"No More Smoking!"(Remastered Bonus Edition) by Shasta

His definitive Bard Rock style emanates from his Dylan and Neil Young influences during his early years.

Artist Information & Instruments:

Vocal & Harmonica with 6 & 12 string Acoustic Guitars. ("Songs on Albums are fully backed with friends who are excellent musicians I've met over the years!")

Bio:

Shasta, is a prolific songwriter and a native of Connecticut. He made a life-changing sojourn to California years ago, where he gained his nickname and began developing into the artist he is today.

Now, he plunges us deep into a tapestry of Americana, with his latest CD: "No More Smoking!" The title cut, “No More Smoking!”, was recorded live in a Danbury club and is a hilarious politically incorrect rant, written when Connecticut's smoking ban took effect in the bars. It was featured on a smokers rights website.

(http://www.smokersclub.com/audio/srmusic.html)

Shasta began writing poetry when he was growing up in New England and by his teens was considering songwriting. He heard Bob Dylan, became an instant fan and turned his poetic efforts into song writing. On his journey west he wrote, "Chasin My Ghost". Upon his return to the eastcoast (during what he refers to as emotional weather) he wrote the epic, "Cold New England Rain", both included on this CD.

All is not serious however. He also knows how to have fun in a song and get his audiences laughing. The tongue in cheek innuendo of “It Won't Reach! (My Hose Won't Reach!),” is proof positive of his penchant for comedy and tragedy going hand in hand within one recording. Shasta’s gift for the dramatic and politically driven messages is evident too in tracks like, "America's Home Town", "Condo-Commandos" and "Stand Back!/Drop Down!".

Others who inspired him include: Dire Straits, Maria McKee, Fiona Apple, Warren Zevon, Jewel, Arlo Guthrie, The Clash & even Snake River Conspiracy!

The CD is self-produced with talented backup and clocks in at about 61 minutes! Shasta has an uncanny knack for assembling musicians that fit his style, turning his unnerving need to tell the world how he feels about certain issues into songs that keep you listening!

Since the 90's, Shasta has been strong on the music scene. He is receiving air play in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. He has traveled through 44 states playing open mikes and jam sessions in cafes & clubs, San Francisco Bay Area benefits and fairs.

Shasta received, "Golden and Silver Poets Awards", from the World of Poetry for his lyrics. At West Coast Bob Dylan Imitation Contests Shasta won First Place in 1990 and 1993.

In the words of this passionate Bard Rock Poet: "As the vidiot screens - control our dreams - marines die on foreign shores - And I swear I saw phantoms dressed in black at America's backdoor - Oh, say why can't you see?"

Visit Shasta’s website & myspace.com/shastaman for updates, performance dates, samples, pictures, and more. Also, available on ITunes, Rhapsody, Napster & most digital download sites!

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