Shawn Z.

Shawn Z. is a colorful songwriter and a fun live performer.

He’s also one of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet.

A self-described gypsy who has dedicated his life to music, Shawn is smart, quirky and downright funny. He makes you laugh with his wit and smile with his songs. And though he can sometimes come off as a lighthearted roots rocker, his music offers some keen observations about American life.

“I work on songs every day,” says Shawn. “Some of them, I keep. Some of them are tossed in the garbage. They say songwriting is a craft, and to a degree, I agree. But it’s kind of like building a chair, and my gut tends to only like the chairs that I build. Everything inspires me and makes me want to write a song about it.”

Shawn’s new CD, “Saint Jude Avenue,” was released this week. It is the follow-up to his 2005 debut, “Wishful Drinkin,” which received local airplay as well as spins on XM and Sirius satellite radio. He has also performed at the Weekender’s “Music First” series at Montage Mountain and at the “Weekender/Mountaingrown Original Music Series.” Like his first CD, the new album was recorded at Saturation Acres recording studio. Bret Alexander, James Petrie and Shawn served as producers.

“It’s the same thoughts that came into the studio the first time,” says Shawn with deadpan wit in tow. “I hear the sound that I want before we make the record, and I’ve got fantastic people to help me reach that sound. I’m not trying to repeat myself. I want to be kind of daring.”

Bob Dylan serves as Shawn’s main musical influence, as well as Steve Earle, John Prine, Randy Newman and Kris Kristofferson. For this album, he says he even peppered in a little alt-rock.

“The last record was a little more country-oriented,” he says. “This time, we decided we were going to throw in Kurt Cobain with Steve Earle and Bob Dylan.”

Also appearing on the CD are drummer Ron Simasek and bassist Firp Edmunds. Songs include “Poison Water,” “Uncle Willie” “One End of The Candle” and “Half Baked.” Though he changed the actual street name, Shawn says the CD title, “Saint Jude Avenue,” as well as many of the songs on the album, are based on a road where he once lived right here in NEPA.

“I was in a bad neighborhood,” he says. “My mom came to visit, and she was crying because I was living on that kind of street. But there’s a whole lot of Saint Jude Avenues out there, and I think people get the wrong impression. It’s not just dirty welfare bums. There are a lot of people that mean a whole lot. Politicians, poets, writers, people on the way up, or people on their way down, or just people stopping through — the street provides the soundtrack to observations on life.

“I want to share that with people — that it’s not such a bad place,” he adds. “It may look bad from the outside view, but once you’re there and you live it, you learn a lot.”

Stories? Shawn’s got ’em.

He says one song on the new CD, “Better Than Me,” was inspired by a homeless man who was “one of the smartest men I’ve ever knew.” He adds that he once saw a man shoot his wife in a bar, and that he was once chased on a foot by a gang, simply because he spoke to some woman in the mini-mart.

“The cops finally showed up and asked me ‘What were their names?,’” I said “I didn’t stop and ask.’ ”

He laughs.

Shawn says he proud of the new album, particularly its edgy, live, roadhouse sound.

“When we record the record, one of the rules that I like to go by is that you record everything one time, and we’re done,” he says. “No rehearsal. Nothing like that. We just feel off each other.”

Shawn has had medical problems through much of his life. He’s also had battles with substances and was also in an accident in which he was thrown from a moving vehicle. Even as a child, he sustained a gypsy lifestyle and says he’s lived in more towns than he can even name. And though all of these experiences also help shape his music, he’s a remarkably positive person who seems to have no use for whiners.

“I’m just trying to open my heart and not be a coward about what’s in there,” he says. “That’s how I make my living. I tell the stories that I know, and if you learn from them, that’s your own fault. Music is fun for me.”

Shawn’s new CD is available at Gallery of Sound stores and through his Web site. Surely, it won’t be his last. - Alan Stout / Weekender Magazine

When I initially received this assignment to review the EPK by "Shawn Z", I thought there must be some mistake. “Shawn Z”? This artist’s name didn’t sound like the genre I was to cover. Don’t let the name fool you– Shawn Z is all of the good things that are “ Americana ”- roots – rock – country – folk. His Steve Earle comparisons are certainly justified.

Shawn is from Pennsylvania , but may as well be from Nashville or Austin .

His bio states that “ he’s written songs with some of the best songwriters in country and rock” and I can understand why.

His Debut CD “Wishful Drinking” contains songs that cover an array of feelings. Hope – yearning – nostalgia – while also including humorous honky -tonk feel good songs that bring you up and entertain. It has received airplay throughout the U.S. and reached # 11 after 14 weeks on XM Radio.

