Justin Townes Earle at the Cactus Cafe Sunday

Son of Steve Earle, named for Van Zandt, Justin Townes Earle is one of the most prominent faces in the world of genre-bending Americana. Effortlessly building from influences like Jimmy Reed, Kurt Cobain, The Replacements, Ray Charles and The Pogues, Justin is coolly redefining what it means to be a roots-man in Nashville.

His show at the Cactus Cafe Sunday bow ties a very busy year. He's been at the Chicago Country Music Festival, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Fest in San Francisco and the Americana Music Awards Show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This year was also significant for Earle, who can hardly blink without being reminded of his formidable pedigree, as he was nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year at the AMAs. The Good Life (Bloodshot, 2008) is his full length debut, and has garnered great praise from both pop critics and country superfans. This is one of those perfect moments when the album art reveals exactly what to expect upon pushing play: Earle oozes country rock rambler vibes, tattooed and charming, two-stepping and gritty. He exudes a venerable Guthrie-type confidence but doesn't imitate him, and he bare-knuckles through dance numbers and hobo blues with discipline and wit. His live shows are always a treat, so don't miss him Sunday night at the Cactus Cafe.

Justin Townes Earl [@ Bloodshot] [MySpace]