Search - Bill Sheffield :: Journal on a Shelf

+1/2 -- Moving, original acoustic country-blues

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 04/04/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This Atlanta-based singer/songwriter/guitarist writes and plays songs that find a "connection between Muddy Waters and Hank Williams." He's not the first to combine acoustic country and blues, but his folksy lyrics and old-timey tinged voice add flavors of artists such as Loudon Wainwright III, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Leon Redbone to the usual battery of blues influences. Backed by acoustic bass and the occasional harmonica, Sheffield's picking (replete with ragtime inflections) and soulful Southern vocals provide the album's musical focus. After a half-dozen albums, this is his first national release, and the eleven originals and two covers (including a reading of Tom Waits' "Invitation to the Blues") stand upon timeless blues progressions. Sheffield's acoustic playing and dynamic vocalizing will draw you right in. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]"