Elana James: Elana James

Copy at Case Memorial Library
Nicole D'Andrea wrote in Play: "There are a thousand great musicians Elana James sounds like and to many artists that's an insult. But when a fiddle playing mama can be likened to the greatness of Stephen [i.e., Stéphane] Grappelli or Django Reinhardt, there's got to be something pretty good here. … At just 33 years old, James has already become noteworthy through her work as member of Hot Club of Cowtown. After seven years the band split in 2004 and James took to touring with Bob Dylan. Yeah — the Bob Dylan and it gets better; she had to pass up touring with Willie Nelson to accept Dylan's offer. Two years on the road as a fiddler for Dylan's shows and much knowledge later, the brunette with the big lungs has released her self-titled album on Snarf Records. The album has been hailed as a perfect progression for this jazzy, twangy, string playing singer. Backed by band pianist Joe Kerr, guitarist Dave Biller and bassist Beau Sample, the band hits the mark with equal parts timelessness and old school swagger. Half of the work is dedicated to original numbers. …" ("Listen: Elana James," 1/9/08, p. 19).