Four boys from the boot heel of Missouri migrated to the hill country of Mississippi in the summer of 2002 hoping to absorb some of the esoteric energy that created the blues and continues to shape real music on a universal level… and some of the finest girls on the planet reside in Oxford, MS where the members of Shady Deal would receive their college educations at the University of Mississippi. Whatever the motivation, Shady Deal has flourished in Oxford’s music friendly scene; a musical incubator that has produced prominent blues and contemporary artists in addition to attracting accomplished artists from all parts of the globe.
Shady Deal was a quartet at their inception, but they were introduced to a keyboardist named James Pendley shortly after their arrival in Oxford and soon they had become a quintet force with which to be reckoned.
After refining their sound for a year or so, the guys entered the studio with legendary producer Jim Dickinson to record their first album, The Lift. Following its release, Shady Deal embarked on a nationwide tour to support the album, culminating in an appearance at Wakarusa. Their efforts were so successful that in the summer of 2006 they reunited with Dickinson to record their sophomore album, The Ringer. During this time, Shady Deal had the opportunity to share the stage with the Black Crowes, The North Mississippi All-Stars, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Stockholm Syndrome, and Shooter Jennings among others.
In January of 2007, Shady Deal parted ways with James in order to allow him the time he needed to take over the family business. In a strange way, the departure of James ignited a spark within the original members that has given them renewed vigor and ass-kicking attitude. Will Shady Deal take on a 5th member? Maybe. For now, they are still experimenting with life as a four-piece and will not be actively seeking a replacement for James. In any case, Shady Deal will capitalize on this opportunity and will be a better band because of it.
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