Michelle Shocked
b. 1962, Dallas, Texas, USA. This roots singer/songwriter's music draws on frequently tough experiences of a nomadic lifestyle. Her childhood had been divided between a religiously inclined mother (Catholic then Mormon), and her estranged father, a sometime mandolin player. She originally came to prominence via a Walkman recorded gig, taped around a campfire, complete with crickets on backing vocals. SHORT SHARP SHOCKED highlighted more varied and less self-conscious stylings than the more mainstream Suzanne Vega/ Tracy Chapman school. CAPTAIN SWING was her ‘big band’ record, where she was joined once more by Dwight Yoakam's producer/guitarist Pete Anderson, as well as a plethora of famous extras (Fats Domino, Bobby Blue Bland, Randy Newman). Despite songs with titles like God Is A Real Estate Developer, its jazzy rhythms and swishing brass made it her most commercially accessible. The album's title was taken from the 19th Century leader of a farm labourer's revolt, the type of subject matter which put her in good company with touring companion Billy Bragg. The recording of ARKANSAS TRAVELLER was completed by travelling across the US and further afield with a portable studio. Hence musicians like Taj Mahal, Doc Watson, Levon Helm (The Band), Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Hothouse Flowers made their contributions in Ireland, Australia and elsewhere. Shocked had spent time researching the origins of American music and in particular the black-faced minstrel legacy, which she attacked with her own traditional songs. Shocked is one of the most interesting of the new generation of folk artists.