West of Next plays bold original music inspired by the classic American regional genres. Western swing, Cajun and zydeco, mambos, rumbas, waltzes, blues, Celtic and Appalachian strains, honky tonk, rock and more all arranged in a daring style coming from a jazz musician’s point of view.
West of Next is proud to announce a new member, Lillian McLeod, an experienced actress and versatile singer who can interpret musical theater, blues and R&B, driving rock, ballads, country, and more. Tony Dey on drums has played with Van Morrison, Linda Ronstadt, and Mike Bloomfield. Steve Randall has as fine a reputation as any guitarist in Sacramento; doing stints in Northern CA, Texas, and England with The Ultraviolets, Anton Barbeau, Kate Gaffney, Keri Carr, Richard March, etc. Paul Knutsen on bass, has been remarkable in his contribution to the band.
"Cut with diamond-like precision"--- Sacramento Bee
"Swingy,goofy,harmonic,cool!"--- Bela Fleck
" Music from an era that hasn't happened yet"--- Bartleby The Scrivener
"Shapireau is a world-class guitarist. He’s toured and recorded with many famous artists. He writes original songs, in all genres — they’re accessible and extremely clever both lyrically and musically. He can play roots, rock, R&B, country, and jazz from ragtime to bebop. He can blow your mind with a Wes Montgomery guitar instrumental, play a little Beethoven on the mandolin and then pick up a banjo and play Earl Scruggs’ “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” at breakneck speed. --Marinscope Newspapers,
