Abel James shines up his rootsy, old-school influences with a rhythmic funkiness to create his fresh sound; it has that vibrant new car smell but feels as familiar and comfy as your favorite blue jeans. His massive baritone has a genuine personality that captures the rasp and soul of his blues-infused rock as sincerely as the delicate nuances of folk and jazz. James’ poignant songwriting has been praised as “deeply moving, novel, and creative,” while his reputation as an “exceptional musician...