Rick Shea to release new album

Rick Shea's New CD Release,
SHELTER VALLEY BLUES
Release date: July 14, 2009
Label: Tres Pescadores

Shelter Valley lies somewhere midway between the mountains and the badlands east of San Diego - hard, desolate, beautiful and remote. "Shelter Valley Blues" is the title track to Rick Shea’s latest album, a stark look at the tough places we sometimes find ourselves in and the price we pay, on an album that travels between the light and the dark.

From the hard country of the title track to the Irish tinged folk of “Ty Robby” to the Rockpile meets Tex Mex romp of “Sweet Little Pocha” Shea covers a wide spectrum of styles with confidence and ease but still maintains the respect and reverence for the music that comes from a lifetime of playing everything from Honky Tonks to concert rooms.

The LA Weekly said Shea is “Staunchly independent“ and ”represents the best of California music,” and his previous albums have been called “dazzling” to “stunningly good”. Over the years Shea has released 5 critically acclaimed albums and worked with everyone from roots rock kingpin Dave Alvin and folk chanteuse Katy Moffatt to indie rock legends R.E.M.

Recorded at his home outside Los Angeles Shea plays all manner of guitars, steel guitars and mandolin on the album and is joined by guests including Heather Myles, Moira Smiley and from Los Lobos, David Hidalgo and Cougar Estrada.Shelter Valley Blues may be Shea’s strongest effort yet and is a reminder of the depth and possibilities of Country music and its traditions.

”When I heard Merle Haggard I understood the deep personal expression that was possible in a song, over the years I’ve tried to write songs that in some way measure up to that”

Track Listing:
1. Back Home to the Blues
2. No Good Time for Leavin'
3. Steady Drivin' Man
4. Shelter Valley Blues
5. Ty Robby
6. Nelly Bly
7. Sweet Little Pocha
8. Shinbone Alley
9. On the Day of My Return
10. Fishermans Blues
11. Haleiwa Shuffle