sounded like it belonged.

Ags Connolly—a superb musician in his own right—saw Hand play in 2006, and for this record, he managed to get a selection of people who played with Hand, including his last permanent bandleader, Chris McElrath.

And that means “The Pain Of Loving You” and the likes are full of warmth as well as skill.

“Baby Baby Don’t Tell That” is infused with the heart of a vagabond as much as it is with rock n roll. You just know that when it’s played live and the solo hits, someone’s going to tell Connolly to “play that thing” in the style of all guitar gunslingers.

As ever with Connolly, though, the music is perfect. “Lesson In Depression” has a line in steel guitar that is so expressive, while the shuffle that is “Shadows Where The Magic Was” hides a real sadness.

“My Witness” is more stripped down: acoustic, a little fiddle, almost spoken lyrics. These really are wonderful songs, so wrapped up in tradition, so expertly done. Like “Over There, That’s Frank” and whatever nefarious activities are going on in “Midnight Run,” it does sound like fun.

“You Were With Me Then” is tender, and that’s the vibe “My Heart’s Been Cheating On Me” continues. If “Men Like Me Can Fly” has a gospel tinge, then it also has real energy and could be on the “O Brother, Where Art Thou” soundtrack with little problem.

“Corner Of My Street” ties up the loose ends and adds a spoken bit, which always seems to be integral to these things.

In many ways, it is a romantic record. A lifetime of listening to American music has given me the view that there are uncovered gems on every corner, and I’m not going to pretend I’d heard of James Hand before this. And that’s why this album is so good. In many ways, there’s a synergy between Ags Connolly and the man he’s paying tribute to here. These wonderful musicians are the lifeblood of the industry, and this glorious tribute is very special—and incredibly authentic.

Rating 9/10