Jim
Shaneberger – Work In Progress (Industry Standard Entertainment)
A singer-songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, a solo
artist and a sideman – one can’t help but feel that music plays an integral part
in Jim Shaneberger’s life. “Work In Progress” is his debut solo record and
represents his first opportunity to not only showcase his songs but also his
undoubted prowess on a number of instruments; drummer (and friend) Karl Schantz
is the only other musician that contributes to the 10-track collection.
Recorded in his home state of Michigan where he’s
established himself as an in-demand bass guitarist and vocalist, Shaneberger
has employed the experience gained playing with artists like Greg Nagy and
Donald Kinsey to realize his own musical vision. The blues provide the central
core to his sound, though he’s happy to explore a variety of associated styles
from funk and soul to rockier territory. Whatever his approach, it’s an album
with plenty of swing, and Shaneberger’s vim and vivacity shines through,
throughout.
He’s on fire from the first bars of opening cut “One
More Chance”, a full-on, Stevie Ray Vaughan-esque blues-rocker, with plenty of stinging
guitar. “Running Your Mouth” arrives on an infectious rolling rhythm; the
song’s underlying menace is exposed lyrically at every opportunity and
Shaneberger’s guitar is dirty and fractious – great stuff! Equally, when he
turns his hand to poppier, more soulful fare - “Trouble”
springs to mind – he nails both the sentiment and the execution.
All in all, a rock-solid blues-based record that delivers
a whole lot more than its title suggests. I’m already looking forward to his
next outing.
Phil S.
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