Blues
A soulful singer who also plays passionate and highly expressive guitar, Mem Shannon performs New Orleans funk and bluesy R&B. Having been a cab driver for 15 years, he knows a lot about human nature and his observations are often heard in his lyrics. While "Payin' My Dues," "No Religion" and "I Won't Back Down" are insightful, it is the touching "All I Have" (about losing virtually everything during Hurricane Katrina) that has the most memorable lyrics. The final two selections, "Voodoo" and "Phunkville," put the emphasis on the instrumentalists who get opportunities to stretch out. A stimulating set.
By Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.
**
Mem Shannon is a national treasure. He's New Orleans' hometown Blues legend and captured live at Tipitina's, there is no better way to hear him except in front of the man, in an audience. We're lucky here, having only recently been treated to Mem's show at BNL. Mem has a unique ability to communicate. From SUV behemoths dominating the roadway to the unstoppable power of funk grooves, Mem makes it. Supported by his trusty road band and 3 of New Orleans' best saxmen, this disk is sweet and phat. Angelo Nocentelli percolates bass with his family genes showing. Josh Milligan lays down the backbeat and the percussives hard and smooth while Rhock massages his Yamaha. Mem's axe has a surgical edge and a bludgeon of sound. Together, they have a groovethang going. This CD is a greatest hits of Mem's best old and new delivered with a punch from tear filled eyes of All I Have to raving rockers like Phunkville. The set is tight yet relaxed and clearly aimed at an appreciative and partisan hometown audience. Mem lathers on the oomph on Tom Petty's I Won't Back Down, making it rock and it's got a load of Iguana-sizzle too! The NO funk oozes out of No Such Thing and 13 minutes of - closes with a smoking jam. This is one smoker, ribs, brisket and all. 9 snaves
By Dr. Blues.
**
Mem Shannon is a triple-threat. He summons up the spirit of New Orleans like few others, mainly because his funky grooves are saturated with lessons supremely learned from cats like Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, and the Neville Brothers. His rich, mellow baritone voice is both authoritative and warm, while his guitar work is supremely tasteful and funky to the core. But his ace-in-the-hole is his ability to tell a great story with his own unique philosophical spin. That puts him in a league with such classic blues raconteurs as Lightnin’ Hopkins, Muddy Watters, Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, and Lighnin’ Slim.
"At long last, we have a live performance to savor Live-A Night at Tipitina’s and it’s a hot 70-minute set by Mem & the Membership at that legendary nightspot and provides ample evidence why Shannon’s a walkin’ and talkin’ blues master. His trademark soulful Funk is in full display, but the bottom line is this is his most convincing outing since his debut Cab Driver Blues.
"Blues was meant to be heard live, so any performer worth his salt will always sounds better doing his thing in front of an audience. Those two facts have never rung more true than on L-ANAT. Backed by a punchy three-man horn section, an evening of pure soulful Funk goes down superbly as groove after delicious groove whets one’s appetite for more and more. The rhythm section of Angelo Nocentelli (bass) and Josh Milligan (drums) display a mastery of funky rhythms that’s second to none. But the captain of this funky spaceship is Mem Shannon and his masterful stewardship is the glue that holds it all together.
"No Religion is the tour de force of the set, although Don’t Back Down is a real close second. Amidst all the funky happenings, one can’t help but notice All I Have where a pile of debris left in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation becomes a poignant reminder of a lifetime of memories. Powerful stuff! Live-A Night At Tipitina’s is packed with excitement and gets my wholehearted recommendation.
By Gary Tate. Jazz Review.com
**
When taxi driver-turned-bluesman Mem Shannon released "A Cab Driver's Blues" in 1995, he earned a reputation as a songwriter who told stories by carefully observing the lives of others. On "Live: A Night at Tipitina's," the New Orleans-based singer-songwriter turns the spotlight on himself with a powerful new song called, "All I Have," a first-person account of dealing with the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
According to record company information, Shannon left town before the hurricane for a pragmatic reason: he can't swim. His return to the decimated city apparently inspired "All I Have," which has him sifting through the rubble of his old home and telling an unnamed female companion about the significance of each item. The matter-of-fact realism of the piece is underscored by his band, The Membership, which back him with a melancholy, minor key groove.
There are other highlights on this CD, which was recorded live during Mardi Gras 2007 at the legendary Crescent City club. On "Payin' My Dues," Shannon gets to show off his spindly guitar style; "Forget About Me" shows his jazzy side. And the 13-minute reworking of the title track of Shannon's "I'm From Phunkville" CD really brings the funk.
The problem with having a song as intense as "All I Have" on a CD is that it can't help but overshadow the other songs. Listeners won't be able to easily shake off their first listen of "All I Have," but with repeated listenings, all of "Live: A Night at Tipitina's" will start to shine.
By Tony Sclafani.
**
Joe Cabral- (Saxophone), (Soloist),
Robert Dabon- (Keyboards),
Mem Shannon- (Guitar), Mem Shannon (Vocals),
Jason Mingledorff- (Saxophone), (Soloist),
Angelo "Funky Knuckles" Nocentelli- (Bass),
Tim Green- (Saxophone),
Jimmy Glickman- (Introduction),
Josh "The Little Kid" Milligan- (Drums).
**
01. Payin' My Dues 5:58
02. Smell Something 6:59
03. No Religion 6:12
04. Who Are They 6:30
05. All I Have 7:20
06. I Won't Back Down 4:43
07. No Such Thing 5:57
08. Forget About Me 5:32
09. Voodoo 11:52
10. Phunkville 13:05
**
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