© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2009

Shawn Pittman
Meridian
Self-Released

Webster’s Dictionary defines “Meridian” in several ways. Definition number 3 “a high point” best describes the latest Shawn Pittman release. Returning to what he does best, which is playing the blues, Meridian takes Shawn’s game to a whole new level. With honest, insightful lyrics backed by stunningly precise guitar skills, Pittman delivers his most moving CD yet.

He was a fiery blend of good looks and well honed guitar riffs when he bolted out of the gate in 1997, releasing his first CD at age 23. As appealing a performer as he was then, something was missing – experience. Not in his guitar playing or singing, both were exceptional. But in knowing the blues the only true way – by having life kick you a few times. Hard.

Shawn is older now, a different guy who has lived, and it shows in his songs. The 11 self-penned tracks that appear on Meridian display an understanding of not only himself, but also the world around him. Gone is the brash bravado of youth, and in its place is a wiser, more introspective view from a man who has matured yet is not world weary. The track “Fortune and Fame” is a prime example of this new knowledge. When he sings “I never made a lot of money…..I don’t need to be an overnight success……I like to play the blues….I don’t want fortune and fame” there’s no mistake that he means it.

“Call Them How I See Them” deals with taking off the rose tinted glasses and taking a realistic look at how things really are. And the music - Pittman burns life into a hard driving shuffle like no one else!

Years of playing live fuel “Make People Dance”. Shawn has played enough blue joints to know that when you’re on the stage, it doesn’t matter how beautifully you execute the tunes of the masters. What matters is “Does the crowd like it?” When you make people dance, they get thirsty, they drink, the bar makes money and you get another gig and can pay the rent.

Still, for an artist like Pittman, it’s a better way to make your living than sitting in a cubicle. Everyone that’s ever sat at a desk watching the clock hands crawl slowly toward 5pm on a Friday can relate to “Let’s Blow This Joint”. Here Shawn rocks up the blues, while lamenting the daily grind.

The CD ends with a gale force instrumental “Hurricane”. You can feel the whole room shake when Pittman cuts loose and let’s his guitar scream and wail. You know you should run for cover, but you are too mesmerized by this force of nature to leave.

There is a beautiful, retro feel to Meridian, from the style of the songs to the cover graphics, but that’s where it stops. Shawn Pittman is smart enough to know what’s behind him, but to always be looking ahead. Meridian is destined to be only one of the high points in what we can only hope is a very long and productive career.

- Blue Lisa -


Southwest Blues CD Review - December 2009

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