Shawn Kellerman
Land of a 1000 Dreams
Flaming Cheese 2007-01001
It has been six years since his last solo release and a year since his joint effort Raw To The Bone with Bobby Rush. Anyone who
heard either of those CDs or has seen him perform with Michael Pickett, Paul Reddick or Carlos del Junco, may think Shawn
Kellerman is either an electric guitar sorcerer or a country blues purist. He tends to get classified as blues, but there is more
that than in Kellerman’s arsenal. Fans of many music styles will enjoy this varied CD. On Land of a 1000 Dreams, Kellerman
proves to be an accomplished guitarist, arranger, songwriter and band leader. There are 11 offerings that contain rock, funk,
hip hop, soul, gospel and blues. Kellerman handles all guitars, lead vocals, as well as contributes bass on half of the mostly
original CD.
The lead off title track – co-written by Shawn’s Mississippi pal Mark Whittington – is a throw back to 1970s Allman Brothers southern
rock. The song even features twin lead guitars. The vocals are mixed beyond the point of distortion, which inadvertently disguises
their deficiencies. Brawny horns are prominent on the funky "Big Time," which reveals Shawn’s reverence for the southern U.S. The
Canadian guitarist spent five years in Mississippi, where he lived, played and toured with such notable blues artists as Bobby Rush.
The ultimate funk is delivered on "Whipsnap," which sounds like an updated version of "Heatin’ It Up" from Shawn’s debut disc, Take
Note. The lyrics are minimal, so the entire focus is on the groove, and it’s intensified by stratospheric horns, rockin’ guitar and
hot-plucked bass. This song will become a living legacy to James Brown. "Wash My Back" is a slow blues with too much attention
on unproven vocals. The song was written by Lucky Peterson, who traveled to Canada to perform with Shawn at a series of standing
room only CD release parties. At those concerts, Kellerman performed these songs equally well live, proving that his magic is not a
phenomenon of the recording studio. "Never Give Up" is the kind of blues they dig down south. On it, Kellerman’s guitar whips you
into shape like the look your woman gives you when she disapproves your actions. Based loosely on "I’ll Play The Blues For You",
"Bug and Shawn" is a merger of rap and blues, and it works real well. I was astounded the first time I heard Kellerman’s instrumental
version of the old spiritual "Pass Me Not, Oh Gentle Savior". If you have found salvation in sacred steel (the Campbell Brothers have
been performing the song for years), you’ll hear the glory in this song.
Yes, there are some shrill and kickin’ guitar solos, but they aren’t cranked and wailed to excess. The debonair guitarist burns with
control, and resists blasting off notes like a moon bound rocket. Though it is aggressive, the guitar playing is urbane. Using an
impressive array of guest musicians such as Douglas Watson and John Lee may have injected some inconsistencies among the songs.
Land of a 1000 Dreams displays all aspects of Kellerman’s many talents and musical styles. He is so much more than a hot shot,
lightening fast blues/rock guitarist. Using a vocalist as good as this CD’s positive qualities, could elevate Kellerman to the big time.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - April 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews
