James McMurtry And WDVX

Usually this space is called woganonsports.com. But sometimes I call it wogan-on-whatever-i-want -to-writeabout.com. This is one of those occasions.

You won't find James McMurtry's name in the sports section. But I'm still qualified to write about him. I've been a fan for seven years now. I can thank WDVX radio for that. I first heard McMurtry, and a growing list of other artists that now occupy space on my iPod, on WDVX.

If you're not familiar with WDVX, you should be. With plenty of hard work, Program Director Tony Lawson has taken a station that started broadcasting from a camper-- and moved it into its relatively new digs in downtown Knoxville. It's signal is now stronger than ever. Find out more at wdvx.com

On Saturday, McMurtry was the opener for this year's Americana Classic Concert Series hosted by WDVX at The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson & Buell on highway 321 in Maryville.

McMurtry is an insightful songwriter whose sometimes edgy lyrics are cradled by his own distinct and equally edgy guitar playing style. It's not always polite, but it's great music.

For the record, I am not a musician. I can strum chords on an acoustic guitar, and sing off-key, but that's the extent of my meager ability. I am also not a critic. I know what I like, and I can defend my choices. I recognize that taste in music is personal.

That said, I urge you to give WDVX a shot.

(all photos courtesy of: Shannon K. Campbell)