Without the benefit of promotion from a major record label, James had secured his fan base from consistent touring.
[2] In 1977, he moved to San Antonio, Texas, and played along with various musicians including Bo Diddley, John P. Hammond and Dave Van Ronk.
[1] Bob Brozman played some slide guitar on Art & Grit, and Danny Barnes has appeared on a number of James' recordings.
Three years later Burnside released, Fast Texas, where James was accompanied by Cindy Cashdollar on steel and dobro guitars; plus Ruthie Foster and Cyd Cassone on vocals.
James' own songs appeared on Fast Texas, as well as covers of work from Hop Wilson, Milton Brown, and Little Hat Jones.