Album Notes

David Shapireau & West of Next is a new band from Sacramento featuring veteran musicians playing compositions by the leader that are inspired by the great American regional genres. The music of America that reflects specific lifestyles throughout the country. Blues, zydeco, Appalachian spooky ballads and bluegrass-country songs of the heart and barn burner reel-like dance music, rock, western swing, honky tonk, R & B,surf music, mambos, jazz, cajun, and so on. Many of the original immigrants were from Scotland and Ireland so Celtic strains are heard in the band as well. West of Next pushes these boundaries while honoring the past,with large helpings of skilled guitar playing featuring the "twin" sounds of Bob Wills, Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant and the Allman Brothers Band but done a bit differently. Shapireau's background as a jazz arranger and composer makes the presentation of the songs, whatever the style, a bit different than much popular music. The lyrics are often witty, with much social commentary. Celebrity worship, philosophy, humorous and sad songs of romance, songs that may surprise in the combination of elements. If you like unexpected twists and turns, quirkiness, having to really pay attention to get all that is going on, yet in an accessible non-intellectual way, give this band a listen. You won't hear the cliches so prevalent in the marketplace.
Gabriel Nelson of Cake was the first bass player and made the first CD. He has been replaced by Paul Knutsen.
Steve Randall is likely the most popular guitarist in Sacramento and has given a touch of class to many bands.
Tony Dey on drums played with Linda Ronstadt, Van Morrison, and Michael Bloomfield.
David Shapireau was in the old Norton Buffalo Stampede on Capitol records and has worked as an arranger-producer and/or session player or hired guitar gun for Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal, Peter Rowan. Bela Fleck, David Grisman, Tower of Power, Don Reno, Tony Rice, Dan Hicks, Mary Ann Price, The Modesto and Camellia Symphonies, et al. He plays mandolin in addition to many styles of guitar.Vocals by all.