SHAWN SMITH - HIGHWAY 99 BLUES OCTOBER 31ST - LIVE REVIEW
How often does music express the emotions that have been placed upon it, how many times can lyrics and the music coincide and form a power greater than any human? Well this is one of those occasions.
A voice, unlike any other singer songwriter, a musician whose talent is astounding at the same time criminally elusive in the musical world, that man, performs here in Seattle at the Highway 99 Blues, on South Alaskan Way.
With a single chair upon the stage, lights dimmed, and the audience sitting at reserved tables, some, like me sitting at the bar with a great view, drinking coffee that’s constantly topped up.
On comes Shawn Smith, through the many well dressed Halloween outfits that are on display, he picks up his acoustic guitar and begins....
Photo Credit - Bob Mattson
A catalogue from over twenty years which include solo and with bands such as Brad, Satchel, Pigeonhead and All Hail the Crown. A voice that can float over the clinking of glasses and conversations of people that probably shouldn’t be there.
Shawn Smith bares his soul every time he stands in front of a mic, every time he sits in front of a crowd, his voice, if it had to be described, would be that of a lullaby, a voice that would be heard during times of reminiscing, a soundtrack to what peace of mind would sound like.
A dream that became a reality during my time in Seattle, I’ve seen Mr Smith live, in London on two occasions previously. This was special; this was in the town I’ve been yearning to visit since my teenage ‘grunge’ years, standing just feet away from the stage where I feel every word and chord. The acoustic version of Mother Love Bone’s ‘Crown of Thorns’, to Satchel’s ‘Suffering’, which leads to a sonnet styled acapella of Amazing Grace, beautiful gospel that only a musician like Shawn Smith is able to pull off.
A superb end to an opening set for his first of many times at the blues bar.
Thank you Social Media, thank you Highway 99 Blues bar and thank you Seattle
I recommend you all check out Shawn on his 2015 UK tour – get your tickets and more below:-