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Mem Shannon
official Web site
Track List:
1. The Reason
2. Swing Tiger Swing
3. Perfect World
4. Phunkville
5. I'll Kiss A Pitbull
6. Battle Ground
7. The Lights of Caracas (I Didn't Know)
8. Sweet Potato
9. No Religion
10. Forget About Me
11. Eleanor Rigby
12. Ignant Stick
13. We Going
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Mem Shannon - I'm From Phunkville
(NorthernBlues Music)
By Paul Rosner
Before the release of his 1995 debut, A Cab Driver's Blues (Hannibal/Rykodisc), guitarist/singer/songwriter Mem Shannon had never been outside of New Orleans. For decades, Shannon had driven a taxi and played gigs on the side, but all that changed when folks outside of the Big Easy began to take notice. Since then, recognition from high-brow media outlets like NPR and shows among blues' elite at The Kennedy Center and Montreal Jazz Festival have taken Mem Shannon far beyond his hometown. Shannon's fifth release, I'm From Phunkville, showcases the deep, soulful voice, smokin' guitar work, and insightful lyrics that have lifted this former cabbie to buzzworthy status. The super tight backing outfit helps flesh out a bluesy, funky, jazzy sound that perfectly supports Shannon's wizened pipes on cuts like the self-explanatory title track, the New Orleans stomper "Swing Tiger Swing," and the poignant "Ignant Stick." But make no mistake: Shannon is a true guitar monster, whose expressive, soaring electric guitar playing makes the whole package complete. When his equally expressive voice takes a break from telling colorful stories about love, prison, politicians, the general struggles of life, and even baseball, Shannon's guitar picks up the thread seamlessly, his fingers effortlessly filling in the emotional blanks between the lyrical lines. Look for Mem Shannon on the road, because this music should translate exceptionally well to the stage. In the meantime, go check out Phunkville: it's nice this time of year.
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