Born and raised in by-God Arkansas and a direct descendant of Jesse James, this singer-songwriter has steady aim with songs as gritty as Steve Earle and deft storytelling as poignant as John Prine. There are no vague poetic mumblings, just great straight-ahead lyrics about mama, church and politics; his influences ranging from the Indigo Girls to Johnny Cash. His latest album, Landlocked, is a polished studio album that features Namoli Brennet, Almost Awake, and The Bookdrop Bees.