Shaun Murphy – Brand New Blues
Coming Soon Sounds
12 tracks 47 minutes
Shaun Murphy’s bio for her work reads like a who’s who of the music world. Little Feat, Bob Seger, Meatloaf, Eric Clapton the Moody Blues, Herbie Hancock, Phil Collins, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Maria Muldaur, Bruce Hornsby, Michael Bolton, Coco Montoya, and Alice Cooper are some of the folks Murphy has honed her skills with. Her trademark style of powerful vocals are unique and grip the listener as she belts out each song. This new album is a superb addition to her catalogue of music with a Baker’s Dozen of new tracks to enjoy.
Murphy, of course, handles all the lead and backing vocals. On guitar and duet vocals on the next to last track is the great Tommy Stillwell. Tom DelRosse is on drums and percussion and on bass is Mike Means. On the keyboards is Anthony Saddle. Murphy’s band is always up to the task and here they once again deliver a fine album with Shaun.
“Mama’s Home” kicks the album off in a rousing fashion. Ringing slide guitar and vibrant vocals are the order of the day. Murphy sings with deep passion and grit as she tells her man in no uncertain terms she’s home. Nice organ accompaniment here, too.
Next is “Bad Luck and Trouble,” a rocking little cut with stinging guitar and Shaun singing with her signature style and sound. The organ again provides a nice back drop as Murphy and company give it their all. And we get lots of cow bell.
“Mobile” is some cool slow blues with haunting slide guitar. Murphy tells a story of going back to Alabama and recapturing her life. There’s a lot of hurt and passion expressed in this one; beautiful stuff.
The title track is a slick blues ballad with a mid-tempo beat. Murphy sings about her man taking a hike because she’s got some brand new blues. The guitar is distorted and really cool, offering up a high octane solo.
“Against the Wind” is a song of redemption with Murphy singing with guts and feeling. She sings about reaching inside to get the gumption to continue moving forward and makes her case. Organ and guitar continue in fine support. Moving and cool stuff and she gives the song depth with her backing vocals.
Then it’s “Killing Time,” a slow and beautiful ballad with Stillwell’s guitar punctuating Murphy’s vocals. She sings that she is “killin’ time before time kills me.” Somber stuff, but Shaun gives us anther deep performance. A nice intro by Stillwell sets the tone and then Murphy steps to the plate and hits it out of the park. Big, lament filled guitar licks helps make this one special.
Shaun shifts gears with the bouncing and up beat “Flatlands.” The organ helps the band set the groove and the guitar again rings brightly as Murphy sings about feeling the vibe of Mississippi’s flatlands. There’s a big organ solo to savor here along with more great guitar as the two go back and forth profoundly.
“Just As I Am” follows, another somber and cool ballad sung and played with restraint. Shaun asks for acceptance just as the title says, wanting to be accepted for who she is. The organ kind of takes us to church a bit as the guitar steps up and helps Murphy build the song up with passion. The backing singers help take things home as everyone gives it their all and makes for a resounding finish.
The piano and band gets a little honky-tonk groove going as Shaun sing with gritty passion in “Take Up Off Your Lips.” Murphy tells her man to forget her physically and emotionally and end this relationship. Stillwell plays alacrity and helps to sell this one.
“I’m Gonna Take the Money” is a song about being realistic. In choosing between love and money, Murphy states that money wins out all the time. She growls and lets the listener know how she feels about getting into a relationship. More well done guitar and organ here.
“Love Me Like You Used to Love Me” is Murphy telling her man what to do and if he’s not willing to go back to what he used to do then he might as well just hit the road. It’s a fun and romping track with Shaun and then Tommy going back and forth with the same message to each other. Both sing with directness and certainty in their feelings. The guitar, piano and organ work to make this one fun, too,
The finale is “Love’s Track,” a funky and driving cut with a great groove and impassioned vocals. Shaun sings with deep feelings as the band helps her deliver the message.
This is Murphy at her best, recording with her fine touring band. Those who are fans will savor this, a truly exceptional release of outstanding music. Those new to Shaun will get a quick indoctrination into why this rocking, soulful power house of roots, blues and R&B is a special performer. Go get this album now! It is delightful and wonderful!
