A soulful singer who also plays passionate and highly expressive guitar,
Mem Shannon performs New Orleans funk and bluesy R&B. Having been a cab driver for 15 years, he knows a lot about human nature and his observations are often heard in his lyrics. While "Payin' My Dues," "No Religion" and "I Won't Back Down" are insightful, it is the touching "All I Have" (about losing virtually everything during Hurricane Katrina) that has the most memorable lyrics. The final two selections, "Voodoo" and "Phunkville," put the emphasis on the instrumentalists who get opportunities to stretch out. A stimulating set.