Born in the Australian Southern Highlands of NSW in the town of Bowral, Shane Flew began playing the drums in a rock and roll band at age 11. Turning professional after moving to Sydney at age 20, he started working in an original country rock band named Rainshine for two years leading to a musical lifestyle that hasn’t stopped. Musically, Shane's pretty much done it all- country, rock, R&B, funk, punk, Cajun, Celtic and he's even done theater. In addition to the drums, he also learned acoustic guitar and harmonica. His career highlights include national tours opening for The Highwaymen, Leane Rimes, Merle Haggard and The Dixie Chicks.

7000 Miles is Shane Flew's debut album and it's an eclectic brew that covers a broad range of musical styles. 'Americana' Australian style- Shane takes us on a journey through styles ranging from country, western swing, pop, rock and roll, blues, folk and Latin. He wrote all of the album's thirteen songs and employed a cast of 27 singers and musicians to help bring 7000 Mile to life.

The journey starts on a breezy pop note with "Wanna Go Home" which has a great Beach Boys groove in the chorus. The next stop is a funky country-rocker "You Know Me," while the bouncy country-folk song "Lucy & Jemima" explores young love. Shane delivers a couple of terrific uptempo roots rockers with the straight ahead "Same Old Dream" and the funked up Cajun beat of "The Old Paint Is Peeling." The rootsy, swaying "Sing Me My Song" provides some soulfully tasty vocals. "It's No Secret" is a well done bluesy country-pop ballad, while the outstanding "That's A Time" sways as a bluesy honky tonk influenced ballad. He presents some soulfully delightful lazy swing in "Sleepytown." A real highlight is the old timey gospel-blues rave up, "Sister Music." Shane takes us off on an exotic Latin trip with the sultry "Let's Have A Fat Time." He rounds thing out with a pair of standout folk ballads, "Sailor & Rider" that has old timey Celtic undertones and the lovely Celtic/bluegrassy "Guardian Angels."

7000 Miles is indeed quite a journey and Shane Flew makes the trip a very enjoyable one. He's a wonderful vocalist and a very talented musician and songwriter. His years of experience and diverse musical background have served him well and we're fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of the fruits of his long musical journey.      

Standout Tracks: "Same Old Dream," "Sailor And Rider," "The Old Paint Is Peeling," "Sleepytown," "Sister Music," "That's A Time," "Guardian Angels"

On The Net: http://www.enewsdirect.com.au/shane/shaneflew.htm 

www.cdbaby.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack June 2004