Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
What is it with these guitar players from Monroe? Is there some potion in the Berghoff or the Huber Beer, or is there something in the Cheese? Like his compadre in the Crashers, Tipsy McStagger guitarist Gerald Coplien has the sweet guitar tone thing nailed down. From the First track to the last this album is chock full of ringing, jangly guitars; thick-bottomed guitars; ringing slide guitars; strummy, acoustic guitars; blazing humbucker lead guitars; and creamy, valve-tube overdriven amplifiers to top it all off.
Coplien is also the lead vocalist and chief songwriter, having a hand in writing all Eleven of the album's tracks. The short run times should clue you in as to what these songs are: tight, concise pop tunes in a very Midwestern rock vein. Sometimes they drift a little toward country-rock but more in the Steve Earle sense and without any hint of phony Southern drawl. These are the kind of songs that stick in your head mercilessly. Seldom do the songs ever really depart: the bridges offer only temporary relief from the melodic sledgehammer the band wields, quickly returning to the verse/ chorus form. Musically, think of a combination of some of the best Midwestern rock - a la Cheap Trick - blended with some Earle, AC/DC, BTO and even the Raspberries.
Copliens vocals are stocky and he sings with power and authoirity. Occasionally he stretches into the upper reaches of his head voice. It's a very familiar tonal quality that can't quite be placed. At times he sounds like Warren Zevon with Earle's swagger.
The rhythm section of drummer Russell Masartis and bassist Dave Potter is tight and efficient. The drums fill effectively and the bass is fat with heaps of sustain. It's a beautiful sound when the Three instruments come together.
There are some guest performances that bear mentioning: Rick Steff, from the Hank Jr Band, lights up the Hammond B-3 organ on several of the album's tracks and when you combine that with the backup vocals of Jackie Johnson and Susan Marshall (Lenny Kravitz Band) the effect is exhilarting. This is exactly what happens on the lead-off track "Jimmy", one the disc's many highlights.
Other standout tracks include "57 Miles", a kick-ass rocker, and "Have Mercy", which boasts an awesome guitar mix, at least one guitar being played through a Leslie speaker, giving it the same rotating sound and nearly passing for the Hammond itself.
Perhaps the albums most surprising track is the finale "Lori Dann". This is a dark and probing look at the woman who shot up a schoolhouse in 1988 in Waukegan, Illinois. It features an extended ending, vamping on the chorus of "Lori Dann / Crazy girls can / Like Lori Dann", while the lead guitar improvises wildly.
This album is for fans of hard-hitting, straight ahead, guitar-driven rock and would make the perfect backdrop to a rowdy get together. Be sure to invite me when you do 'cause it's going to be one hell of a party.
Rick Tevdt
Ricks Cafe-Southern Wisconsin Music - Ricks Cafe
Discography
"Tipsy In Memphis". A full length album currently being nationally promoted. Track #2 "Cry" is currently in play at over 150 radio stations nationwide
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Rock, staright up with a twist of lime, would best describe Tipsy Mcstagger, which was formed in October 2002. The group is a natural mesh of straight rock and roll leanings. Tipsy started out with Gerald Coplien on guitar and Dave Potter on bass. Out of nowhere, Russell Masartis hooked up on drums and Tipsy McStagger lineup was complete.
The band, after a little polish, spent nearly Two months in the late fall of 2003 at historic Ardent Studios in Memphis Tennessee (www.ardentstudios.com). Under direction of veteran record producer Jason Latshaw, they recorded their debut album "Tipsy in Memphis". Tipsy in Memphis is a staggering mix of roots rock, which includes backup vocalists Susan Marshall and Jackie Johnson (Lenny Kravitz band) and Rick Steff (Hank Jr Band) tearing up the Hammond B-3 organ, rounding out the sound.
Hailing from Detroit, Gerald Coplien (Copey) started singing, songwriting and playing professionally at the age of 17. In the past, he has performed with Bob Seger, Busted, Baby Huey and Harvey Krisp. Gerald has also lent his production talents to Jackson Browne, Cheap Trick, Quiet Riot and Buddy Guy. Many of his previous groups have shared the stage with Joan Jett, 38 Special, REO Speedwagon, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to name a few. A veteran of the music business, Gerald has been greatly influenced by Tom Petty, Led Zepplin, John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen.
David Potter, born and raised in Key West, has been playing bass guitar, guitar and piano since the age of Twelve. Dave has worked in various groups nationally. In the past he has perfromed with The Vandals, Imagine That, Baby Huey, Street Legal, Somebody's Kids and Cherokee Rose. Dave is also a veteran of the studio scene with over 200 recordings nationally. The Beatles, Cheap Trick, Muddy Waters and BB King all have greatly influenced Dave.
Answering a ad in a major music publication, Russell Masartis fell in from Boston, having played drums since the age of Ten. Russell was instructed by Roger Humphries, at the renown Rogers School for Performing Arts in Pittsburgh. Before joining Tipsy McStagger, Russell was a member of the popular East Coast group the Deliriants as well as Swivelhead, The Outlets and Lowells Problem Dogs. He has been privileged enough to play at Carnegie Hall and CBGB's. Russells influence's range from Rush and the Police, to Living Colour and Peter Gabriel.
Tipsy McStagger is currently taking their rocking show on the road. With their vacuum Bass, thumping percussuion, and Rockin' guitars, brought to you by the Copey-Tone, they consistently grab attention of all within earshot. Look and listen for them soon in your hometown.
Links
