Shannon McNally

I actually saw Shannon on the Mellencamp tour. She was promoting “Jukebox Sparrows.” I wish I had the interest then as I do now in opening acts. As I recall, I thought she was okay (Susan Tedeschi in 1999 stood out more to me, than did Shannon) but,then again, I took opening acts with a grain of salt. I’ve missed out on a lot over the years with that attitude.

With that said, here is a detailed review of Shannon’s performance, opening for JM, from 2002. John had her come out and perform “Pink Houses” with him to wrap the show.

http://www.popmatters.com/music/concerts/m/mellencamp-john-020728.shtml

@tntracy wrote:

I don’t recall Shannon McNally being discussed here before. She is easily in my Top 10,

Have a listen to Shannon and her band Hot Sauce live from KUT-FM Austin, TX July 1, 2010.
Songs / interview from her new EP “Coldwater”
http://kut.org/items/show/21525
lwj

Shannon McNally performed a beautiful acoustic show last night (Dec. 4, 2011) at McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, CA. Her featured support was guitar virtuoso Greg Leisz, with additional support from Don Heffington on small percussion objects, and Will Sexton on bass and occasional guitar. This was an intimate performance in the listening room of McCabe’s–a distinct contrast from Shannon’s electric shows in raucous Southern roadhouses. Shannon played a variety of original songs and covers for about 90 minutes, including her stunning cover of Kate Wolf’s “Brother Warrior”, from Shannon’s “Run for Cover” CD.

Shannon & Greg navigate up the coast to Zoey’s in Ventura, this Thursday evening, Dec. 8.
For an extremely louder show, try Shannon at Rooster’s Blues House in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on New Years Eve.

Just a brief capsule to note that, upon tntracy’s tip, I drove to Oxford for Shannon McNally Thursday night. Much to my delight, Amy Lavere opened–with a generous hour-long, dozen-song set. Half of these were off the new record Stranger Me, one off her first record, two from Anchors & Anvils, and a pair from the EP (the Waits cover + title track “Died for Love”). She also played a song I didn’t know, perhaps titled “The Bridge.” Not to mention two tunes earlier in the evening at the Lyric Theatre for a live taping of Thacker Mountain radio show, two different ones (“Killing Him” and “Take It or Leave It”). In preparation for The Wandering “supergroup” tour, Shannon invited Amy up to join her for two songs from that material; Amy disparaged that a bit and said “we’ll be ready” when the tour opens May 10, but I thought they were fine. The Wandering comprises Luther Dickinson from N Miss. All Stars, Shannon, Amy, and two other “chick singers” (as quoted by Bryson Jones), one of whom I think is the legendary fife player Otha’s daughter or grandaughter, can’t remember the surname. Perhaps tntracy can provide a link to the Wandering info; I asked Amy if she could sell me an advance copy of the record (due out May 8), but she hasn’t even received it or heard it. After the Wandering tour, Amy has a solo tour working west to east, beginning in either late May or early June.

Shannon was superb, though I had to leave an hour into hers. Eric Deaton on guitar, new member of Hot Sauce on some background vocals; the band left temporarily, and Shannon and her new member did a haunting Townes cover, “If I Needed You,” marred by boisterous Proud Larry’s patron noise. Didn’t get to talk to her.

And now to head toward a DIFFERENT female bard. . .

Stella, are you geared up for McNally’s 2012 McCabe’s appearance, with Amy Lavere, slated for Sunday October 14? Good times. . .

The owner of Zoeys in Ventura told me last night that Shannon will play there in July! It’s not on the calendar yet. I hope it is not while I am away on vacation.