American Roots Music Resonates from the Midwest
Lonedell
Steve Shaw toured the Midwest in support of his debut solo album, "Lay This Burden Down", for two years, including a six-state acoustic tour in the fall of 2006. Going on the road alone provided for some poignant moments for Shaw, including stops in Cincinnati Ohio, Lawrence Kansas, and South Bend Indiana. "Those three places especially stood out for various reasons," said Shaw. "I had played in Lawrence as a lot younger man and I always loved it there - a very creative, open, college town. As a Catholic football fan who is part Irish, I've always loved Notre Dame. I've been there for a few football games, but when I went there on tour I was by myself on a lonely fall Sunday. I walked the campus, went on the radio station, visited the grotto - it verified how powerful of a place it truly is. And Cincinnati was where the tour started. I had a long drive from Missouri and listened to the Cardinals world series game on the radio. I met some special people - very creative and beautiful people who treated me well. When you're on the road completely alone, you have a lot of time to think. It made me very reflective at a time that was starting to become extremely difficult for me personally."
Shaw's personal life hit rock-bottom as his marriage of ten years fell apart. In a whirlwind of change, Shaw soon found himself a single parent, taking care of his young daughter and moving back to his hometown of St. Louis. "Divorce for me was absolutely devastating. It left me reeling. Just completely broken and feeling a failure. It has profoundly changed me - I don't think I'll ever feel the same - to this day it's been hard to feel true joy - but I'm working on it still - trying to get past it."
These emotions and a return to his hometown inspired Shaw to start writing songs for what would be a 14-song, fast-moving, eclectic mix of American roots music entitled, Lonedell. "Being back in St. Louis and especially the township of Lemay, where I grew up was wonderful. I went back to the church of my youth where I attended Catholic grade school. I was so much closer to family - it meant a lot."
It was also during the recording of Lonedell that Shaw experienced another devastating loss as his father past away suddenly in the fall of 2010. "It's been difficult. Also difficult to see my mother struggle with it - they were married over 60 years. We all have a lot to learn from that generation. I think of him often - how he would react or handle certain situations. It definitely has made me reflect more. With the way the last few years have gone, I'm in reflection overload."
Add to this, his longtime dear friend and musical partner, flautist and vocalist Stacie Missey was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. "Sometimes, all of a sudden you look and see that things have been pretty bad for quite a few years," said Shaw, "Stacie's getting strong again and everyone expects a full recovery. We've talked about it often - it's time to get busy living again."
Shaw took a definitive turn with his songwriting and recording direction on Lonedell to more of an earthy feel, mixing in stronger country influences than any of his previous releases. Returning from the Lay This Burden Down recordings along with Missey is drummer Toby Mechem. Shaw also returned to the studio with another large variety of instruments including mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, banjo, piano, organ, fiddle, and guitar. Those were the few constants that carried over from the previous album.
"I wanted to change things up a bit," Shaw said, "I knew I wanted a different direction and feel so I wanted to go in with most of the persons involved unprejudiced with what I've done in the past." Lonedell was recorded and mixed at Cedar Box Studio in University City Missouri and produced by Patrick Crecelius. The record was then mastered at Blue Jade Audio by Brad Sarno in St. Louis. Shaw also had guest pianist Richie Kihlken and mandolin and fiddle player Brian Elder contribute to the recording. Crecelius also added creative tracks on various songs with his playing of ukulele, lead guitar, organ and piano.
Lonedell once again addresses the things that define Shaw – his Catholic faith, family tradition, and affinity to the working class. While The Beatles and Dylan influences are still evident, Shaw nods to country folk legends like Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt, and Woody Guthrie with songs of loneliness and desperation. With this he mixes in up-beat rhythm shuffles and clever melodies that add texture and excitement.
The identifying stamp that ties the album together and gives it a unique feel different from “Lay This Burden Down”, is the playing of mandolin and fiddle player Brian Elder. Elder’s playing is emotional and melodic and adds a final touch that nudges Lonedell into the American roots and country folk genre. Shaw said, "I am truly honored to have a guy like Brian play on this album. He's an unbelievable player and very accomplished at so many things."
"Lay This Burden Down started me down the Americana road and 'Lonedell' continues that journey," Shaw said, "after four albums - 50 songs - I've never had the same approach on any of them. On 'Burden' I laid the whole album out. I road-mapped it on an 8-track, had every detail worked out before ever going into the studio. With great players like Brian Elder and Patrick Crecelius playing on Lonedell, I wrote all the songs on acoustic guitar, had a rough script in my head as far as the arrangements and other instruments and let those guys do their things. I also put a lot of faith and trust in Patrick on the production side. I sort of just let go, and winged it this time. I allowed my heart to be spontaneous on this one. I hope people dig it. It's different from anything I've done."
