Stephen Shepherd
Love Heals All Things
Circus Girl Records
Grade - B

            Shepherd, a small-town country singer/songwriter, has been performing music professionally for over 30 years and “Love Heals All Things” is his third independent CD.  Aside from writing scorching country and western tunes, Shepherd is also a master of creative writing as he holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.  My personal contact with Shepherd is through the University of Wisconsin – Platteville where Shepherd serves as an adjunct English faculty.  (That is somewhat of a disclaimer for this cautious review – what a dangerous combination having a musician and creative writer/professor reading your review!)

            On to the CD, “Love Heals All Things.”  A fine country CD with a twist of blues on “Sunday Morning TV,” and “Biopsy Blues.”  Shepherd’s lyrics remain introspective and committed to the folk/country roots that have influenced his personal style.  These are not pop-country songs that are more popular today, (for mainstream country anyway).  They are more like the storytelling songs of days gone past where the lyrics were more important than the catchy line-dances and choruses. 

            My personal favorites include the upbeat “Saturday Morning TV,” a satirical look at the influence of television and “Seven Miles Away,” a worshipful song about the birth of Jesus Christ. 

            Shepherd has an official web site at http://circusgirlrecords.com.  Song samples and purchasing information can be found on cdbaby.com.  You may also find Shepherd on the U.S. Root Music Report where the first single “In the Shade” spent over ten weeks in the top 40. 

- Ken W.