This week's roots releases reviewed

JAMES HAND

Shadow on the Ground Rounder ***

"And with the life I've lived, there's no shortage of songs. They'll run out of typewriter ribbon before I run out of songs." Texan James "Slim" Hand is a throwback to a different time, both in person and sound. While Nashville was busy packaging country's simple emotions into showbiz cliche, Hand continued under the radar plying his Texas own brand of honky-tonk a la Hank Thompson and Lefty Frizzell. He was well into his 50s before he got a nationwide release in 2007, thanks to joint producers Ray Benson, of western swing combo Asleep at the Wheel, and legendary figure Lloyd Maines. This is Hand's second collection, another square-jawed, time-warped set of beers and bitter confessions, such as Don't Depend on Me, The Pain of Loving Youand Just a Heart, with the humour of The Parakeetand the punch of Don't Want Me Tooand Ain't a Goin'serving to soften the grief. www. jamesslimhand.com

Download tracks: Don't Depend on Me, Just a Heart, Don't Want Me Too

THE NELSON BROTHERS

Places in the Heart NB Records ***

Self-described itinerant musicians and songwriters Simon and Steve Nelson settle down for this chilled and considered collection of sophisticated tunes with a bluesy and jazzy tinge. There are echoes of Chris Rea in these seasoned British siblings’ measured songwriting, an almost blue atmosphere of midnight reflections in a warm cocoon of deep bass, muted horns, light-fingered keyboards and Simon Nelson’s tasteful guitar. Brother Steve handles the vocals with weathered dignity, supported by Lizzie Deane and Rietta Austin’s backing vocals. This is no hard sell with big ambitions; its understated mood is part of its charm. www. austinbrothers.co.uk

Download tracks: Deeper Shade of Blue, A Fool Like Me