The first track – “Talking Cover Band Blues” is an amusing spirited song with great lines such as “My girlfriend left but I still got her kid. Maybe I’ll put him on EBay and get the highest bid”. Poking fun at country tunes we’ve all heard with wit reminiscent of a good old Charlie Daniels tune.

“Wishful Drinking “– the country rock title track is a gritty song with powerful guitar and no nonsense lyrics. “I’m just a man on a mission to turn it loose – let it all hang out”. This fun song makes no excuses.

The third track – “Thought It Was The Thunder” - is a ballad brimming with sincerity and lyrical expression. A moving story of a broken man leaving it all behind – expressing heartfelt introspection while on a train journey. The background finger picking acoustic guitar and vocal is accompanied by a slide guitar – both haunting and lovely.

Shawn Z has spent many years on the road as a touring musician and his experience certainly shows in his talent and storytelling on this debut CD.

On his web-site says: “100% American Music “ – and that - it undoubtedly is. - Northeast In-Tune Magazine

Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

Last night at The Woodlands, I saw everything that's great about going to see a live band happen right before my eyes within a span of just two hours. It was the latest installment of the monthly "Weekender/Mountaingrown Original Music Series," and it was an absolute blast. Shawn Z. came in with his ballsy brand of roots rock and made the Streamside Bandstand feel more like a roadhouse. People were hootin' and hollerin', tappin' their feet, a wild group of very lovely ladies were tearin' up the dance floor and the band was rocking.

Even after the radio broadcast from 10-11 p.m., the energy continued. Shawn's band for the night featured Bret Alexander and Ron Simasek of The Badlees, and at one point the unit slid into a cool rendition of the Badlees' gem "Diamonds In The Coal." Aaron Fink of Breaking Benjamin also got up and jammed, and as the night got longer, the selections got crazier. (I've known Bret for 15 years, but had never seen him play Black Sabbath.) Even during the band break, Rock Street Music sound technician Gene Smith made things fun by cueing up Badlees and Breaking Benjamin videos on the huge video screen, and watching those guys watching their own videos was downright amusing. You could even see some people in the crowd doing double-takes ... they'd look at the videos, then look at the guys, then look at the videos, and the expression of their faces said it all: "Hey, isn't that, uh ... you?"

Still, the meat of the night belonged to Shawn Z, who we've been playing on The Mountain for years. as soon as I walked in, the bar was jammed, and tunes from Shawn's "Wishful Drinkin'" CD and his forthcoming "St. Jude Avenue" album sounded great. Give Shawn props, too, for helping promote the night on his own. He posted on MySpace quite a bit about the show, and somehow the dude even got himself on WNEP-TV to talk about the gig. When you're trying to support local, original music, The Weekender and The Mountain can certainly help, but a proactive artist can only make things better.

Last night rocked.

"This might be the best 'Mountaingrown' night ever," said Dave Stewart, the music director at The Mountain.

Nicholette Doliva of The Weekender said the same.

"There's two national recording artists up there," said John "Johnny Weekender" Popko, clearly enjoying seeing Aaron and Bret jamming together.

And Shawn? He was digging it all, especially the wild group of lovely ladies that were tearin' up the dance floor.

Good music. Good times. Live in person, or live on the radio.

Now that - when I talk about coming out and seeing a live band - is what I'm talkin' about. - Alan Stout / Weekender Magazine

Shawn Z makes music that speaks to the soul. With strong vocals and power lyrics, Shawn Z has created a sound that is winning him a ton of fans and respect from the music industry. In a recent interview with our Webzine, Shawn Z spoke to us about his music. Here is what transpired. Enjoy!

Isaac: Thanks for the taking the time to complete this online interview. How do you sum up 2008 for Shawn Z?

Shawn Z: Thanks for taking the time with me. 2008 has been a whirlwind for me to sum it up.

Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?

Shawn Z: I think finishing the new record was the biggest accomplishment. Given all the obstacles that were thrown my way; we somehow made our way through.

Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?

Shawn Z: I'd have to say Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Kris Kristofferson. John Prine and even Kurt Cobain have influenced the music. As to why, I think it's because they found their own path and didn't become the cookie cutter artist that sadly the music scene produces a lot of.

Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?

Shawn Z: I'm applying for Steve Earle's old job.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?

Shawn Z: I've opened for Willie, John Fogerty, Poison, Toby Keith among others... but I think if Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Steve Earle were added to that list, I could die happy. I love working with other artists that have the same outlook on music.

Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?

Shawn Z: I'm just trying to open my heart and not be a coward about what's in there. That's how I make my living. I tell the stories that I know; if you learn from them, that's your own fault. Music is fun for me.

Isaac: What is your definition for Americana Music?

Shawn Z: I don't think there's a set definition. You've got John Prine on one end and Drive By Truckers on the other. It seems it's a growing and strong genre of music that is just on the edge of too rock for country and too country for rock.

Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous releases?

Shawn Z: My first release "Wishful Drinkin" back in 2005 was well received. Airplay throughout the world, reviews in languages I don't understand, was on the charts for 14 weeks and reached #11 which is pretty amazing for an unsigned act.

Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD? What is the inspiration behind the CD?

Shawn Z: The latest record "Saint Jude Avenue" is a musical journey through one of the streets I lived on. From the first stop sign, under the bridge and through the back alleys ... each song tells a different story from each window and doorway you pass. I'd recommend listening to the new record on full volume while you're on a long car trip. Hell, even a short one.

Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?

Shawn Z: The official website is www.shawn-z.com and the official MySpace site is www.myspace.com/shawnz

I've been rejected by eHarmony, so you won't find me on there.

Isaac: What can fans expect from Shawn Z in 2009?

Shawn Z: Actually, we're already working on new songs for a new record. And trying to make our way to each town that would like us to play there.

Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…

Shawn Z: Well, I don't shout a lot. Oh, I get it ... does that mean shout out to my baby's mama and such? I've seen that on the television. I love everyone, you know who you are.

Isaac: Final words from Shawn Z …

Shawn Z: Well, thanks to ya'll for writing about me like this. It's cause of folks like you and the great crowds we get at shows that I don't have to picture the audience in their underwear anymore. (Although, sometimes I still do). - Juniors Cave WebZine (Isaac Davis Jr.)

NEPA singer/songwriter Shawn Z. made a splash back in 2005 with his album "Wishful Drinkin'." That album was a tasty slice of all that's good in the Americana music genre - mixing the best elements of folk, country, and rock, and wrapping them in a blanket of potent, memorable songwriting.

Shawn is back with his latest offering, "Saint Jude Avenue." The new CD, like his last, is a powerful dose of roots music. For "Saint Jude Avenue" though, Shawn says he upped the rock ante a bit.

"The last record had a little more 'country' edge to it," Shawn says. "This time around, we brough out more rock 'n' roll. Don't get me wrong; there are a couple songs on there that people can label 'country', a couple that could be considered 'folk', and then the 'rock' comes out and brings it all together."

Shawn had some first-class help in getting that near perfect Americana sound on the new record, with some of the genre's best musicians in tow. The crack staff at Saturation Acres Studios, namely Bret Alexander, Paul Smith and Ron Simasek (names you may recall from PA favorites The Badlees), played no small in making "Saint Jude Avenue" the monster that it is.

"Ron, Bret, and Paul have been friends for many, many years." says Shawn. "I even tried to become one of The Badlees back in '95, but there weren't any openings." Shawn explains that at that time he was working in radio and had also just became a father, so the group simply remained in touch as friends. "I finally got around to visiting Bret's studio - then the magic happened," Shawn says. "There was no rehearsal - we just closed our eyes and played what we felt. The Gypsy band was then born." Shawn is referring to his live band, which features Alexander, Simasek, Smith, along with friend. "Firp" Edmunds, on bass. The recording of "Saint Jude Avenue" echoed the live vibe of the Gypsy band.

"I hear the sound I want before we make the record, and I've got fantastic people to help me reach that sound," Shawn says of his recording experience. "I'm not trying to repeat myself. I want to be kind of daring. We don't do 'overdubs'; we just go in and lay it down like you would hear it live - capturing that energy."

Shawn does like to get out and play with the Gypsy band whenever he can, but due to ongoing health concerns, it isn't always possible. "When we are able to get together, the songs take their own direction - just like on the record," Shawn says. "Folks are able to witness and feel what we do in the studio, in our living rooms, wherever. It's all 'feeling' - stories behind the songs included, which, I've been told can sometimes be longer than the songs themselves."

Talking about the making of "Saint Jude Avenue" led Shawn recall the past few years leading up to the new album - which haven't exactly all been rosy.

"My history since 'Wishful Drinkin' - lemme see," Shawn ponders. "I got great worldwide reception for the record, then got thrown out of a truck - which has blessed me with much memory loss. After talking with friends and family and looking through old notepads, I was able to recall some major 'change-points' in my life. My co-writer, James Petrie, and I just went with rehashing stories from some of my life's happenings."

