Shawn Pittman
Something's Gotta Give
(Cannonball Records CBD29111)
The newest release from Shawn
Pittman, Something's Gotta Give, is an excellent addition to the booming
blues scene in the North Texas area and nationally. Shawn wrote ten of the
eleven songs and takes us through a number of styles showing lots of taste
and selection in his writing and guitar playing. Using great tone as well,
Pittman develops his songs and gets just what's needed from each cut. The
title cut "Something's Gotta Give" kicks off with a tough hook
and never lets up from there. Great backbeat and slinky guitar fuel this
funky tune. Shifting gears but staying funky, "Tell Me Why" has
slight T-Bird overtones and let's Shawn do some extended playing. Moving
into a thick slow shuffle "Just A Game" grooves hard,
"Texas Style." Several instrumentals are featured on Something's
Gotta Give. "Cruisin'" rocks and makes you feel like doing just
that. Gettin' funky again, "East Side Groove" has Pittman
playing with a hard edge and biting tone. "Getting Started" is a
standout tune for it's jazzy feel and it's Wes Montgomery guitar stylings
(the wah-wah rhythm is pretty cool too). Mike Morgan guests on "Payin'
The Price" putting some great guitar down, grinding over a heavy
groove. All eleven cuts on Something's Gotta Give are equally strong and
showcase Shawn Pittman well. His singing is emotional and strong
throughout the CD. His guitar playing is phraseful and energetic. He lets
loose when it's needed and hangs back with good effect when that's needed
too. His backing band is solid and right on time. John "Sonny
Boy" Williamson on bass, Riley Osborne on keys, Dirk Cordes on drums,
Lee Schloss on baritone sax, and Bill Eden on tenor sax, all form a tight
unit that changes styles easily through the disc. The production by Jim
Gaines (SRV) is full and toneful, and snapshots Shawn Pittman at a point
in his career where he seems to be in close touch with his music. Another
thing that is nice about this CD is that the liner notes have comments by
Pittman about each of the tunes. It lets you in on some of the song
inspirations. This is a solid and strong second effort for Shawn Pittman.
Good funky Texas blues from start to finish. I've kept this on the top of
my "current play pile" of CDs and I know, Something's Gotta Give
- it'll probably be my CD.
- Pete
Barbeck -
Southwest Blues CD Review - September 1999
Current Reviews - 1999 Reviews
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