James Hand, like Willie Nelson, Billie Joe Shaver, Ernest Tubb and Lefty Frizzell, hails from the central Texas prairie. There, in the honky-tonks, he has honed his musical craft and plied his trade by night, while working day jobs from training horses, to rodeo rider, to driving trucks. With all of James Hand's songs, the themes and the stories come from life itself, from his heart. Shadow on the Ground, his second Rounder release, features 11 original country gems, plus a stunning remake of the Nat King Cole classic, "Mona Lisa."

"Soul music can't be imitated. The honesty, intensity, the beauty of it is instantly recognizable - easy to love and as real as rain. And as individual as snowflakes. I loved Hank Williams from the first time I heard him sing "Lovesick Blues" on the Grand Ole Opry. For the same reason I love Lefty Frizzell and Merle Haggard, George Jones. You believe them. James Hand's singing makes me feel the same way. You believe him." - Kris Kristofferson

"Folks, like I said before and it's still true, James Hand is the real deal!" - Willie Nelson

"If there are folks out there who love true honest down to earth country music songs from the heart, then James Hand is your man!" - Ray Benson