If there’s one thing that can be said about New Hampshire’s lush music scene, it’s that we are lucky to have some of the best Americana-tinged rockers in all the land. A few months ago we received Jon Nolan’s debut solo record "When the Summers Lasted Long," which fully demonstrated his ability to walk away from a successful touring band (Say ZuZu) and create one of the best albums of the year.
Now, in the same spirit, we have Matt Shipman of Mill City Ramblers lore introducing his solo debut "Highway Shoes." The record is a down-homey bluegrass/country effort with a touch of honky-tonk added in for good measure. Shipman’s storytelling is compelling and an accurate reflection of smalltown life. He displays a strong sense of feeling and description in the scenes he incorporates into his stories of life, nature, and good old New England tradition.


Along with vocal duties, Shipman also plays acoustic guitar and mandolin. Also of note are the quality, high profile locals who collaborate with Shipman on certain tracks. Steve Roy (bass), Mary Dellea (bass), Dave Talmage (fiddle, banjo, dobro, guitar), Roger Williams (dobro), Joyce Andersen (fiddle), Jon Ross (mandolin), Jon Nolan (pedal steel), Bruce Derr (pedal steel), Joe Walsh (mandolin), Robbie Kneeland (drums), and Todd Jones (banjo), round out a wide list of extremely talented musicians who took the time to submit to the making of "Highway Shoes."

To his credit, Shipman, who is from Exeter, and now resides in Portland, Maine, has made a record that could take him quite a ways with the right promotion. Many of his songs are timeless and will be around in people’s minds for a long while.

"Woody sang about the old dust bowl, Elvis sung about rock and roll, Lord I, just let me sing one song… that they will sing after I am gone."

-From "After I’m Gone"-
Chris Hislop
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