A month ago I received an email from a marketing representative for Universal Music in which they informed me that: Country singer/songwriter Shelby Lynne will be playing in Fairfield, CT on August 7 at Stage One at 7pm.The email then asked if I would be interested in posting it to this here BLOG. Well, my memory was jarred a bit and I headed for the archive cellar, there I found the compilation CD I was looking for: It was from 2001, made for me by an internet friend whose name long escapes me (if I really wanted to, I could hunt it down, but that's for another time), It was a brief overview of "Musical Justice" his Live365.com Radio Station and it included the track "Killin' Kind" by Shelby Lynne.
The fact that I had remembered the song, and remembered liking it - this from someone whose only Country likes are basically Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and anything attempted by Elvis Costello - led me to this response: "Yes, I would like to post about this on the "Gone Local (& Beyond)" BLOG. Could I ask if there might be a pair of tickets that we could give away as a prize to one of our readers?"
To which Universal Music responded "YES" and asked if I could do an interview. I of course agreed, and like ships passing in the night, we never were able to finalize it. Of course leading up to what I thought would be my 1st interview with a major/national act, who I have little to no knowledge of - except for that one song from 2001 and all the music and information I could glean off her MySpace page - Her brand new CD, "Tears, Lies, And Alibis" which she's touring to support, has been released on her own "indie" label: Everso Records, etc. - I wondered what route I should take with the interview? Should I cram and prepare to show how "professional" I was and how much I was into her and what she had going on? Or should I come right out of the gate and profess to only knowing what little I did, but also admit to liking her vocal style and what she was doing now out there on her own? I could ask her to educate my readers/listeners (I had planned to tape the interview and play it on my Radio IndepenDisc show as well as post it here) and myself, as to who she was and why we should listen to and support her. But alas, the timing for the interview was not to be.
But, what about the FREE pair of tickets? As I write this, I'm not sure if they are still there or not, but I'll tell you what: If in the next 72 hours (that gives you until Midnight Thurs 8-5-10) you can post to this here BLOG what you know and appreciate about Shelby Lynne - If you can educate me (and everyone else who reads this BLOG) a bit more about Shelby Lynne, I'll pick the person who does it best, the one person who basically completes my interview for me, and give them that FREE pair of tickets to this Saturday's Shelby Lynne show at Stage One in Fairfield, CT. So C'mon Shelby Lynne fans, What say ye?
PS: Disclaimer: I’m not sure if Universal Music will honor their word about that FREE pair of tickets, But I’ll fight for you if I have to.
Good voice, good songs, what more do you need? Shelby Lynne is the real deal and should be selling out arenas but instead you can see her at an intimate venue. She gave the best acceptance speech when she won her Grammy for best new artist in 2001 she said "Thirteen years and six albums to get here." She gets bonus points for being the big sister of Allison Moorer who is married to Steve Earle.
ReplyDeleteMuch of that breakthrough record "I am Shelby Lynne" sounds like a mash up of southern soul and country. The new record starts off kind of pop. Never seen her live, but I suspect she'll be captivating.
Underrated (no secret there) performer, who may have not broken out, because of lack of mainstream sure fire hit.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a country expert either, but to me, she's less country and more rock or even alternative influences, as many current country peformers are. Example: great version of Rolling Stones "Dead Flowers".
Horrific family event, contributes to deep emotional depth of songs.
Obviously, acted in "Walk The Line".
My favorite, recent event: Outstanding; and I mean OUTSTANDING duet with Peter Wolf, singer from J. Geils on his recent release "Midnight Soveniors", on the song "Tragedy".
On a lighter note, seems to have a different hairstyle, all the time!
I recently visited Stage One for the first time, and love the "TV studio" vibe of this intimate venue.
Congratulations to Jeff "Simply" Devine of Ansonia. He was the recipient of the pair of tickets to see Shelby Lynne!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Many Thanks to Universal Music for donating the tickets to "Gone local (& Beyond)" their generosity is greatly appreciated.
Here's my followup comment after attending (which sounds suspiciously like a review!).
ReplyDeleteShelby Lynne put on a very enjoyable and absorbing 100 minute performance Saturday, August 7th at FTC. Almost all 10 songs were featured from her latest excellent, self released studio effort “Tears, Lies, and Alibi’s”.
Shelby played acoustic guitar, and was accompanied only by John Jackson, guitarist from her touring band and latest release, who contributed mightily with his atmospheric styling’s.
Her country background well represented by the short, radio friendly, “Why Didn’t You Call Me”. Although multiple other influences were on display, most songs wrapped around contemplative, lyrical, adult friendly rock. Bluesy “Old Number 7”, humorous “Something To Be Said (about Airstreams)”, were good examples. Highlights from older releases were “Anyone Who Had A Heart”, from the 2008 Dusty Springfield tribute “Just A Little Lovin”; along with “Killing Kind” from the older “Love, Shelby”.
** Probably what makes Shelby stand out for critics and fans who have “got the memo” about her, is the heartfelt depth she lays bare her soul in performing. This commenced with the show and album opener “Rains Came”. The audience was at rapt attention for the deeply emotional “Like A Fool”. Shelby established an emotional connection with the audience, while at the same time, somehow keeping distant. The song “Wall In Your Heart” perfectly illustrates that distinction. By the time the set and release album closer “Home Sweet Home” finished, everyone walked out moved by a top notch performer, in her prime.
Overheard lobby chatter perhaps summed it up best. Someone said, it’s a crime, she’s playing a place this small. Thankfully for the people in attendance, she was.
Singer, songwriter Julian Peterson opened with a short, fun set; despite his between song banter nervousness.