In his debut album, Shades of Blue, Minet sought to capture his take on many of the standards of the genre that have influenced his early years. In doing so, he also hoped to pay tribute to his home of Syracuse, NY. With a long history as a vibrant blues scene, Syracuse has shaped him into the musician he is today and continues to provide him with the foundation for his career in the genre.
In addition to Minet’s musical direction of the album, his partner in crime, Shane Patterson, played an equally important role in the project both on the bass and in the control room. At only 19, Patterson has already established himself as both a versatile bass player and a skillful hand in the studio. Having now gigged throughout Central New York and New York City, as well as having produced, mixed, and engineered multiple albums for Syracuse area artists, Patterson brought both a fresh take on blues bass and a wealth of recording knowledge that helped to shape the album’s sound.
Rounding out the album’s sound is the incredible Byron “Kidd” Cage on drums. Although Cage has toured the world and recorded on Joe Louis Walker’s 2017 Grammy nominated album “Everybody Wants A Piece,” he is known first and foremost for kindness and humility both on and off the stage. As a Syracuse native himself, Cage was the perfect pick for the behind the kit.
Together these three, along with a host of other acclaimed Syracuse area musicians, blend their various influences to create an original sound while staying true to the genre.
Jose Alvarez - guitar
Phil Petroff - guitar
Morris Tarbell - guitar
Tom Townsley - harmonica
Carolyn Kelly- vocals
Diana Jacobs - vocals
Frank Talarico - organ
Josh Dekaney - percussion
Produced by: Neil Minet & Shane Patterson
Recorded at: Hobin Studios, Subcat Studios, & Bad Racket Studios
Graphic Design by: Milyana Dolashka
"To all the Shades of Blue of Syracuse, who were giving me lessons long before I knew it, thank you." - Neil Minet
A very special thank you to Brett Hobin
Additional thanks to:
Larry & Marty Minet, Scott & Karen Patterson, Byron Cage, Morris Tarbell, Martin Goettsch, Colin Aberdeen, Mike Delaney, Charley Orlando, Jake Wojcik, Greg Thomson, Arthur Campello, & all of our incredible special guests.
Photo Credits:
Martin Goettsch, Steve Moore, Nancy Giannone, Juan Junco, José Luis Luna Rocafort, Larry Hoyt, Shane Patterson, Mark Doyle, Frank Talarico, & Jack O Bocchino
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