SILVER SHOES

NEO-COUNTRY BAND SOUND REFINES GENRE

Willis-based band Silver Shoes has refined elements of Southwestern music into a country rock sound. Through more than 10 years as a working band, they have developed an easy feeling and independent spirit into a style of music that appeals to a broad base of fans.

Their honest song writing and clear vocals create a palette of songs that move easily from tender ballads to unabashed country rock. Their neo-traditional approach is actually not of any one genre, but instinctively combines country, rock, folk and pop.

This Texas duo co-wrote the haunting love song "What We Don't Have" and "The Ballad of Clay Hardin," a tale of the Old West with Texas songwriter Shake Russell. The solid driving "You and Me" is a favorite at their live performances, said band member John Finnigan.

Silver Shoes intermittently plays at Wunche Bros. and is due back in town in October after a promotional tour.

The two-member team is Maureen Finlon on vocals and guitar, and Finnigan also on vocals, guitar and piano.

With guitar and piano in tow, John developed his craft in the clubs throughout the Midwest.

Finlon was raised on country rock sounds. She attributes her style to Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, who both inspired her to start singing and playing the guitar.

Her introduction to performing live happened as a twist of fate. Finnigan's partner had left for Los Angeles, and he was searching for someone to fill in for a Fourth of July performance. Although it was their first gig together, Finlon and Finnigan made a connection that would evolve into a longtime partnership.

In the early '80s, Silver Shoes made the Lone Star state their home base. At that time Texas already had emerged as a major well-spring of earthy, intelligent music with songwriters like Rodney Crowell, Townes Van Zandt, Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett, to name a few. Drawn by the music of the progressive country movement Finlon and Finnigan decided Texas was the place to be.

Silver Shoes harnesses their enthusiasm and determination into a musical signature that's fresh, new and combined with a maturity gained through years of experience. The band is temporarily off the Wunsche Bros. Cafe entertainment list while on tour promoting their new CD Silver Shoes throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.

For more information about the band or the CD, write to Silver Shoes, P.O. Box 1353, Willis, Texas 77378.

HOUSTON CHRONICLE