Shelby James and The Crying Shames encompass all that is good about country music. From the traditional Americana sounds with their ol’ timey feel, acoustic instrumentation, and three-part harmonies to the rustic, easy-going nature of the musicians involved, the band has no need for cowboy hats to capture that down-home spirit.
Traditional country music blends with bluegrass, folk, and rock ‘n roll to transcend categorization with rowdy, foot-stompin’ music and heartfelt crooning.
Shelby James Graber has been the one constant figure in the band since its inception. And, since that time, Graber has worked with a number of the Valley’s finest to craft the soulful, homey sound that makes the Shames what they are. Mark Kopentis, most notably, had added his talents to Shelby’s undertaking for many years until his recent passing in 2009 left the group in heartbroken disarray. Almost a year after this tragic loss, Shelby has rallied musicians to the Crying Shames banner once again, and, I must say, he did an awfully fine job of assembling the new cast for the continuing saga.
Shelby James Graber may be the lead man in this group, but each member of the band truly stands out for what they bring as individuals to the collective Shames force. Dividing lead guitar responsibilities as well as adding to the sound on the banjo and mandolin, Amos Cox brings a definite Chieftains feel to the group. He even takes turns as lead singer when certain songs call for it, or when Shelby decides to get down on the harmonica.
Mickey Ferrell displays an amazing sense of rhythm on the bass. Despite not having a drummer, every song bounces right along in that ‘thump thump’ feel thanks to his impressive plucking. He holds down that rhythm-fort, even when singing impressive harmonies alongside his bandmates.
And then there is the violinist. Not a single word leaves Jane Hilton's lips, but there is no need once the violin comes to life in her hands, communicating to audiences on a melodic, sweeping level. And, we love her hair.
This brings us to Shelby James, who provides the majority of the group’s songbook from his own repertoire. A versatile vocalist, Shelby’s Midwest (now Southwest), Americana style emerges from his rural Ohio background which reveals itself not just in his inflection and tone but also in his lyrics, rich reference county lines, American Legions, and the comings-and-goings of small town boys in big cities.
Be on the watch for performances by the full band around town. Shelby is an acoustic-night favorite for many local hangs but group shows are less frequent and should be cherished. With this line-up, Shelby James may have found the perfect collective force in the Crying Shames to elevate his music to another level.
The term “country music” has seemingly come to suggest in the younger generations of listeners rednecks, line dancing, twangs, and drawls. I’ll admit that in the folly of my youth I may have uttered that all-too-common phrase, “I like all types of music… except country.” Thankfully, maturation and experience has changed many things, and now when I think about true country music I envision rural roads, Sunday dinners, watching lightning bugs from porch swings as dusk darkens, and an illustrious lineage of musicians that sing from the salt in their bodies.
