SHY TALK

I can’t explain what all Michael has meant to me. He gave so much as a child, and as an Adult, to everyone. I remember one special moment when I was watching his “Thriller” video clip, and I heard Vincent Price talking about “The Funk of Forty Thousand Years”; I mean who could come up with a statement like that? Then I saw Michael begin to dance in the graveyard on the video, when he started, I stood straight up from my seat. I couldn’t move from that spot. I had never seen anything like that. I was mesmerized, because it was phenomenal. I loved him so much!!!

I stood up for three other great Entertainers in my Life, beginning with Sammy Davis Jr., who also started out as a child Star. For me Sammy was the greatest Entertainer I had ever seen; and Jimi Hendrix playing on the Woodstock Concert, it was mind blowing and he was amazing. Then Aretha Franklin, who substituted one Night for Pavarotti on one of the Grammy Award Shows some years ago. When Aretha sang the Song, he was supposed to do, I don’t remember the name of it, but I remember the feeling, there wasn’t a dry eye in the Theater, and as I stood up, tears running down my face uncontrollably, it moved me so. But, before those three greats the two persons that exited me about becoming a Singer and Entertainer were Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson and Marilyn Monroe. They were my first idols and I love them still!

So, I thank God for these people that touched us, and Michael Jackson was one of them. He was the Baby of them. The Baby with the biggest voice, and the brightest star. He had something different from any other Entertainer that you have ever seen. Something special, that God gave only to Michael. I know that we are all blessed with gifts and talents. Michael showed us that we should always be about giving our best at all times. He was a giver, because he gave to me, and I can speak for all of us because I know that he touched the world with his love. I intend to celebrate his life by listening to his music, watching his videos; and by being all, that God created me to be. I’m sure that’s what Michael’s wish was for all of us. Be the Best you that you can be.

So enclosing I want to say I love you Michael, and I always will. You touched my life like no one else could ever do. Thank you and know that you will always be remembered, because I can never say goodbye!

Sincerely

Jean Shy

We booked a Table for ten with my Family and friends. Tina my Manager had set everything up for us, so it was a smooth evening. But, I must tell you this story before I go any further about a Fan turned sister friend. I have been talking to this Lady “Ms. Blanch” for a couple of years on the phone, and we had exchanged e-mails and letters. I had never met her until this day, but I felt like I had already known her for years. She had four Ladies with her; all of them drove together from Chicago to Memphis to share this evening with me. By the way, Chicago is my hometown. So this was a first meeting. I didn’t meet her the first day I got into town, so we arranged to have breakfast that morning, and for me morning is around 12:00 or 1:00 pm. She was standing outside of the Hotel. When I walked out, I knew immediately it was her. A little tiny Lady about 4’2” tall, with a funny little grin on her face; I fell in love with her immediately. We hugged, and she introduced her friends to me. This was also her first time meeting my Sister Chris, so she got a double dose that day. Blanch had Tickets for us, so we all got on the Trolley to go to a well-known breakfast house. Some of the Ladies went to have Ribs at another Restaurant, but Blanch, Chris and I chose to have a typical pancakes, eggs, and sausage breakfast. I was a little upset getting on the Trolley because the steps were so high and it was hard to get on quickly. The driver was at the back of the train taking the tickets saying, “Step up, step up, hurry up”, and I said, “why don’t you help us?” With his smart mouth he said, “I’m doing my Job, I’m driving the train,” and I said, “you need to get you’re ass back up front because you’re not worth a shit back here! You’re supposed to be a Gentlemen, and help a Lady on the Train, if you’re standing there looking, seeing that she’s having a problem.” He mumbled something under his breath because the only thing he was concerned with was making sure that no one was getting on without paying. So I went to my seat, I refused to let anyone steal my joy that day. You know everywhere you go, and in everything you do, you got one butthole. So, you have to learn to look over these type of people, because some of them don’t know any better.

We got of the Trolley, and walked a couple of blocks to the Restaurant. We agreed to meet up with the other Ladies in a couple of hours. The people working in the Restaurant were beautiful. The food was good, and once again, we were back to that good old southern hospitality. My Sister and I were dressed in sports wear that was pretty flashy I would say. We didn’t plan it, that’s just the way it was. Before we finished our meal, a Lady walked over to our Table and said I just have to tell you, “You’re wearing some serious sports wear.” I fell out laughing; she had been sitting there the whole time checking us out. My Momma used to say whenever you go out, have your stuff together; you never know whose watching.

We talked, took pictures, and had a lot of fun with the personal there. It was truly a fun time.
We left the Restaurant, and on the way back to the Hotel we stopped and set on a bench, so Blanch could take a smoke break. Seeing that I quit smoking for four years now, I went to the other side of the street to be alone for a moment, taking in the sunshine, the nice scenery, and just to pray and Thank God for this wonderful day that I was experiencing.

