Singer-Songwriter’s 10th Album Adds New Flavors To Trademark Blues And Gospel-Based Style
King Reveals Reflective Side On First Singles “Time Means Nothing” And “Ring in The New”
AUSTIN, Texas — A fixture in Austin’s famed musical scene, prolific songwriter, and show-stopping singer Shelley King released Madam Mystic, her 10th album on November 10.
With 12 new tunes written or co-written by King, Madam Mystic confirms her command of “electric Southern blues and acoustic folk, revved-up Cajun country and rock ’n’ roll” (Dallas Observer). At the same time, it unveils a deeper artistry, matured by her years of touring, recording, and electrifying audiences throughout and beyond the Lone Star State.
Most intriguing among these new elements is a broader, more philosophical influence, which both enhances and expands her sound. King says, “we’ve all been through difficult times. The last few years have given me a lot of time to consider what’s important and what binds us together. I write songs that might help people through the hard times and also songs that help people celebrate the good times. I want people to laugh, cry, love more, let go and be happy.”
On Madam Mystic’s first single, “Time Means Nothing,” she reflects on how isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic affects our perception of time, leading her to assert that “what matters is here and now.” An unexpected vulnerability colors “Help Me Please,” an account of her search for shelter in an indifferent world, and “I Believe,” which celebrates the redemptive power of love, whether driven by faith or by just one special person. Yet on the title song King characteristically pokes fun at her own quests for meaning. (“Madam Mystic, cast your spells / Help me hear those wedding bells” / “Silly girl, you got it wrong / Don’t you know it’s just a song?”)
King also shines on more traditional material. “That’s What I’m Gonna Do” is an old-school romantic duet, featuring Colorado-based Matt Skinner in seamless harmony. With acoustic instrumentation and without drums, the accompaniment complements the tenderness of the lyric. (“I’m not afraid to risk my heart for fear of losing you / But that’s what I’m gonna do.”) On the other hand, “The Power” advocates taking that risk whether in romance or in becoming one with all that the world offers. (“Give it all you got, then you’ll understand / You got the power at your command.”)
She also finds a place for playfulness, especially on “Mississippi,” recounting the fun of learning to spell that difficult word with “crooked letter” substituting for “s” and “hump back” for “p.”
The varied emotions of Madam Mystic are brought to life by King’s cast of exceptional musicians and friends. Steel guitar/dobro legend Cindy Cashdollar, whose solos hit the sweet spots on several tracks. Drummer Steve Amedée, keyboardist John Magnie, and singer Tim Cook draw from the synchronicity they achieved as members of The Subdudes. Along with the rest of her guests, they conjure whatever vibe King wants: the Stax-like funk of “You Got That Right,” the sauce, sass and strut of “Crash of Thunder,” even Magnie’s goofball kazoo solo on “Mississippi.”
Following her studies at Sam Houston State University, seasoned by countless gigs in musical theater and as a solo act, King relocated to Austin in 1992. The title track from her 1998 debut album, Call of My Heart, won “Best Song” honors at the Austin Music Awards in 2002 after being covered by Toni Price. King and her group won the AMA’s “Best Roots Rock Band” honors in 2005. And in 2008, the Texas legislature chose her as the first woman to be designated an Official State Musician of Texas.
The music press extolled her as well, noting how she “carries herself with the strength of a woman who knows how to step up and get it done” (KXAN.com). The Houston Music Review described her singing as “full of blues sensibility [and] touched with sultry sexuality,” while the Austin Chronicle added “King’s Earth Mama vocal omnipresence … trips the neon lights fantastic.” And Sweden’s Country Rock Specialisten summed it all up by concluding, “With her bold voice, strong lyrics and fine musicianship, Shelley King ain’t no shrinking violet.”
For more information on Shelley King, visit www.shelleyking.com.
Shelley King on Tour
Dec 05 – The Continental Club – Austin, TX (with Carolyn Wonderland)
Dec 07 – House of Blues – New Orleans, LA – Gather for the Good Times: with Marcia Ball, Carolyn Wonderland, and more
Dec 08 – Dixie Center for the Arts – Ruston, LA – Home for the Holidays: Marcia Ball, Carolyn Wonderland and Shelley King
Dec 12 – The Continental Club – Austin, TX (with Carolyn Wonderland)
Dec 17 – Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – Austin, TX
Dec 19 – The Continental Club – Austin, TX (with Carolyn Wonderland)
Dec 22 – Hondo’s On Main – Fredericksburg, TX
Dec 26 – The Continental Club – Austin, TX (with Carolyn Wonderland)
Jan 13, 2024 – Sandy Beaches Cruise – out of Ft Lauderdale, FL
Jan 27, 2024 – Winnsboro Center for the Arts – Winnsboro, TX (with Carolyn Wonderland)
