MEM SHANNON
I'm From Phunkville (Northern Blues Music)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

---

Although Mem Shannon's new record company is based in Toronto, his debut on Northern Blues is pure New Orleans blues laced with some mighty tasty funk from this Crescent City bluesman. I'm pretty biased, though. Ever since I discovered Mem's 2002 record Memphis in the Morning (Shanachie), I've gone out of my way to see him play when I'm out on the road, and each time I've seen him live, I've always reconnected with the funky side of the blues. Whether he's playing Biscuits and Blues in San Francisco or Chicago's House of Blues, his live shows offer heavy doses of funky blues, and I'm From Phunkville delivers. Mem's got a knack for writing short blues songs that will liven up any party, whether that's on the 19th hole or a small intimate club. "Swing Tiger Swing" is an homage to Tiger Woods, and the somber and introspective "In a Perfect World" is a perfect soundtrack to a romantic evening alone with one who's captured your heart. I hope Mem adds "I'll Kiss A Pitbull" and "We Going" to his live set lists as he's on the road more often than not this summer. Sample some of Mem Shannon's fine funk at www.northernblues.com. For over 25 years as a blues listener, I've shied away from funk due to its complexity, but ever since I discovered Mem Shannon, that's changed. Right on, Mem, let's funk it up!

Track List:

The Reason * Swing Tiger Swing * Perfect World * Phunkville * I'll Kiss a Pitbull * Battle Ground * The Lights of Caracas (I Didn't Know) * Sweet Potato * No Religion * Forget About Me * Eleanor Rigby * Ignant Stick * We Going

© 2005 - Eric Steiner