We continued walking toward the Trolley and we saw three guys selling jewelry at a stand. I told them who I was, what I do for a living, and I gave them my Business card so they could check out my music. My sister and I bought some jewelry and as we were paying for our merchandise one of the guys said to me, “Give me Your Address, so I can write to you”.
He was wearing sunglasses, so I said, “Take off your Shades,” since I wanted to see the person’s eyes that had that kind of nerve.

He took off his shades and he didn’t look half bad, but he just wasn’t my cup of tea and that was not my intention anyway. I proceeded to tell him, look on the card there is my e-mail address and my website. We all laughed because he had tried to go from A-Z in one moment, and we all knew he was nothin’ but a player, and his game was not working on me. The other guys were very polite, and happy to have met an Entertainer.

We got back on the Trolley arriving at the Hotel in plenty of time to get ready for the Award Show that Evening.

There is more to come. I will continue in the next Blog

Talk To yuh,

We thank the “Blewzzman” very much for his great Review!

Here we go….

Jean Shy & The Shy Guys
“The Blues Got Soul”
King Edward Records

BY PETER “BLEWZZMAN” LAURO, © June 2009

I’m sure that being nominated for a Blues Music Award in 2009 in the “Soul Blues Female Artist Of the Year” category was quite an exciting achievement for Jean Shy. However, when you’re someone who at the age of twelve was signed to Chess Records and you’re enjoying a career that involves being an acclaimed R&B, Jazz, Rock, Soul, Gospel and Blues Singer, an Accomplished Songwriter, a Music Producer, and an Actress as well, exciting achievements are quite commonplace.

“The Blues Got Soul” is Jean Shy’s latest of many releases that crisscross several genres. On this project – which was mostly recorded live at the “Open Air Festival” in Duisburg, Germany – Jean, on vocals, is joined by: Klaus Zimmermann and Martin Hoette on Guitars; Frieso Luecht, Sascha Kuehn and Volker Wendland on Keyboards; Bernhard Spiess and Hendrik Smock on Drums; Peter Bruemmer and Michael “Schnuff” Strohm on Bass; Bernd Winterschladen on Saxophone; George Mahr on B3 Hammond Organ: and, along with Michael and Jean, Ruth Bongartz on Background Vocals.

The opening track, “I Wouldn’t Wanna Be You”, is – in every sense of the word – powerful. Jean is amazingly strong on the vocals and yet, I got the feeling she wasn’t even reaching all that deep just yet. Reinforced by a potent rhythm section and solid guitar leads made this one of the disc highlights.

“Unchain My Heart” seems to have unchained the bass player. On this very funky number, Peter is certainly at disc’s – and possibly even career – best. Of course when there’s funk involved, fierce sax riffs can’t be far behind, and Bernd does get his share in. Vocally, this had to be one of the songs responsible for that BMA nomination.
It’s this writers opinion that one of the most beautiful songs ever written is “Song For You”, by Leon Russell. It’s also this writers opinion that this was an absolutely splendid version of that song. Jean, Frieso and Bernd were flawless on vocals, piano and sax.

“One Day” is one of several Jean Shy originals and ya didn’t need to read that to know it. Staying close to her Gospel roots, you can always count on hearing some spirituality coming from this lady – and this is one of a few. Great lyrics, vocals, background vocals and organ highlight this one.

One listen to this track will leave you with “Precious Memories” of what Jean Shy is all about. Yeah she can boogie, yeah she can rock and yeah she can jazz it up, but these slow and soulful ballads are her signature, and they’re the main reason for people saying she has a “Golden Throat”.

Eleven minute tracks usually feature everyone in the band getting in some highlights, and they all do on this version of Muddy’s “Rock Me”. However, the mesmeric guitar playing runs away with this one. Klaus and Martin were beyond amazing. Great stuff right here.

Other tracks on “The Blues Got Soul” are: “Livin’ The Blues”, “Never Loved A Man”, “I Can’t Save You (From Yourself)”, “We Like The Same Thangs”, “Old Time Rock ‘n Roll” and “Amazing Grace”.

Check out Jean Shy & The Shy Guys – who by the way, didn’t sound all that shy to me – by going to www.jeanshy.com. Once there, you know the drill – buy something and tell them the Blewzzman sent ya.

The last time I talked to you, I said I would continue telling you in more detail about my Trip to Memphis, TN, for the 2009 Blues Music Awards, so here goes…

The Airline experience I had from L.A. to Memphis was a Trip!!! I did something I’ve never done before. I ordered a wheelchair for every stop. Getting on the plain; getting off; going through the Terminal; stopping to pee; eating lunch etc. Going through the Terminal in Phoenix to get to the next Gate was so far until it was ridiculous. The young Lady that pushed my wheelchair through the Airport said to me, “You’re gonna be glad you’ve got this wheelchair, when you see how far you have to go,” and she wasn’t joking. Normally I would not have ordered a wheelchair, but I was traveling alone, and even though I only had two bags I’m not used to pulling suitcases through an Airport. Someone always does it for me. But I knew that I would have to do this trip alone, so I did. And being a heavy set girl, big boned, chunky, plump, or who am I kidding “Fat” is the word I’m looking for LOL; yes I’ve put on a few pounds over the years, I decided to make it easy on myself. I would advice anyone, if you feel it is to cumbersome to walk through an Airport especially if you are not in the best physical condition, take the wheelchair route. But you must know you’ve got to have plenty of five Dollar bills with you, and for the shorter Trips three, because everybody has their hands out. From the wheelchair, to the Taxi, to the Hotel, if you’re not giving the right Tip you’ll get a frown or a loud grunt. So just be aware of that, its part of the game.

