Shaun Murphy

It Won’t Stop Raining

Vision Wall Records

Shaun Murphy had been a featured vocalist with “Little Feat” for sixteen years. In 2009 she decided to leave that band to pursue her passion for the blues. Her album “Ask for The Moon” received three Grammy nominations and won two Blues Blast Awards. On her last recording, the critically acclaimed “Loretta”, Murphy penned seven new songs.

For this new album, her seventh, Murphy’s song selection includes hand picked covers and previously unrecorded tracks written by members of the band. Murphy recorded the entire album with her touring band: Kenne Cramer and Shawn Starski, guitars; Larry Van Loon and John Wallum, keyboards; John Marcus, bass; and Tom Del Rossi, drums. The album is mixed by Randy Coleman and produced by T.C. Davis.

On the opener “Spreadin’ The News” the band sets up a blues groove that is sustained throughout the recording. The rhythm section of Marcus on bass; and Del Rossi on drums, lay down the strong foundation for Murphy’s emotive vocals. Cramer and Starski light it up with their incendiary guitars.

“Your Husband is Cheatin’ on us” is a provocative tune from Denise LaSalle. No one dresses a song better than Murphy. “Happy with the One I Got Now” and the passionate “That’s How a Woman Loves” are both from Georgia songbird EG Kight.

“Running Out of Time” and the funky “Fool For You”, featuring great keyboard work from Van Loon and Wallum, were written by Corky Newman.

The classic “Need Your Love So Bad” composed by John Mertis Jr. was first recorded by his younger brother Little Willie John in 1955.

The title track “It Won’t Stop Raining”; and “Price of Love” written by guitarists Starski and Cramer; are two more standouts on this album full of highlights.

Murphy’s exceptional vocal performances are seemingly relentless as she is in her comfort zone when with this great band. The blues sure seem to love Shaun.

Richard Ludmerer