Cali Shaw Band
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Cali Shaw Band

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | SELF

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2011
Band Folk Rock

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Music

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"New Mexico's Serene State of Song"

New Mexico is known for many things -- beautiful vistas, a diverse culture and a rich history and tradition. Now it can add a new claim to that list of attributes, a musical resident by name of Cali Shaw. While some refer to him as simply a folk musician, Shaw’s musical tapestry goes far beyond the usual forlorn ramblings borne by even the most fanciful troubadour. His songs are richly arranged and constructed, and while some of the material on his sophomore set, obliquely titled Under the Olive Tree, are seemingly subdued, other tracks boast a playful prance that elevates the mood overall. The best offerings of the set, “Hold On To You,” “Dandelion Wine,” “Same Same” and “Small Place Big World” in particular, are so light, lithe and chipper that they practically beg a sing-along. However even the more meditative pieces like the title tune, “Better Now” and “Arrows” reflect a kind of meditative musing that quickly gets under the skin and then lingers in the brain long after. Not everything here is as instantly memorable; indeed, some songs take a concerted listen to fully appreciate. However, his wistful take on “Over the Rainbow” caps things off nicely. Still, with only nine songs in total, it’s also clear that Shaw has enough original ideas to carry the effort entirely. What a lovely discovery this is. - No Depression Magazine


"Turn the Lights Out"

Cali Shaw is one of Burque’s most consistently interesting singer-songwriters. A former longtime member of Albuquerque funk ensemble Felonious Groove Foundation, Shaw has found a singular place in our town’s music scene. Shaw’s intricate guitar stylings and emphasis on traditional folk music makes each of his performances captivating and memorable. And with triumphal releases like Under The Olive Tree and Winter Bloom under his belt, Shaw is the man to hear as the genre of traditionally influenced Americana grows and grows in these parts - Weekly Alibi


"SONIC REDUCER"

Albuquerque has become famous for its breweries, which continue to pop up like mushrooms, but the Duke City should also be recognized for another local product its citizens consume: acoustic rock and Americana music. In fact, Burqueños often find themselves listening to our many local singer/songwriters at our brewpubs. One of these, Cali Shaw, has been performing separately from his band Felonious Groove Foundation for a number of years now and he really brings the goods on this second Cali Shaw album. - Weekly Alibi


"Band of the Week"

Based in Albuquerque, Cali Shaw writes new folk music, murder ballads, shanties, and songs.

Accompanied by the wonderful Lisa Donald on cello, Dan Spanogle on upright bass, Amanda Grant backing vocals, and rotating drummers Josh English and Richard Compton; Cali Shaw performs at many local watering holes and music festivals throughout the state of New Mexico.

Shaw is currently in the studio working on a full-length solo album due out December 2011 under Penguino Records.

48 Hour Film Project
Shaw recently snagged the Best Song and Best Concept for his song "Colors" at The 48 Hour Film Project for 2011 - City of Albuquerque


"Cali Shaw releases debut album"

Maturity is a beautiful thing. As a lifelong Beastie Boys fan, I watched one of my favorite groups go from snotty, beer-swilling smart alecks to thoughtful, civic-minded citizens. In that same manner, I have watched local musical force Cali Shaw grow from young, funk-minded guitar prodigy to a hyper-talented songwriting machine with a breadth of musical knowledge.
As a founding member of Felonious Groove Foundation (FGF), Shaw (who some may know as Cali Soberanes) carried out all his funk fantasies over the span of more than a decade. And though Shaw still serves as bandleader of FGF, his focus these days is crafting succinct, thought-provoking pop songs that range from sweet and sultry (“Sailors and Mermaids”) to vivacious and lilting (“Colors”). “It’s a real departure from Felonious Groove Foundation,” said Shaw of his first bonafide solo project.


Both of the above songs are accompanied by seven other diligently-crafted tunes on Shaw’s solo debut, Winter Bloom, which will be released Aug. 24 at Low Spirits. Joining Shaw for the occasion will be The Big Spank, Todd and the Fox (which includes Shaw’s former songwriting cohort Todd Lovato) and many other acts that promise to make for an enjoyable evening celebrating one of Albuquerque’s most developed musical talents. - http://www.local-iq.com


"Cali Shaw"

Electric, eclectic, and enticing: Cali Shaw in a nutshell. I came to life listening to “Yellow Letters,” the title track on one of Cali Soberanes’s past projects with Felonious Groove Foundation.

Cali and his newest band mates (which includes some old band mates) are coming out with a new album titled “Winter Bloom,” under the band name Cali Shaw. The self described, new folk music group is Cali Soberanes on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Lisa Donald on cello and vocals, Dan Spanogle on upright bass and vocals, and Josh English on drums.

Sound like a lot? Please think about a party that you didn’t want to leave. Their tunes had me waking up from dead sleep with rhythm and music in my limbs. They made me want to write something, and not everything I listen to makes me feel this way. The unreleased content that I got a sneak peek at off the “Winter Bloom” album is like a walk through the park on a crisp day. The melodies are entertaining, the vocals soothing, and the overall vibe is settling and fulfilling. I may be a folk-music convert thanks to Cali Shaw. They’re back in town in February and playing weekly on Wednesdays at Nob Hill’s Scalo, certainly worth the dinner and show.

–Carlos Contreras - ABQ Arts


Discography

"Under The Olive Tree" (2015, Olive Tree Records) - Cali Shaw Band

*"Winter Bloom" (2012, Penguino Records) - Cali Shaw Band

Cali Shaw music video "Santa Robada" winner for Best Video, Best Song, Best Lyrics, and Best Editing 2012 ABQ 48hour music video competition

Video for the song "Colors", won awards for "Best Song", Best music video concept", and "Audience Favorite" at the 2011 48hour film fest in Albuquerque NM

*"Felonious Groove Foundation presents Fantastic Planet" (2009, Penguino Records) - Felonious Groove Foundation

*"Paper Tiger" (2005, Penguino Records) - Felonious Groove Foundation:
(12 Awards nominations, Winner for "Best Musical Production in Folk/Americana" for "I Miss My Girl and finalist 2005's John Lennon Songwriting Competition for "Porcelana.")

*"Sixth Dynasty" (Penguino Records, 2003) Felonious Groove Foundation: (Winner 2004, NMMIA music award: Best Production in Hip-Hop for "C-Spot." Top Ten Playlist CMJ music magazine, 2003 on CMJ affiliate KUNM 89.9 and KTAO 101.9)

*"Brand Name Funk" (Penguino Records, 2000) Felonious Groove Foundation.

Photos

Bio

Cali Shaw is fast becoming one of the most celebrated songwriters and performers across the Southwest. Working with some of the most talented and diverse musicians in the region, he’s consistently pushed the americana-folk-rock envelope beyond its traditional realms.

Cali Shaw is available as a solo act, duo and as the Cali Shaw Band.

Cali Shaw Band:  This fun upbeat folk-rock band is great for larger music venues and festivals.  The band starts as a four piece group (guitar/banjo/charango, upright bass, drums, vibraphones ) and can be built up to a  seven-piece festival-ready ensemble; which can include Fiddle, Steel Slide Guitar, Horns,  and more.

Whether solo, duo or accompanied by a full band, Cali Shaw’s dynamic and original performances captivate and embrace people of all generations and is consistently regarded as a favorite act to watch at art performance spaces, music clubs, breweries, house concerts and festivals. 

Visit the music and video page for music samples and a look at the different types of lineups offered. 

For more information, visit www.calishaw.com or contact:

calishawmusic@gmail.com


Band Members