Album Notes

THE SHAKES is a collaboration between two old friends, Mark Lane and Dan Easley, reacquainted through a mutual passion for the homemade. Be it biscuits, beer, or music, it's just more gratifying if you make it yourself. What's Shakin' was recorded over the course of 2007 in the spirit of spontaneity, artistic freedom, and rollicking good times, mostly in live takes at Detached Garage Studio in Harrisonburg, VA by Dan Easley for Towndowner Records. All the songs were written by Mark, who sings lead vocal and plays acoustic and electric guitars, tenor banjo, trombone, and drums. Dan sings backing vocal and plays everything else, including organ, mandolin, electric guitar, accordian, saxophone, autoharp, and drums. Our musical influences run from old time groups such as The Skillet Lickers and The Carter Family to Doo Wop, 30's and 40's pop, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Waylon Jennings, Warren Zevon, and countless other rock and country musicians. Currently, Mark is making his way through a vast collection of 78 rpm records, searching for insight from a time gone by. The Shakes have recently been joined by Crystal Shrewsbury, playing upright and electric bass, and are at work rehearsing old songs and new songs. We hope you enjoy our music.