Jon Shain sets precedent for Coffeehouse Series

By Lindsay Bartholf
Staff Writer

On Sept. 7, did you “Get What You Deserve?” If you weren’t at the Coffeehouse Series premier showcasing Jon Shain, an improvisational blues singer/songwriter, then the answer is probably no. Shain played a wide array of music in the U.C. including his album’s latest hit, “Get What You Deserve.”

Shain’s laid-back demeanor, humorous persona and warm conversational dialogue with the crowd made for a relaxing atmosphere of acoustic rock. The U.C.’s cozy setting provided those who attended with an up-close exhibition of one of North Carolina’s most popular eclectic rock musicians.

Shain’s latest solo album “No Tag, No Tail Light” earned him wide-ranging, yet admirable reviews.

Richard Gehr of The Village Voice declared Shain to be “well on his way to carving out his own patch of Southern Americana.” His work is not easily categorized, which compels industry critics to look beyond conventional musical boundaries.

A recent review describes the Jon Shain experience as a “breezy, open-air train ride through the history of American music, moving seamlessly through folk, swing, rag time, piedmont and country blues.”

The veteran singer/ songwriter developed an early inclination toward southern music while attending Duke University in the late 80’s. From there, he founded his first folk-rock band in Chapel Hill, The Flyin’ Mice, which later became known as WAKE.

The group toured tirelessly for almost a decade on the east coast, sharing the same stage as The Dave Matthews Band, David Grisman and Leon Russell. Before the group’s break-up, they had released four CD’s and established a solid fan base.

Since going solo, Shain has released three albums and is currently awaiting his latest release in November. Although you may have missed out on a night’s worth of innovative music by Shain, there are two more shows CAB is putting on featuring Tad Dreis and Lindsay Johnson on Oct. 12 and Nov. 16. Perhaps then, you can seize the opportunity to really get “what you deserve.”

For more Jon Shain information including tour dates and free MP3 downloads, visit www.Jon-Shain.com.