Shy Blakeman - Long Distance Man (2010)

An interesting past, a colorful character, a tradition of music in his family, and a bushel full of talent comprise the one and only Shy Blakeman. Shy was born in Wyoming in July of 1980. The first years of his life were spent watching his father sing in the local country act "Whiskey Fever". "I think my dad and the Whiskey Fever Band were my biggest influence. Theyre music was the first I remember hearing. I think its just been engrained in me ever since." After Shy turned 6 his family packed up and moved to California. "Thats where I was introduced to Rock, Rap, Ska, and Reggae! I credit Ska and Reggae for making me fall in love with music. The first band I ever started was a Ska/Punk band I dont even remember the name of it, it was terrible" he laughs. By the age of 14 Shy and his family moved to Texas. Shy struggled through his high school years with many bands. "It always seemed about the time wed get a band started up somebody would quit, and we would have to start all over again." After high school Shy hit New York City, and met up with a few friends. "We started Reluctant 131, we were a pretty popular band. I mean it took a while but we really gathered a following. We traveled on tour all down the east coast, and into the Midwest. At that time most of the bands on the tour were just like us, regionally successful. But I just wasnt happy with punk. So I decided to move back to Texas. When Shy returned to the Lone Star State he started performing with his Fathers band. It finally felt like I was doing something right. Playing locally until his father retired from music. In 2002 Shy released his debut album Downtown Women. The title track spent over 40 weeks on the Texas charts and featured Texas legend Gary P. Nunn. The album was moderately successful in the state and also featured special guest Rusty Wier and Miranda Lambert. Downtown Women was a learning experience for me. I had never done a full album on my own before. So I was a little apprehensive when it was released. But it was well received by the fans and DJs so I guess it did what it was supposed to do. After releasing his freshman project Shy Blakeman & The Whiskey Fever Band hit the road touring Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and even into Mexico. That is until December 2, 2003. Shy was shot during an attempted robbery in Dallas, TX. It was right after the show. I tried to wrestle the gun away and he shot me in the face. Im real lucky to be alive today. Shy was rushed to the hospital where they performed emergency surgery. While I was in the hospital I realized this (music) is what I really wanted to do. I almost lost my life, so Im gonna do what really makes me happy. It really motivated me. After 6 weeks bed rest Shy was finally ready to start playing again. The band has toured continually from February 2003 to present date, playing almost 150 dates in 2005 alone. His soulful and edgy delivery of country music will make you understand the meaning of roots as Shy immerses himself deeply in the music. Shy Blakeman & the Whiskey Fever Band deliver a blend of old school honky-tonk, Southern (and Texas) Rock, and a dash of Blues. The high energy approach to Shy's brand of country is uplifting and contagious and with the release of his sophomore project The Southern Roots Revival hes more determined than ever. So if you ever get a chance to catch one of his shows make sure and get a front row seat. You wont be disappointed.