Parlor James
| Company type | Musical duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Amy Allison, Ryan Hedgecock |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Number of employees | 2 |
Parlor James was an American alternative country duo active briefly during the 1990s, composed of Amy Allison and Lone Justice member Ryan Hedgecock. The pair first connected at a songwriter event held at the Mercury Lounge. The name "Parlor James" originated from a dream experienced by Allison. Established in 1994, their initial release was the EP Dreadful Sorry, launched in 1996 through Discovery Records and produced by Malcolm Burn with predominantly home studio equipment. Their debut full-length album, Old Dreams, arrived in 1998 on Sire Records, again produced by Burn. By 2001, prospects for additional recordings from the duo had diminished.
Reviews
Rob Bleetstein, writing for No Depression, commended Dreadful Sorry for capturing "the promise and passion Lone Justice lost after their first album," suggesting significant potential for development. Greg Dretzka of the Chicago Tribune awarded the EP 3 out of 4 stars, remarking that Parlor James’ vocal combination would resonate with admirers of Emmylou Harris’s experimental style exemplified in "Wrecking Ball." Regarding Old Dreams, Bill Friskics-Warren noted that the album rejuvenates the mountain ballad tradition through its signature close harmonies. Greg Jerrett rated it 4 out of 5 stars, characterizing the record as a "blend" of varied contemporary influences reflective of the late 1990s musical landscape.
Discography
- Dreadful Sorry (Discovery, 1996)
- Old Dreams (Sire, 1998)