PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Roots Music Resonates From the Midwest with Lonedell
*** ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF LONEDELL ***
SINGER/SONGWRITER STEVE SHAW’S LATEST RELEASE
St. Louis singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Steve Shaw has followed up his debut solo album, “Lay This Burden Down” with a 14 song, fast-moving, eclectic mix of American roots music entitled, “Lonedell”. This is Shaw’s fourth full-length release, including two with his band Freeze the Hopper.
Shaw takes a definitive turn with his songwriting and recording direction 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 is flautist and vocalist Stacie Missey and 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.
“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 recorded “Lonedell” at Cedar Box in University City, Missouri. It was produced by multi-instrumentalist Patrick Crecelius, who added a creative tracks on various songs with his playing of ukulele, lead guitar, organ and piano.
As the leader of the modern rock band Freeze the Hopper from 1994-2000, Shaw toured extensively, recorded two full length albums on the Prometheus Disc indie label, and received rave reviews for both recorded and live performances. He has appeared on both radio and television and has acoustically performed the national anthem at the Savvis Center in St. Louis.
In 2002, Shaw set out on a solo career, performing acoustically throughout the Midwest, including a six-state tour in support of his solo debut album, ‘Lay This Burden Down’ in 2006.
Fast Facts:
Steve Shaw singer/songwriter, vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, harmonica, mandolin, organ, piano, 4-string banjo
The Release:
Lonedell (Night Café Recordings), featuring 14 original songs
CD Launch Party, November 13, Kirkwood Station Brewing Company
Previous Releases:
2011: the single, "The Americans" (Night Cafe Recordings)
2010: the single, "Melancholy Blue", Indie Underground (QuickStar Records)
2007: Lay This Burden Down (Night Café Recordings), featuring 20 original songs.
Releases with Freeze the Hopper:
1995: Illusions of Grandeur (Prometheus Disc, 1995) featuring 12 original songs and one cover song (Sister Golden Hair)
1996: The single ‘Violets at Night’ – voted best rock song (Blueberry Hill Records, 1996),
1997: Burn (Prometheus Disc, 1997) featuring 14 original songs
1998: The single ‘Something Here’ – Soundbytes St. Louis Compilation (Ink Records, 1998).
For more information go to steveshawmusic.com or phone Night Café Productions 314-226-9038
