big shanty

Biography

Big Shanty is an American blues-rock musician known for his innovative fusion of traditional Delta blues with modern electronic elements, creating a sound that blends retro and techno influences. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, he was drawn to the blues from an early age, listening to local radio stations and developing a deep connection to the genre by age eight. His early musical journey was marked by experimentation, particularly with guitar tunings, leading him to develop his own unique tuning in 1977, which became a hallmark of his playing style.

Big Shanty's career gained significant momentum in the mid-2000s, particularly with the release of his anti-war single "Killing Fields," which topped the Blues Critic singles chart for five weeks in 2007. His album "Ride With The Wind" was critically acclaimed, remaining in the top ten of the Blues Critic album chart for five months and earning the distinction of "#1 Blues Album of 2007" by Real Blues Magazine. Known for his energetic live performances and genre-blending approach, Big Shanty has collaborated with a range of notable musicians, including Col. Bruce Hampton and Liz Melendez, and has continued to release powerful collections of both studio and live recordings. His music is often compared to artists like the White Stripes, Jimi Hendrix, and Neil Young, reflecting his eclectic and boundary-pushing style.

Throughout his career, Big Shanty has remained committed to expressing raw emotion through his music, often drawing inspiration from personal experiences and dreams. His legacy lies in his ability to merge the storytelling tradition of blues with contemporary sounds, making his work resonate with both traditional blues fans and new audiences.

Fun Facts

• Big Shanty developed his own unique guitar tuning in 1977, which he continues to use exclusively.
• He claims his best songs come to him in dreams, and he writes them down as soon as he wakes up.
• His favorite guitar is a Guild D40 acoustic purchased in 1966, which he still plays despite its worn condition.
• He never learned to play other artists' songs and focuses solely on original compositions.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Delta Blues Tradition - Stylistic inspiration from early blues heard on Atlanta radio (Influence evident in all original compositions and guitar style) [Childhood onward]

Key Collaborators

• Col. Bruce Hampton - Featured guest and collaborator on album sessions (Big Shanty Sold Out) [2008]
• Liz Melendez - Blues guitar diva, contributed to album recordings (Big Shanty Sold Out) [2008]
• Spencer Kirkpatrick - Cutting-edge guitarist, session and live collaborator (Big Shanty Sold Out) [2008]
• Chris Blackwell - Guitarist, contributed to album sessions (Big Shanty Sold Out) [2008]
• Dustin Sargent - Bassist, contributed to studio recordings (Big Shanty Sold Out) [2008]
• Kevin Scott - Bassist, contributed to album sessions (Big Shanty Sold Out) [2008]
• Rick Phillips - Keyboardist (Roadhouse 88's), contributed to album sessions (Big Shanty Sold Out) [2008]
• Scott Robertson - Drummer, contributed to studio recordings (Big Shanty Sold Out) [2008]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Black Panther (Winter)
2. All Eyez on Me (All Eyez on Me)
3. Away (Away)
4. Ramadan Karim (Ramadan Karim)
5. Azmayeshgah S3-12 (Azmayeshgah S3-12)
6. Clan (Winter)
7. She Knowz What She Wantz (Winter)
8. Dele Man Havato Karde (Dele Man Havato Karde)
9. Lord Of The Rings (Lord Of The Rings)
10. Climax (Winter)

External Links

• Spotify