It's in part due to these experiences that "Saint Jude Avenue" has a tremendous depth in it's songwriting.

"Thanks to going over my life after my memory loss," Shawn explains, "one of my co-writers helped me focus on my life and feelings from living on that street." (Yes, there really is a Saint Jude Avenue where Shawn lived for a time). "People look down upon the people that live there, thinking it's just bums and rejects," he says. "But really, it's a melting pot of all kinds of people - on their way up, on their way down - or people just passing through. That street provides the soundtrack to life on the thin highways of a fat America, and I want to share that with people." Shawn implores the listeners of his new album to take a look at the world he describes in his songs. "It's not a bad place, and you may learn a thing or two."

When talking about the songs that make up "Saint Jude Avenue," Shawn isn't partial to one in particular - they were all a labor of love.

"They all have special meaning," Shawn says. "A lot of the songs that my co-writer and I wrote together tied in both of our life lessons, like 'Poison Water', 'Uncle Willie', 'Rage On'. Of course, there's a few real personal songs that were like therapy for me to get out, like 'Since You Left Town', 'Life Goes On'' 'One End Of The Candle' and the love song to the right woman at the wrong time on 'Half Baked'."

The special meaning Shawn's songs hold for him takes on a new life when we plays those songs for new audiences.

"Seeing new folks' reactions to my songs is amazing to me each time," he says. "Whether they love it or hate it, I'm just trying to to open my heart and not be a coward about what's in there. That's ho - Connections Magazine (Mark Uricheck)

Shawn Z could very well be the long lost son of Steve Earle.

Wishful Drinkin' is the kind of album the country-twang legend Earle would be making if he weren't awash in political causes these days. It's a CD full of raw emotion, country/honky-tonk sensibilities, sarcasm, wit, and oh yeah; there are some really good songs as well.

The CD kicks off with a spirited rendition of Barry McGuire's classic Eve of Destruction , Shawn's voice dripping with conviction. The track packs a punch with the same sense of urgency it had when it first recorded 30 plus years ago. From there the quiet, acoustic lament of Been Down reveals the songwriting ability Shawn possesses. His wordplay is interesting, and it fits the acoustic driven, but still often tough music.

The album's title track is another one of those songs you'd swear was bestowed upon Shawn by Steve Earle himself. It's a rough and tumble mid tempo rocker featuring some tasteful slide guitar. Man I'd Like To Be is a soft, beautiful reflection. It's just Shawn and his guitar; haunting and vulnerable.

The cover of Billy Joe Shaver's Georgia On a Fast Train is a fun, foot stomping take on the original. It rocks just like the original, and gets some great pedal steel treatment. The cover cements the fact that Shawn Z is an old world songsmith, and like his cover songs the same. Look no further than I've Been Screwed for evidence of Shawn's clever songwriting talents.

Thought It Was the Thunder would not have been out of place on Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska or Ghost of Tom Joad. Shawn Z has a gift for the quiet songs of heartache and questioning, as does Springsteen. Songs like these from Shawn on Wishful Drinkin' are alone worth the price of admission.

The CD's closer, Talkin' Cover Band Blues is the kind of humorous, satirical look at a musician's life that hasn't been seen since Dr. Hook's Cover of the Rolling Stone. It's kind of what it would have been like if Bob Dylan had been a comedian. When's the last time you've heard a reference to classic rockers Golden Earring in a folk song anyway?

Shawn Z's Wishful Drinkin is a must for fans of solid songwriting, as well as those who like their country with a little bit of rock ‘n roll. Shawn defies categorization, except for the tag singer/songwriter. This CD is definitely big time stuff from a small town guy.
- nepatoday.com

This disc wins the listener over with its coarse charms. Shawn Z. has an unvarnished vocal suited for Americana and an unpretentious yet thoughtful way of looking at things. The grabber is the plain, in-transition song “Man I’d Like to Be” which exhibits a wisdom more of us should have (examples: “It’s too late to change what I am/And too early to tell what I’ll be” and “I’ll lose some friends as I’m leaving/Depending on which ways I turn/But that’s alright by me cause I’ve always believed/That some bridges are just best left to burn”). The nice John Prine-ish bent of “Been Down” and the skillful lament “Thought It Was the Thunder” show Shawn’s intimate side. He gets plenty rowdy with the bad luck tune “Hey Judge Judy” and “Wishful Drinkin’” – not to mention the whimsical “Talkin’ Cover Band Blues” that’s a standup guitar-and-harmonica knee-slapper on passing musical fashion (“Anyone wanna hear some Golden Earring? Huh?”). Seek this one out at www.shawn-z.com or www.sonicbids.com/shawnz
- Amplifier Magazine - Don Thomason

NEPA singer/songwriter Shawn Z. made a splash back in 2005 with his album "Wishful Drinkin'." That album was a tasty slice of all that's good in the Americana music genre - mixing the best elements of folk, country, and rock, and wrapping them in a blanket of potent, memorable songwriting.

