When doing a review, I generally don't get into bio's too much. It's what I'm listening to that needs to impress me. On the other hand, there aren't very many bio's that have awed me as much as the one I just read. Trust me, if you ever hear Shaun Murphy say "been there - done that", bet on it that she has.

As if working in bands of such greats as Bob Seger, Bruce Hornsby, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh, and recording with other greats like Phil Collins, Leon Russell, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper and many others too numerous to name weren't enough - Shaun's also appeared in several well known hit productions on Broadway. Oh, and let's not forget the opportunities - yes, more than one - of a lifetime that came when she was asked to record and tour with Eric Clapton and later on become a fifteen year member of Little Feat. Very impressive. And by the way, the disc is as well.

On "Livin' The Blues", vocalist Shaun Murphy's band consists of Randy Coleman on bass and vocals, Larry Van Loon on keyboards and vocals, Kenne Cramer on guitar and vocals, and Mike Caputy on drums, with special guests Piero Mariani on percussion and Tim Gonzalez on Harmonica.

Several of Shaun's vocal talents - her soulful style, voice strength and range - are quickly introduced on "Ocean Of Tears", the discs opening track. Besides the great vocals, this one features some very nice keyboard highlights.

Although it was written by Bob Dylan, the way Shaun sings "It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry", the song should have been re-titled "Blues Belting 101". It should also be required listening for any aspiring female blues artists. Being the slow blues burner that it is, the track also features some great lead guitar and piano highlights.

Even with the cool background jive talkin', "That's A Pretty Good Love" is all about the rhythm. Randy, Kenne, Mike and Piero are at discs best right here. If this one doesn't get your foot tapping, you might want to check your pulse.

"Love To Burn" is another one that should get some......oh make that all.....of your body parts moving. This one features the whole band in a very tight and quite funky groove. The three minutes this track lasted was not nearly enough for this listener....thank goodness for replay buttons.

I'm finding it difficult to express how "I Still Believe In The Blues" just made me feel. The song was so smoothly and so perfectly sung and performed. I'm just going to say that you've got to hear this one for yourself, and leave it at that. Excuse me while I go listen a few more times.

It's fitting that one of the best songs on the disc - "It Feels Like Rain" - be the longest. Every second of it's six and a half minutes was a pleasure to listen to. The soft, yet piercing guitar riffs, the ever present sound of the keyboards, the relaxing rhythm and the intense and sensitive vocals all bring this one perfectly together. If you thought Buddy did it good, ya gotta hear this version.

Other tracks on "Livin' The Blues" include: "Someone Else Is Steppin' In" , "Livin' The Blues", "Come To Mama", "Taking Up Another Man's Place", "Can't No Grave Hold My Body Down", "Hound Dog", and "Rock And Roll Everynight".

To get yourself a copy of "Livin' The Blues" - and I highly recommend that you do, and to learn more about the incredible career of Shaun Murphy, just go to www.shaunmurphyband.com. And please, make sure you tell her the Blewzzman sent ya.