Levy County native releases first solo cd

By Carrie A. Mizell

After playing bluegrass and gospel music most of his life, Chiefland native Shannon Slaughter has finally released his first solo cd “The Sideman Steps Out.”
Featuring 14 tracks, eight of which Slaughter wrote, or co-wrote, the cd has already earned the talented musician high praise.

“I’ve been waiting for years for Shannon to do an album that features his voice, writing and picking and it turned out to be just like I thought it would: Awesome!” said Shawn Lewis of Blue Highway. “Give it a listen and you’re sure to be as big a fan as I am.”
On Friday evening Slaughter will be in Nashville celebrating the release of his solo cd, but he was in Chiefland over the weekend singing at a close friend, Mrs. Jo Wilson’s celebration of life service.
Singing in church started early for Slaughter who began playing music on his own at the age of 8 after being immersed in acoustic and country music at an early age by his family. It wasn’t long before Slaughter was playing and singing in local churches, at livestock fairs and other venues throughout the tri-county area.
Slaughter began his professional career in 1992, when he moved to Virginia and has since performed with several bands, touring throughout the United States and even playing at the Grand Ole Opry. Currently, Slaughter plays guitar and sings with Lou Reid and Carolina, whose cd “Sounds Like Heaven to Me” was nominated for a DOVE award for bluegrass gospel album of the year.
In addition, Slaughter regularly performs with his own bluegrass and traditional country band, County Clare. Members include his talented wife Heather, Joey Cox on banjo and Ron Inscore on mandolin. The musicians in County Clare are featured prominently on Slaughter’s new solo cd.
Shannon is really excited about his new cd which is available online through the band’s website: www.countyclareband.com If paypal is not the preferred method of payment, interested parties can mail checks for $17, made payable to Shannon Slaughter, to 200 Leona Lane in Trussville, Alabama 35173 and he will mail you a copy of “The Sideman Steps Out.” Shannon Slaughter’s mother, Jennie Lou Sharp also has copies of the cd available for $15. Call Jennie Lou at 493-4638.