Cali Shaw Band

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

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

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

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

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

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