James McMurtry Releases New Album, Plans U.S. Tour

James McMurtry will release his first album in four years, The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy, on June 20 via New West Records. The 10-track album, co-produced with Don Dixon, features eight new songs and two covers, including Kris Kristofferson’s 'Broken Freedom Song.' McMurtry draws deeply from personal and family history, with the title track inspired by his late father, novelist Larry McMurtry’s hallucinations during dementia. The album also showcases collaborations with notable musicians such as Sarah Jarosz, Charlie Sexton, and members of McMurtry's longtime backing band. The cover art is based on a sketch by Ken Kesey, reflecting the McMurtry family's connections to American literary and countercultural figures. Critics have praised McMurtry’s continued mastery of storytelling in song, highlighting his blend of Americana with vivid, often bittersweet narratives.