KAPLAN SHAW CD CDs MP3 Sound Shop Able Al Syracuse NY Music

KAPLAN-SHAW is a Blues trio that combines the intimacy of acoustic roots music and storytelling with the excitement of virtuosity and showmanship. The culmination of a twenty-nine year friendship, KAPLAN-SHAW mix traditional and contemporary Blues covers with their own distinctive brand of original Blues. The result is honest, good time music� served up hot and guaranteed to satisfy!

Lou Kaplan (acoustic bass, acoustic guitar, dobro, vocals) is the founding member of Mad Jack. A mainstay of the Upstate Blues-Boogie circuit, Mad Jack released four independent albums and appeared with The Outlaws, Marshall Tucker Band, Duke Robillard, and Commander Cody. From there, Lou went on to join the legendary British Blues band Savoy Brown. As a member of Savoy, Lou recorded a live album and appeared with ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, James Cotton, Humble Pie, and Big Brother and the Holding Company.

Mike Shaw (acoustic guitar, dobro, vocals) has long enjoyed a reputation as one of Upstate New York�s premier guitarists. After serving a stint in the Original Jamo Band, Mike gained much notoriety with the Paul Brother�s Band, recording an album and appearing with The Outlaws, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Marshall Tucker Band, Papa John Creech of Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane, and Grinderswitch. From there, Mike went on to front his own Rhythm and Blues outfit, the Mike Shaw Band. Mike�s extensive resume also includes road and studio work with The Drifters, The Tams, Bobby Comstock, Brian Miles, Wells Curtis, Donny and The Dukes, Buzzy Lenhardt, Johnny Russo, Chuck Berry, Mad Jack, and SmackDaddy.

In 1995 Lou and Mike renewed their friendship and began jamming together. These informal jams sparked a collaborative songwriting effort that continues to this day. As things progressed, it seemed only natural that they should pool their collective talents and form a new musical entity. In the spirit of the music they chose the straightforward moniker KAPLAN-SHAW.

Blues aficionados will remember late arrival and longtime friend Al Macomber (drums, percussion, vocals) from Savoy Brown. Al�s drumming graced such Savoy Brown albums as Make Me Sweat and Kings Of Boogie. During his tenure with Savoy, Al appeared with The Gregg Allman Band, John Lee Hooker, Stephen Stills, James Cotton, Spencer Davis, and Mick Taylor. Al has also been a member of Max, Rough Haus, Mad Jack, and The Coots.

KAPLAN-SHAW released their debut CD, titled No Stranger To The Blues, in 2007. In his review, Dick Ward of the Guitar League said, �No Stranger To The Blues showcases a unique and potent sound that soars above the norm.� In 2008, KAPLAN-SHAW hit the road with a vengeance, delivering high-octane acoustic Blues as only seasoned veterans can. Their impassioned vocals, poetic lyrics, and searing instrumental work are sure to inspire a memorable evening. The new KAPLAN-SHAW CD, titled Mojo Caf�, was released in 2008.

Elmore Magazine Review 06-2008
By Jon Kleinman

KAPLAN-SHAW - No Stranger To The Blues (Interlakes Records)

On their debut CD, the Upstate New York-based trio performs acoustic blues with a fresh, contemporary sound. The stodgy, museum-piece feel that sometimes mars acoustic blues recordings is nowhere to be found on this release; touches of soul, funk, and a little bit of rock 'n' roll keep the energy level high throughout. Vocals and songwriting duties are split between guitar/dobro player Mike Shaw and bassist Lou Kaplan- all songs on the disc are original compositions.

Shaw's title song and Kaplan's "Right As Rain" are two tracks that demonstrate the group's ability to bring elements of soul and funk into their music. "No Stranger to the Blues" is anchored by a solid funk groove and buffed up by a nice jazz-inflected solo from Shaw. "Right as Rain" has a buoyant soul feel that perfectly fits Kaplan's upbeat lyrics about the healing powers of romance. The band shifts, injecting a nice dose of rock 'n' roll swagger into tracks like "Why Do You Tease Me" and "You're No Good for Me"- the latter track features some great, hard-bitten lyrics from Kaplan ("I know you're wanted by the FBI, for getting everyone in this town high!"). "When I Find My Mojo" is one of the disc's most innovative tracks. While the band lays down a solid double-time blues beat, Shaw stretches out on dobro and plays a solo that owes as much to bluegrass as to the blues.

Kaplan-Shaw plans to tour extensively throughout 2008. If the music on No Stranger To The Blues is any indication, this band should be right at home burning up the stage at blues clubs and festivals around the U.S.

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