Loud Guitars, Big Suspicions
Shannon Curfman
(1999) Arista Records
This CD was one of those finds that happens when you’re browsing through the aisles of your local CD store—that is, if you happen to live somewhere where there are still CD stores. I was flipping through the Blues section and I saw this red-haired, very young girl looking back at me from the CD cover, and I was intrigued enough to buy it and give it a listen. It turns out that in fact Shannon Curfman was a very young girl when this was released in 1999 (around 13 or 14), and I liked what I heard. She has some strong guitar licks and her voice has enough of a bluesy feel to warrant a slot in the Blues section. Some reviewers likened her to Bonnie Raitt, but like with Joss Stone when she was just 16, I feel like Curfman had some maturing to do before she really blossomed into a truly amazing talent. I do like this CD, though. I like the sound of Curfman’s voice, and there are some strong tracks, including “True Friends” and “Few and Far Between.” Still, I felt compelled to give this CD three guitars instead of four because what I really hear when I listen to these songs are potential for future greatness.
We’ll be able to check out whether or not Curfman has grown into her potential soon enough. Her newest CD, Fast Lane Addiction, will be released on October 9, 2007.