Memphis In The Morning

Album review

Mem Shannnon has come a long way from his days working as a cab driver. Six years after giving up his hack license, Shannon has four critically acclaimed albums under his belt. His fourth album, Memphis in the Morning, is his most polished effort to date. For Memphis in the Morning, Shannon collaborated with Dennis Walker, the Grammy-winning producer who has worked with artists such as Robert Cray. Shannon has evolved into an outstanding instrumentalist, mixing in blues with a little bit of funk à la the Meters. Shannon also brings a hearty sense of humor to his music, singing about traditional topics of heartbreak and loss as well as modern annoyances, as he does on the track "S.U.V." He also has a political edge, which comes through on his cover version of B.B. King's "Why I Sing the Blues," including new verses that attack the state of U.S. politics and education. After listening to Memphis in the Morning, it's easy to understand why Mem Shannon is considered one of the best modern bluesmen around.
© Jon Azpiri /TiVo