 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
When you grow up on a dirt road twelve miles from the nearest town without electricity, telephone, running water or indoor toilet you can find a lot of time to ride your horse and play your guitar. That is, of course, when you're not busy helping your parents build a house, chop firewood, milk goats or feed chickens. Growing up in the rural hills of Northern California Shelly's country perspective was woven into every fiber of her being. She first began writing songs while riding alone and often lonely on her cow-pony, Shorty, using the steady rhythmic clip-clop of his hooves as percussion! Shelly was originally born in Hollywood, California, the daughter of an itinerant actor father. Dennis Weaver of "McCloud" fame is her God-Father. When her parents divorced Shelly moved north with her mother and step-father. "They were free-spirited, progressive and loving...brave pioneer types looking for a new frontier, an alternative way of life. We bought a small piece of land and began to 'homestead'. I have many childhood memories of being close to nature....in the garden, in the rivers, climbing mountains....It was very natural. We were so far away from civilization. We were like Indians. Sometimes I'll joke and say I was raised by wolves!" While still a teenager Shelly longed to know her father and explore his world of show-business. She returned to Hollywood and had a string of success as an actress culminating in a featured role in the classic film, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High". One night while out with friends she was asked to sit in with the bar band, "I was seduced by the rush of performing on-stage and the exchange of emotions with the audience. I knew right then and there what I would be doing with the rest of my life". Shortly after,a friend dropped out of the front spot in the up and coming country band, TIN STAR, and she recommended Shelly as her replacement. The chemistry between Shelly and fellow lead singer, Cary Hanson, was immediate. TIN STAR was riding the wave of the "California Country" movement which included such names as Dwight Yoakum, Lucinda Williams, and Jim Lauderdale. When TIN STAR's debut album, Somebody's Dreams, was released Shelly garnered rave reviews: Wrote Albert Williams in Hot Tracks, "Shelly O'Neill's vocals are a standout." CMJ New Music Report is quoted as saying, "A sweet-throated vocalist, definitely a singer to watch." Encouraged by her success Shelly embarked on a solo career when TIN STAR broke up and has quickly made a name for herself. Her first CD, Shelly O'Neill & the Big Way, was released to strong reviews. Music Connection magazine quotes, "This acoustic-oriented music possesses the methodical pacing of the Cowboy Junkies.....O'Neill's vocals fly with a growling edge." Shelly's second CD, Enough is a Feast, was released this year. A compilation of heartfelt, autobiographical songs, sparsely produced with a vintage musical integrity. Anchored by O'Neill's acoustic guitar and highlighted by her soulful voice. Reminiscent of 70's Laurel Canyon folk/pop this music effectively marries the best in singer/songwriter tradition with an alternative-country sensibility. Shelly has participated in numerous music conferences and festivals including South By Southwest in Austin, Texas, the Kerrville Folk Festival, Kerrville, Texas, and the EAT'M music conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shelly's song "Comes on too Strong" (Shelving Unit Music/ASCAP) is featured in the 1999 major studio release CHANGING HABITS Starring Christopher Lloyd and Terri Garr. Her song "Bright Side" (Shelving Unit Music/ASCAP) can be heard over the opening credits of the independent feature film STEALING YOU BLIND. Grand prize winner at the 2000 Dances with Films festival in Los Angeles. Check out the artist's website: http://www.shellyoneill.com Track List: 1. Star at 500 2. Stray 3. Was that you 4. Love Like That 5. Madison 1234 6. The Art Lesson 7. All We Are 8. Constant Flame 9. Coins on the Train Tracks 10. Speak the Truth 11. Be with You Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
|