Dignify

One of the joys of music is that diversity so often leads to singularity, as Steve Shook's new CD so delightfully proves. In a truly eclectic career path that's included stints in a Venezuelan garage band (the very collectable 'Homer and The Don't's'), nearly a decade opening shows for George Carlin (as half of 'Travis, Shook and The Club Wow') and time rocking around the Bay State (as part of 'The Incredible Casuals') he's created a catalogue of songs and paired his voice and guitar in a style that is his alone. It has a touch of samba, a bit of country swing, a hint of Paris cafes, and a healthy dose of rock. On his new record, he steps out for the first time as front man for his own project. With the help of producer Kimon Kirk he's assembled some extraordinary players to join him: session wizard Duke Levine on guitar, Terry Adams of NRBQ on keyboards, Jennifer Kimball of The Story on vocals, jazz accordionist Sonny Barbato, and past collaborators Rikki Bates on drums and Berke McKelvey on reeds. Steve writes about the little moments of life and love that mask the deeper feelings, and sets them to music drawn from a world of sources, and from that diversity he's created this singular treat. - Rob Hart.