James Walbourne has had a reputation for a while as a reliable session musician - one of those people who assumes the background and fills in the important parts where necessary. A hired gun in the studio. Lately he's been stepping out, joining up with The Pretenders and playing live gigs with the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis over in the UK.

Further stepping out from the shadows, Walbourne released his debut album in January for Heavenly Records in the UK. The Hill has gotten good word of mouth and great press and tonights track off that album, "Road" conjures up a lot of retro sentiment, particularly on this track, which sounds like it could have come out a couple decades ago as a Nick Lowe production.

But no, it's new and its an auspicious start to what looks (and sounds) like a great career. I don't know what the release plans are here in the States. I assume it will be coming out soon, if it already hasn't.

In the meantime, here's a taste.