Guitar phenom Shepherd arrives

By Gautam Baksi

Daily Arts Writer

Coltrane did it with Miles and Monk. Clapton did it with the Yardbirds and Cream. In fact, almost all major virtuoso jazz and blues artists of the 20th Century paid their dues with contemporary performers before rising into their own pioneering solo careers. So what does a 22-year old guitar genius say to critics who question his right to go on a national college tour with a self-titled group, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band? "Well, I signed a record deal when I was 16," Shepherd said, "so I'm not really sure I thought about that."

Not exactly words of wisdom, but Shepherd is a young man of few words overall. Choosing to let his 1963 Fender Stratocaster speak for him, Shepherd is, without a doubt, an extraordinarily gifted musician. He was introduced to the blues and rock roots that formed the foundation of his sound at the age of seven when he first heard the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan performing at a show his father had arranged. Since then, Shepherd has remained a completely self-taught blues guitar-rock artist who has played with the likes of Keb' Mo' and B.B. King as well as guitar maestros Joe Satriani and Eddie Van Halen.

Halfway through a tour of major colleges and universities around the United States, Shepherd took time from his Atlantic City sound check to speak with the Daily. Playing to almost continuous sold-out venues, Shepherd talked about the tour schedule and taking time off. "I like to lazy as much as possible. Sometimes it seems like every day is a workday. A weekend is just like a weekday to me. But I still would not give this up for anything."

But what does a longhaired Caucasian kid sporting Adidas warm-ups really know about the blues? "I don't think it is a foreign concept," Kenny quickly retorts. "Everybody has had a girl break their heart and there's always people who have screwed you over once or twice. The blues are natural."

A gross under-exaggeration, Shepherd's sound is almost super-natural. He draws on all forms of blues rock influences from traditional 12-bar blues rhythms to wah-wah screaming solos filled with plenty of high fret action.

While most critics believe the blues can only be learned by experience and age, Shepherd proves them wrong. After two earlier albums filled with soul-searching, homage paying, young tunes, Shepherd is now paving a path of discovery and the results are astonishing. "You can take lessons, but there's just something about playing from the heart and channeling it to the audience. It just can't be taught."

Although Kenny co-wrote lyrics to his album with established blues-rock writers, he chose to turn over lead vocals to Noah Hunt. When asked about his musical ambitions, Shepherd hints at lead vocals on future albums. "I'd [also] love to play the harmonica or be able to play boogie-woogies style piano."

Born and raised in Louisiana, Shepherd was surrounded by the blues, jazz, Cajun and Creole sounds of the Deep South. He draws on Southern talent with friend and guest musician Dr. John who makes a guest appearance on Shepherd's latest release, "Live On." But when asked about his favorite celebrity introductions, Kenny quickly talks about one of his idols, B.B. King. "Hangin' out with B.B. had to be one of the best times of my life," Shepherd said. Shepherd also includes his jam session with recent Grammy winner Carlos Santana as a pinnacle moment. So who would Kenny like to play with next? "I've met and played with almost everybody," he proudly replies. "I've met (Eric) Clapton, but haven't actually played with him. I really wouldn't mind that."

Barely in his twenties, Shepherd is a prime example of the expanding stable of blues-rock musicians to break into mainstream popularity. After being criticized for his copycat riffs and undeveloped style, his maturity is clearly evinced on his latest release. However, as with any gifted blues musician, a studio recording does little justice to the musician's true performance. Hearing Kenny play at the Michigan Theater is a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of a emerging star.

Courtesy of Giant/Reprise

Hailed by some as the next great guitar god, Shepherd is bringing blues to new masses.