Bio:

Rees Shad has been crafting musical narratives across decades

In the rich tapestry of Americana music, few artists have woven stories as intricate and compelling as Rees Shad. Since his 1994 debut “Anderson, Ohio”, Shad has been on a relentless quest to push the boundaries of musical storytelling, earning him a reputation as not just a songwriter, but a true architect of narratives in the world of contemporary folk and Americana.

 

The Evolution of a Storyteller

With a catalog spanning an impressive 17 solo albums over three decades, Shad's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to artistic growth as he "has been on a relentless quest to push the boundaries of musical storytelling" (Seth Rogovoy). Each release serves as a chapter in his ongoing exploration of sound, story, and the human experience. From the early days when critics dubbed him a "wordsmith to watch," to his current status as a celebrated songwriter and performer, Shad's evolution has been nothing short of remarkable.

 

The Art of Musical World-Building

What sets Shad apart is his unique approach to composition. "I often work by assigning myself compositional parameters," he explains. This method has led to a diverse body of work, each album a distinct world unto itself. Whether it's crafting story songs in the style of particular writers, responding to specific production styles, or creating interconnected overarching narratives, Shad's process is more akin to that of a novelist or filmmaker than a traditional songwriter.

 

Porcelain Angel: "A collective thing of beauty and fascination" (RnR)

Shad's latest offering, *Porcelain Angel' is rife with narratives exploring the American experience across generations. From the desperate pleadings of a traumatized sharecropper's daughter in 'Magic Lantern Presentation' to the rumination's of an absentee father in 'The Right Thing,' to the regretful reflection upon a friend lost to suicide in the title track, Shad expresses remarkable empathy and depth in his storytelling.

 

Detailed Production paired with Musical Mastery

Each and every one of Shad's albums has been meticulously performed, recorded, and produced. His choice of collaborators over the years has often included members of East coast 'A' team musicians and audio engineers from the start, and his sonic and musical vision continues to surprise and amaze.  Bill Bentley said of Shad's latest release that "the ears boggle!"