MEM SHANNON
Memphis in the Morning (Shanachie)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Fair warning: Mem Shannon is one of my favorite bluesmen. That said, you'd know that this is going to be one lopsided review of his latest Shanachie CD. On Memphis in the Morning, Mem's playing with the Memphis Horns under the expert production of Dennis Walker (Robert Cray and B.B. King), and if Memphis in the Morning doesn't get Mem noticed, I don't know what will. Mem makes B.B.'s "Why I Sing The Blues" his own, and my favorites are the title cut and the radio- friendly "S.U.V." I'm not too much of a funk fan, but when Mem plays, my feet start tapping. I've seen Mem and his Membership live at San Francisco's Biscuits and Blues, and both live and on record, he's one of the most original players and songwriters in the blues today.

Track List:

Drowning On My Feet * Why I Sing The Blues * Memphis in the Morning * S.U.V. * Invisible Man * Tired Arms * I Smell Something * You Belong to Him * I Love The Way You Love * Unconditional Love * Shake Up the Floor * Doing the Best That I Can

© 2002 - Eric Steiner