Shawn Mullins to Release New Album

Singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins’ upcoming album, Ninth Ward Pickin’ Parlor, is slated to hit shelves Valentine’s Day, 2006.

He contrasts the recording with his two previous Columbia Records albums, describing them as “very involved” and “just not my scene.”

For the new project, Mullins was joined by friend Mike West (guitar, banjo and banjolin) Gerry Hansen (drums and percussion), David Labruyere (bass) and Peter Stroud (acoustic/electric guitar and mandolin). “[They] work for peanuts because they love music so much,” Mullins says of his collaborators. “This is the record that I wanted to make.”

The acoustic, small-band album was named for the New Orleans location where it was recorded, a shotgun home studio and organic farm owned by West. “The studio,” Mullins reminisces, “added a certain vibe to the record that isn’t heard much.”

But Hurricane Katrina destroyed the studio. Fortunately, West—an independent recording artist and producer—was touring when the storm hit and has since relocated his studio to Wichita, Kan.

In the wake of this tragedy, Mullins is dedicating Pickin’ Parlor to the people of New Orleans and said he’s hoping is to set up a foundation for Gulf Coast musicians with proceeds from CD sales.

But, for Mullins, family concerns have recently taken precedent over his music career and charity efforts. He’s home in Atlanta, taking care of his parents while his mother undergoes radiation treatment for breast cancer. “I’m focused on my friends and family right now,” Mullins says.

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