Shy Blakeman and the Whiskey Fever Band - The Southern Roots Revival (2005)

"Let the revival begin!" - this is how the sermon-like monologue ("The Evangelist") that precedes the musical part ends, whose speaker ends up sounding almost like the voice of the introduction to the Iron Maiden classic "Number Of The Beast". Well, we don't have to expose ourselves to toxic heavy metals and the ominous effects of the number 666; But after a devilish twist of numbers we get to 9, because that's how many colleagues the 25-year-old singer and rhythm guitarist Shy was able to gather around him during the recordings. A few of them are members of the Whiskey Fever Band, which was founded by his father Skip in 1979. A beautiful family story straight out of a picture book, another rock 'n' roll fairy tale?
Not quite, because as a teenager the son initially indulged in non-roots music styles such as punk and ska, only to finally find the path back to his roots, both musically and geographically, about 6 years ago. He continued to play with his father for a while, but he decided he would rather enjoy the generous, state-guaranteed musician's pension. The Old Man's retirement didn't stop Shy from releasing his debut album in 2002 and an EP in 2004. In 2005 he released his second LP, “Southern Roots Revival”.
Although we have been in the CD age for many years, the running time of just under 38 minutes - including (how many versions?) "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" - is reminiscent of vinyl days long gone. You will be compensated for this with nine decent to very good songs from the roots genre. It starts with the piece "Sweet Southern Woman", which is dominated by the wonderfully flowing guitar lines and is complemented by the beautifully powerful female background vocals. That's why this CD is worth it! Anyone else talking about Dickey Betts?
“Going Back To Texas” (first-class riff), “The Little Things” (funky R&B), “Southland Saturday Night” (with country picking à la Steve Gaines) and “Gettin By” are in the same more rocking vein.
Pieces like "It'll Have To Do", "Shine" and "I Can Show You Texas" go more into the country corner with plenty of use of fiddle, mandolin and dobro. Plus that wonderful country electric guitar again and again, hell yeah! By the very last track, however, the band's biggest shortcoming becomes clear: Shy Blakeman's singing doesn't fit this type of roots rock. Here his past (as a punker?) catches up with him. Or is it the 'Johnny mainstream rock singer Van Zant syndrome', i.e. no feeling for songs with country or blues roots? Spitting out in the same tone over and over again is out of place here.
But that would be the only flaw in an otherwise good disc that is convincing. After the resurgence of the Southern Roots, the new edition can follow in the form of another CD. Let the revival continue!