Shady Lane Blues is an exploration of the complexity of human relationships and the power of music.
Kris "skinnyk" Morron drew inspiration from his own music-making career as well as his experiences as an educator. On a few special occasions, Kris was made aware of the unexpected positive influence he had on listeners and students.
This story is an ode to those life-changing experiences.
Shady Lane Blues is a 28-page one-shot comic book that has a soundtrack. The 3 songs that appear in the story are available on an accompanying vinyl record and as digital files.
Synopsis:
Screamin' Washington Monroe was a hitmaker back in the 1920s. His song, "Hurricane Blues" was heard across the country, exposing a wide array of people to the blues.
Time hasn't been a friend to Monroe and by 1962 he has fallen on hard times. Hardly anyone attends his shows anymore and he is just getting by. His luck begins to change when Steele Maxton, a young and enthusiastic concert promoter hires Monroe to open his new club and encourages him to write new material.
With the support and encouragement of Maxton, Monroe tries to get his life back together and to write his first new song in what seems like forever, but writing hit songs is easier said than done.
Inspiration
If you enjoy any of these movies and/or musicians you might enjoy Shady Lane Blues
Ikiru
The Third Man
Son House
Bessie Smith
The story of Shady Lane Blues is not just about Screamin' Washington Monroe. It's also about how Kris learned how being genuine and kind towards others can truly make a difference. If you would like to arrange a guest appearance--on a podcast, for an in-person reading, or for articles of any kind--please fill out the spaces below and he will be in contact with you within days.