Stomping Ground

Shane Adkins invites you to celebrate with him the completion of his first CD, STOMPING GROUND. Inside STOMPING GROUND, you will find samples of Americana Music at it's best. Country, bluegrass, western swing, traditional folk, and even the blues are waiting at every turn. STOMPING GROUND is filled with songs about the people and the places that Shane loves. It has been said that the listener instantly feels a bond to the music that he sings and plays. 'I write about real life and like to see people smile when I sing because I know they are feeling connected to the song,' says Shane. His audiences are always treated to a mixture of easy wit and astonishing talent. Shane is forever ready to tell a story for a chuckle or two. Listen to 'Purple Hull Peas' or 'Grandpa's Western Swing' for a bit of his story telling. Just when he's tickled your funny bone, he'll surprise you with a sentimental tune to warm your heart. 'Something I've Done Right' and 'Southern Mars' are touching illustrations of this. Shane began playing music around the age of 14. He was lucky enough to have grandparents in the famed area of Muhlenburg County, Kentucky (Listen to 'Paradise' to learn more about Muhlenburg County). Muhlenburg County is the birthplace of thumb picking, a method of finger style guitar. One of the men that originated thumb picking was named Mose Rager. Mose inspired many guitarists with his unique style of music including Merle Travis and Chet Atkins. When Shane visited Kentucky, he was tremendously blessed to join in on jam sessions with Mose in his home. Shane's music has been heavily influenced by Mose, Merle, and Chet. Thumb picking is a living part of Shane and he counts it a privilege to carry on the torch lit by these famous musicians. In August 2003, Shane was thrilled to receive the honor of being named the International 'Home of the Legends' Thumb Picking Champion. He compares this honor to winning an Olympic gold medal for thumb picking. In September of 2005, he traveled to Winfield, KS to enter the coveted International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. The trip was worthwhile because he brought home the 1st place trophy and a new Larrivee guitar. Well, if by now you are wondering what thumb picking actually is, here is a simple explanation. When performing a tune, the guitarist uses the thumb to carry the rhythm or bass while the fingers are picking out the melody. That's it! Sounds simple, but the music is intricately woven together so that when listening, most people believe there are least two guitarists at work. Nope. Just one. To hear an example of this, check out 'Take Good Care of My Baby' which is all instrumental or 'New Market Blues' an original from Shane. Shane has played to many, many audiences over the years, and while every audience is special, one stands out as a highlight. In January 2002, he performed one of his original songs, 'Beans and Taters' with Mike Snider and his band on the Grand Ole Opry at the famous Ryman Auditorium. The song Shane performed at the Opry can be found on the STOMPING GROUND CD. The purchase of this CD is your ticket to STOMPING GROUND. Hop on board; you'll be glad you did! Shane can be contacted at 256-828-0815 or adkins03@bellsouth.net.