Going Home:

This is our newest album, and we're very proud of the music and the musicians on this recording!  It is available on www.cdbaby.com.  Check it out and you'll be able to hear clips of all 16 songs and order a copy.  (Or you can order directly from us at address at bottom of this page).

ShoreGrass is very proud of this recording of 14 originals and 2 classics. Song styles include bluegrass, old-timey, folk, swing, gospel, waltz, blues, foot-tapper, tear-jerker, etc. No two alike and some unusual ideas presented, all written and performed in a traditional style.

Musicians on this recording include:

Frank Shaw (banjo, vocals): former bass player and vocalist with Clean Living, which recorded 2 albums on the Vanguard label. Winner of the 1st place old-time banjo award at the 2001 Roxbury Contest.
Barbara Shaw (guitar, vocals): writes most of the original material performed by the band. Left corporate life behind to dabble in guitar, fiddle, bass, piano, things bluegrass.
Paul Pozzi (mandolin, vocals): incredible tenor range singer and Monroe-style mandolinist.
Jonathan Shaw (bass): multi-instrumentalist, multi-genre musician son of Frank and Barbara, taking time from his current tour with a rock band to return to his roots for this recording.
Stacy Phillips (Dobro and fiddle): talented grammy winning performer ("The Great Dobro Sessions"), author of many books and videos, instructor and internationally acclaimed artist.
Bud Morrisroe (fiddle on 1,7,8): former member of Apple Country and many other fine bands.

Our Debut CD:

This album is available on www.cdbaby.com.  Check it out and you'll be able to hear clips of all 15 songs and order a copy.  (Or you can order directly from us at address at bottom of this page).

ShoreGrass released their debut CD "In Connecticut" in late 2001.  It was recorded at American Melody Studio in Guilford, CT, engineered and mixed by nationally renowned musician Phil Rosenthal. The songs reflect their strong roots in traditional acoustic music as well as their affection for New England, especially the debut of the instrumental "Connecticut Waltz," and "I Can't Go Home," which comments on changes in hometown Branford, CT. This CD was selected for review by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, which said:

"...they sound terrific. Their enthusiasm is infectious, their blend is sweet, their repertoire is varied easy listening. I gave this CD the old dishwashing test and it lasted all the way through the dinnerware, even surviving the wok, which gets done last."

A testimonial about the "Connecticut Waltz" from the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce:

"Connecticut Waltz" is a beautiful song that eases the mind of everything and brings thoughts of times past. The song is easy listening and uplifting at the same time with a refreshing melody. It seems this waltz would be a great representation for Connecticut and we thank you for taking the time and effort to put it together. This is a time when people understand how important it is to have "roots" and you are offering a song that can symbolize people's love for Connecticut!

Here are some sound clips from our "In Connecticut" CD: (see www.cdbaby.com for longer clips of all songs)

MP3

Real Media

Connecticut Waltz

Connecticut Waltz  

Other states have a waltz.  Why not Connecticut? Written by Barbara for her home state.  Lyrics someday!

One More Miner  

About a grandfather who worked in the mines of Arizona.  Written by Barbara, sung by Paul (lead) with Barbara and Frank doing harmony.

Our 2nd CD:

We are happy to finally offer our LIVE "Songs of the Civil War Era" concert as a recording!  Despite the reservations of each of us, and knowing that we could certainly improve on the occasionally less than perfect renditions (hey, it's LIVE and no one's perfect!), we decided to go ahead.  We hope you will enjoy our bluegrass-style interpretations of these great old songs, live and unedited as we were at the Blackstone Library one evening in March, 2003.  We covered songs popular on both sides during the "War Between the States" as well as a few songs written about the war in later years.  This recording includes familiar soldier songs from the period along with sentimental ballads, hymns and popular songs of the past and present, representing both the Union and the Confederacy.

Music has always been a chronicler as well as a blessed escape from the horrors of war.  It was, during the Civil War, and it continues to be today.  Thank you for providing us this opportunity to share our music.

If you are interested in presenting this program live, contact us and let's talk.  The live program includes commentary and a bit of history about each song.

2006 Bluegrass Guide Review:  A review of "Songs of the Civil War Era" published by Mountain High Bluegrass Associates of Bellows Falls, Vermont in their 2006 Bluegrass Festival Guide http://www.bluegrassguide.com

This album was recorded live on March 21, 2003 at the Blackstone Library Auditorium in Branford, Connecticut.  The band for this show consisted of Frank Shaw on Banjo, Dulcimer, Guitar and Vocals, Barbara Shaw on Guitar and Vocals, Paul Pozzi on Mandolin and Vocals, Larry Rothermet on Fiddle and Louis Audette on Bass and Vocals.

This album has an excellent selection of songs, containing 20 songs altogether including Soldiers Joy, Lorena, Boston Boy and Have Someone Play Dixie For Me.  The band has done a lot of research on the backgrounds of each song as evidence by the write ups inside the jacket.  Such as the story of the Vacant Chair originally a poem written by Henry Washburn about Lt. John Williams Grout of the 15^th MA Volunteer Infantry who died at the battle of the Balls Bluff, VA in October 1861.  I found the write-ups to be interesting as well as informative and they helped to make the CD that much more enjoyable.  This is a good representation of songs of that era, many of which you’ll recognize and some you may not.  Almost all were written over a 100 years ago and one (Soldiers Joy) over 200 years ago.  These are powerful songs that have stood the test of time and the band handles them with the respect they deserve.

Frank Shaws banjo playing is tasteful and solid with a soft touch on the backup, not overpowering.  He’s able to adapt his style to fit each song going from a clawhammer style to three finger, handling each with confidence.  Frank also does a large part of the singing doing so with feeling on songs like Lorena and Boston Boy.  Barbara Shaw plays solid rhythm guitar and sings lead also.  On Faded Coat of Gray she draws you in with her soulful voice.  The Shaws do a duet on Vacant Chair and it’s beautiful.  Paul Pozzi plays the mandolin taking some nice lead breaks as well as providing some sweet backup.  He sings lead on Hard Times and his heartfelt delivery is the way a song like that is supposed to be sung.  Larry Rothermet plays the fiddle taking some very tasteful and energetic breaks as well as providing some very appropriate backup.  Louis Audette plays the bass keeping everything rock solid and takes the lead on Goober Peas doing a lively and fun version of this old camp song.

Its obvious the band worked hard to give the folks that night a good show and they did and through this cd we’re able to be there too!  The singing and playing is heartfelt and honest and though a little raw at times overall this is a good solid project and one I enjoyed very much.

And next up in the CD department:
A new CD coming soon...

We're always interested in making more music and already have some ideas for our next project.  Right now it's in the back of our minds as we roll out the current new release, but we will move onward with this exciting possibility eventually.  Something unexpected.

More news as it develops...  

Ordering CDs directly:

You can directly order our "In Connecticut" or "Songs of the Civil War Era" or our new "Going Home" CD (please specify) by sending your name and address plus a check for $17 each (includes postage) to:

ShoreGrass
19 Beechwood Road
Branford, CT 06405