I've been hearing about Shannon Curfman from various people on the internet who have seen her show recently. Nothing but rave reviews and these are coming from people who generally aren’t impressed with just anyone who straps on a guitar and plays a few blues licks. This is particularly impressive when you hear that this girl is only 14, not old enough to drive or date. When Shannon Curfman's CD arrived in my mailbox, I was interested in listening to it right away. I wasn't disappointed and this is the type of CD I love to review. It's a great CD, which sounds and looks like it was put together by a seasoned professional with the production, packaging, photography all top notch. Like Jonny Lang, who inspired her, Shannon's voice sounds much older than her years. No spice girl teenybopper songs here, the songs deal with subject material that's mature and talks about life and relationships. This girl can sing, play guitar and express emotion much older than her age would indicate. If this is what this girl can do at 14, she should be amazing in ten years or so.
My favorite song on the CD is "Playing With Fire." This is a killer song that would work in a club or an arena with lots of dynamics, big vocals and heavy guitars. 'Playing With Fire' links Robert Johnson, Jimi Hendrix and the singer in a musical timeline of influences. With an almost Janis Joplin vocal style, major dynamics, and arena rock sound, this song could be a major hit.
"True Friends" is another excellent song with a Melissa Etheridge style, with a piano shuffle beat, heavy guitars, and again, I could see an arena or a club full of people rocking to this song.
The range of songs covers rockers, ballads and points in-between. If you like Melissa Etheridge, or some of the other "heavier" girl singers, then you should like this CD. If you like guitar rock, there's enough of that also. This CD is a keeper, and I recommend it highly.
Website: www.shannoncurfman.com
Shannon Curfman - Guitars & vocals
Jack Holder - guitar
Kevin Bowe - Guitar
Paul Peterson - Bass
Michael Bland - Drums
Special Guest: Jonny Lang - Guitar
Murf
http://home.sprynet.com/~murf01
This review is copyright © 1999 by Robert T. Murphy, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
