The following review is from the January/February 2009 issue of Elmore Magazine. Elmore magazine is a national music magazine based in New York City.  They are dedicated to saving American music, and cover American music with a history: roots, blues, jazz, country and rock 'n' roll.

KAPLAN-SHAW

Mojo Cafe

On their new release, Mojo Cafe, upstate New York-based band Kaplan-Shaw continue to perform acoustic music that's rooted in the blues but spiced up with touches of rock, jazz, and even a little bluegrass. Like their 2007 debut, No Stranger to the Blues, Mojo Cafe features all original compositions with songwriting duties split between guitar/dobro player Mike Shaw and bassist Lou Kaplan. On their latest outing, Kaplan-Shaw's songwriting and musicianship have both grown in depth and variety.

"Raised by Wolves," "Too Complicated," and "She Made Me Choose" are all tracks that showcase Kaplan's talent for writing sharp, tongue-in-cheek lyrics about frustrating relationships. The latter, an up-tempo acoustic rocker, also features some fine Chuck Berry-inspired guitar work from Shaw. The powerful "Headline Blues" features politically charged lyrics sung over an intense minor key groove, buffed up by guest saxophonist Brian Dobbie. Shaw also shines on this tune, stretching out with jazz-inflected guitar leads. On the beautiful ballad "I Won't Let You Down," easily one of the most stirring performances on Mojo Cafe, tender lyrics mesh beautifully with Shaw's delicate mandolin playing and a lovely fiddle solo from guest Peter McDonald. The disc closes with "Shawdawg Rag," an upbeat, bluegrass-flavored instrumental propelled by Shaw's energetic dobro playing and another excellent McDonald solo.

With their wise lyrics and well-honed instrumental chops, Kaplan-Shaw has once again produced a recording that should bring joy to all fans of acoustic roots music. Let's hope that this group continues to breathe life into the contemporary acoustic music scene for a long time to come.

~Jon Kleinman