For all the success Kaplan Shaw enjoys, the band hopes other musicians will enjoy it many times more.
Lou Kaplan, who sings and plays acoustic bass, acoustic guitar and dobro in the acoustic blues band, says songwriting is their express goal. They hope their material will be noticed and re-recorded by high-profile musicians.
When Kaplan, guitarist and fellow songwriter Mike Shaw and drummer Al Macomber came together a few years ago, they initially imagined their group as a relaxed project. But their history in rock bands soon made itself known on their stage.
“Even though it's acoustic blues, it's got a lot of teeth,” Kaplan said.
The palpable energy in Kaplan Shaw's music was noticed in this month's Elmore Magazine in a glowing review of the group's first album, “No Stranger to the Blues.” Their second, “Mojo Cafe,” was released this month.
Both albums are available at the band's live shows, which carry over their recordings' vigor with engaged, but not rowdy audiences.
“They're a better behaved crowd than we're used to in the past,” Kaplan said. “Usually it's middle-aged folks, but I'm consistently surprised by the fact that a lot of young people get it.”
Staff writer David Wilcox can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net
Five questions with Lou Kaplan of Kaplan Shaw:
Q: What is your favorite song to play?
A: “Jack Daniels, the Blues, and Me.” It's an original song from our first album, kind of slow, spooky and moody atmospheric piece.
Q: What is the first concert you remember seeing?
A: Blue Oyster Cult at Broome County Arena, in 1977 or 1978.
Q: What is your favorite album?
A: The Robert Johnson box set
would have to be up there.
Q: What are the bands biggest influences?
A: The Delta blues guys from the '20s and '30s, the Chicago blues guys from the '50s and the contemporary blues guys like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy.
Q: Where have you always wanted to play, but never gotten a chance to?
A: B.B. King's in New York City.
If you go
Who: Kaplan Shaw
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: Burritt's Cafe, 8914 N. Seneca St., Weedsport
Cost: Free
Info: Call 834-6870 or visit www.kaplan-shaw.com
When Kaplan, guitarist and fellow songwriter Mike Shaw and drummer Al Macomber came together a few years ago, they initially imagined their group as a relaxed project. But their history in rock bands soon made itself known on their stage.
“Even though it's acoustic blues, it's got a lot of teeth,” Kaplan said.
The palpable energy in Kaplan Shaw's music was noticed in this month's Elmore Magazine in a glowing review of the group's first album, “No Stranger to the Blues.” Their second, “Mojo Cafe,” was released this month.
Both albums are available at the band's live shows, which carry over their recordings' vigor with engaged, but not rowdy audiences.
“They're a better behaved crowd than we're used to in the past,” Kaplan said. “Usually it's middle-aged folks, but I'm consistently surprised by the fact that a lot of young people get it.”
Staff writer David Wilcox can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net
Five questions with Lou Kaplan of Kaplan Shaw:
Q: What is your favorite song to play?
A: “Jack Daniels, the Blues, and Me.” It's an original song from our first album, kind of slow, spooky and moody atmospheric piece.
Q: What is the first concert you remember seeing?
A: Blue Oyster Cult at Broome County Arena, in 1977 or 1978.
Q: What is your favorite album?
A: The Robert Johnson box set
would have to be up there.
Q: What are the bands biggest influences?
A: The Delta blues guys from the '20s and '30s, the Chicago blues guys from the '50s and the contemporary blues guys like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy.
Q: Where have you always wanted to play, but never gotten a chance to?
A: B.B. King's in New York City.
If you go
Who: Kaplan Shaw
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: Burritt's Cafe, 8914 N. Seneca St., Weedsport
Cost: Free
Info: Call 834-6870 or visit www.kaplan-shaw.com
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