Denver record label Color Red stands for vintage sounds with modern soul, and that’s exactly what Memphis-based Max Kaplan & The Magics deliver on their debut LP Mind On My Heart. You’ll hear eight funky soul tunes that recall the heyday of Stax Records, but still come across as fresh and exciting, especially because they are so very well done in both arrangement and execution. A nonchalant-charismatic frontman with a pleasant rasp in his voice, and a skilled rhythm section that knows how to create the right atmosphere, what more could you wish for? Their dynamic take on Ann Peebles’ 99 Pounds stands out, but the originals reach a similar level. This is a warm, rich and energetic album that could have lasted a bit longer than the current 26 minutes.
Mind On My Heart, produced by Matthew Wilson, Max Kaplan, Jad Tariq and Jon Hay, is out now digitally and on CD through Color Red Music. Featuring Max Kaplan (guitar, vocals, background vocals), Al Gamble (vibraphone, electric organ), Jad Tariq (guitar), Matthew Wilson (sound effects, percussion, drums, background vocals, bass, acoustic guitar), Jon Hay (bass, guitar), Danny Banks (drums), Gerald Stephens (acoustic piano, electric organ), Art Edmaiston (saxophone, horn arrangements), Marc Franklin (trumpet) and Alice Hasen (strings).
Max Kaplan and The Magics are an exhilarating – and a great deal of fun – live . Their set list runs wild through a wide range of cover and originals – from good-time rock and roll to memphis Soul – Stax rhythm and blues to driving blue – the band is comfortable playing it all – ” Mind On My Heart ” is a welcome surpise from the band – an excellently produced and well executed soul-blues release that stunned many who know the band personally – can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkably talented band of musicians and songwriters –