Now it sounds like I’m complaining, right? Because I am. A friend of mine said to me, “Well Jean with your big Ass you should expect to pay out of your nose when they’re finished wheeling you all around”. I told her, “I know that reducing the weight and living healthier will lengthen my life.” That’s the plan, enough said. Just a heads up, I’ll be posting a weight reduction Blog soon. For those of you that would like to reduce with me, you can report your progress on my Blog weekly, and so will I.

When I arrived in Memphis, I met my Sister Chrystal at the Baggage claim. We were happy to see each other. We needed a Taxi, so she opt to go and find one. When we got to the Downtown Marriott Hotel, everyone was so nice. That southern hospitality will get you every time. We had a young man helping us; I guess he was around eighteen or twenty. He was just a darling. Hanging our clothes up and asking if there was anything else, he could do for us. He was very polite. I said, “No Thank you” and gave him a good tip because he deserved it. The room was beautiful, but on the tenth floor. I don’t like being on the upper floors, but this time for some reason it did not bother me. Oh, I should backtrack a bit; when I entered the Hotel, about ten feet away, I saw a Lady standing there with a big smile on her face; I looked closer and realize it was my dear friend Brigitte from Germany. Her Husband Horst, about six foot five, was standing a few feet behind her, letting her have that moment all to herself. I was so happy to see them. They had flown especially from Germany to share the Award Night with me, which I thought was so special. By the way, those of you that don’t really know me, I’ve lived in Germany for many Years.

So we hugged and kissed, and after I checked in we went to our separate rooms to prepare for the “Blues Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony” that evening.

Talk to yuh.

I received an Invitation to the Blues Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony, which was also in Memphis the night before the Awards, on May 6. I met some of the Inductees and Artists such as Irma Thomas; Bettye LaVette and her Husband; Koko Taylor, who I had worked with many times before in Europe, but never, had the chance to meet. They are all beautiful and gracious Ladies. Another Person I met was Taj Mahal. We also worked on the same stages in Europe. So many people were there, but one of the hi-points for me was when I shook hands with Steven Seagal, the Actor. It was so great! He was just as smooth in person as he is in his Movies, also very tall, and handsome. I introduced myself to him, and told him that I love his movies, which I do. Then I introduced him to my Sister Chrystal, who was there with me. She shook his hand all mesmerized and said, “Oh, I love you,” and I interjected “WE Love You.” Before I let him go I said: “Steven, you keep doing your movies, ok”, and he looked down at me as if to say yes Momma I’ll keep doing the movies, but he just said “I’ll keep doing the movies”, with that cool look on his face that has come to be part of his Signature.

I felt good about the evening. All together it was great! Good food; Good talk; I was simply happy to be a part of everything.

Just to backtrack a bit, I must tell you about the table I sat at. Most of the people were from my Hometown Chicago. Two of the men were family members; Father and Son, both nominated for the same Blues Award. The Father Willie “Big Eyes” Smith won.

I met Sandra Brand, Writer, and Editor of the Osceola Times Newspaper in Arkansas, and we were talking the whole time. From our conversation, she wanted to write an Article on me. She took a picture of my Sister and I, (see photo below) and said she would Google me that Night. The next evening when I saw her, she was just blown away and said, “you’re awesome!” which made me very proud, and at the same time I began to blush (I guess in situations like that I live up to my name “Shy”). She said, “I didn’t know you were that good!” Again, I was happy, and we kicked it a bit together that Evening.

I watched B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, and so many other great Entertainers that Night. Well, I’ll go into more about the Award Night in my next Blogs.

Talk to yuh.

Jean Shy

Welcome to Shy Talk. This is my first Blog. I am writing it to share with you some things from my career, and personal Life. Also for all of you upcoming singers, I will be giving Tips about singing, and some Info about the Music & Entertainment Business. In addition, I will talk about projects I am working on, and things I have done such as acting, songwriting etc.

I have started writing a series of Children’s Books that I like to tell you about, there are four in the works. I am currently looking for an Illustrator to work with me. (If you are interested, and live in California, please send me an email to js@jeanshy.com . Before the Books are published, I will give you more Details.

The great thing about my Blog is that you can talk to me, as well as ask questions, and give your opinions. I’m happy that we will be sharing this time together.

Talk to yuh.