Sounds like: Less “swingin’” and more “swung out. ”
After years of playing, recording and wandering Eastern Europe, a veteran of BBC sessions and live stages from the Royal Festival Hall, the main stage at Clockenflap, Hong Kong, to jazz bars in New York and London, Shamus has developed an obsession with obscure and forgotten songs. He has been twisting Jazz standards with hip-hop beats and dub bass lines for over 15 years now. Utilizing top session musicians and producers from around the world, his covers versions are always unique and fresh.
“The idea”, says Shamus “is to take these wonderful old songs and present them in a way that might appeal to those who weren’t around at the time.... They say you can’t live in the past, but I do my best.”
In contrast to Dark's noir-ish visual imagery, his vocal histrionics float through these innovative cover versions like a soothing honey. Torch songs of lost love are his forte, but he has been known to spread his wings a bit wider by also covering Joy Division, Elvis Costello and other post punk luminaries. Whatever he does, he does it with originality and class.
A true musical maverick who you really should check out.
Douglas McAuley - Rubber Taxi Records
"This music conjures images of trenchcoats, shades, snap-brim hats, open-necked shirts. cigarettes, alcohol, loose black ties and a strong line in film noir visuals, which complement his selection of songbook classics."
Bruce Lindsay - All About Jazz.com
"Songs For Suicidal Lovers suggests the bastard love child of Frank Sinatra and Morrisey."
Adam White - Asia City
"The set consists of moody interpretations of "noir classics", primarily from the 1930s and 40s, but what is entirely unexpected is that the musical backing is a dark and ambient electronica (think Massive Attack meets Scott Walker). Watching this performance is like watching a character step out of an old film only to find themselves in modern day London."
Johnny Others - Indieoma.com
"...I THINK THE CD SLEEVE FOR SONGS FOR SUICIDAL LOVERS IS ONE OF THE BEST OF THE YEAR..." Paul Gambaccini