RICK SHEA
Sawbones (Wagon Wheel/Aim)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

---

Rick Shea is a veteran of the Southern California C&W scene, from Bakerfield roadhouses to the Palamino, and a key figure in Dave Alvin's Guilty Men. Sawbones is his third album under his own name, and while the others have had considerable critical support, he's still looking for the one that will bring as much commercial as critical success. If quality is the criteria, it would have happened a while back, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Sawbones, because this is one fine CD.

His approach here is better described under the broader heading "roots music" than straight country, but it's country enough to satisfy the most particular kicker. A lot of that has to do with Shea's rich baritone, which can summon up that aura of impending heartache that's so central to great C&W vocals. The line between impending heartache and whiney despair is a thin one, and Shea consistently stays on the right side of the line. On the other hand, when the tune and occasion calls for it, he's fully capable of delivering rock 'n roll grit or soulful blues. Rick Shea is a fine, expressive singer.

He's also a fine, expressive songwriter, writing or having a hand in writing all but one track on Sawbones (the cover is a terrific version of Lefty Frizzell's "Saginaw Michigan). On top of all that, he's a first rate talent on guitar and mandolin, the skills that have made him an indispensable part of Dave Alvin's recordings and shows in recent years.

Alvin may have to learn to dispense with Shea's talents, though, no matter how hard that may be. Rick Shea deserves a full time career as a headliner in his own right, and by all rights Sawbone should provide the breakthrough that makes that possible.

Track List:

Black Eyed Girl * Magdalena * Lonesome Cannonball * Deep Within The Well * Walkin' To Jerusalem * Still Water * Saginaw Michigan * Emperor Of The North * A Bend In The River * Piedmont Ridge * Sawbones * Mesquite * Camelia

© 2000 - Shaun Dale