Shawn is back with his latest offering, "Saint Jude Avenue." The new CD, like his last, is a powerful dose of roots music. For "Saint Jude Avenue" though, Shawn says he upped the rock ante a bit.

"The last record had a little more 'country' edge to it," Shawn says. "This time around, we brough out more rock 'n' roll. Don't get me wrong; there are a couple songs on there that people can label 'country', a couple that could be considered 'folk', and then the 'rock' comes out and brings it all together."

Shawn had some first-class help in getting that near perfect Americana sound on the new record, with some of the genre's best musicians in tow. The crack staff at Saturation Acres Studios, namely Bret Alexander, Paul Smith and Ron Simasek (names you may recall from PA favorites The Badlees), played no small in making "Saint Jude Avenue" the monster that it is.

"Ron, Bret, and Paul have been friends for many, many years." says Shawn. "I even tried to become one of The Badlees back in '95, but there weren't any openings." Shawn explains that at that time he was working in radio and had also just became a father, so the group simply remained in touch as friends. "I finally got around to visiting Bret's studio - then the magic happened," Shawn says. "There was no rehearsal - we just closed our eyes and played what we felt. The Gypsy band was then born." Shawn is referring to his live band, which features Alexander, Simasek, Smith, along with friend. "Firp" Edmunds, on bass. The recording of "Saint Jude Avenue" echoed the live vibe of the Gypsy band.

"I hear the sound I want before we make the record, and I've got fantastic people to help me reach that sound," Shawn says of his recording experience. "I'm not trying to repeat myself. I want to be kind of daring. We don't do 'overdubs'; we just go in and lay it down like you would hear it live - capturing that energy."

Shawn does like to get out and play with the Gypsy band whenever he can, but due to ongoing health concerns, it isn't always possible. "When we are able to get together, the songs take their own direction - just like on the record," Shawn says. "Folks are able to witness and feel what we do in the studio, in our living rooms, wherever. It's all 'feeling' - stories behind the songs included, which, I've been told can sometimes be longer than the songs themselves."

Talking about the making of "Saint Jude Avenue" led Shawn recall the past few years leading up to the new album - which haven't exactly all been rosy.

"My history since 'Wishful Drinkin' - lemme see," Shawn ponders. "I got great worldwide reception for the record, then got thrown out of a truck - which has blessed me with much memory loss. After talking with friends and family and looking through old notepads, I was able to recall some major 'change-points' in my life. My co-writer, James Petrie, and I just went with rehashing stories from some of my life's happenings."

It's in part due to these experiences that "Saint Jude Avenue" has a tremendous depth in it's songwriting.

"Thanks to going over my life after my memory loss," Shawn explains, "one of my co-writers helped me focus on my life and feelings from living on that street." (Yes, there really is a Saint Jude Avenue where Shawn lived for a time). "People look down upon the people that live there, thinking it's just bums and rejects," he says. "But really, it's a melting pot of all kinds of people - on their way up, on their way down - or people just passing through. That street provides the soundtrack to life on the thin highways of a fat America, and I want to share that with people." Shawn implores the listeners of his new album to take a look at the world he describes in his songs. "It's not a bad place, and you may learn a thing or two."

When talking about the songs that make up "Saint Jude Avenue," Shawn isn't partial to one in particular - they were all a labor of love.

"They all have special meaning," Shawn says. "A lot of the songs that my co-writer and I wrote together tied in both of our life lessons, like 'Poison Water', 'Uncle Willie', 'Rage On'. Of course, there's a few real personal songs that were like therapy for me to get out, like 'Since You Left Town', 'Life Goes On'' 'One End Of The Candle' and the love song to the right woman at the wrong time on 'Half Baked'."

The special meaning Shawn's songs hold for him takes on a new life when we plays those songs for new audiences.

"Seeing new folks' reactions to my songs is amazing to me each time," he says. "Whether they love it or hate it, I'm just trying to to open my heart and not be a coward about what's in there. That's ho - Connections Magazine (Mark Uricheck)