2008
10-10-08
The new funk cover band is almost complete. The working name is Groove Juice. We should be up and gigging by the turn of the year! Songs range from classic funk/soul to modern funk rock. Look for a website soon!
I just traded in my monster SWR 6x10 for a Bergantino AE-410 cab. The compact Bergantino is as loud as the huge SWR. The tone is also far more accurate and articulate. Matched with Labella Slappers (nickel wrapped steel for a less bright tone) for strings my Pedulla Thunderbass sounds powerful with amazing clarity. Unfortunately my Labella Deep Talkin Bass strings that I've stood by for years were just too focused and hard edged for this accurate cab. Especially since I use a Demeter HBP-1 for a preamp. So there's a little mini review for you gear heads out there.
9-01-08
I have a new funk cover band in the works with drummer and good friend Mike McLeavy of Spank and my brother Andy Shaw on guitar. Just looking for the right singer now. If anyone is interested please email me.
2007
10-22-07
Been a busy year so far with lots of different things going on. Starting back up teaching one of my best students in preparation for him sending in his application to Berklee College of Music. Just started lessons back up myself with Cliff Engel (linked on my link page). Also picked up the old Ibanez RG guitar again. Just having some fun with some Petrucci lines, lol.
01-31-07
"I've spent the last couple months working with some new studio equipment. Picked up a Demeter HBP-1 preamp which sounds incredible. A very tubey sound but more accurate than any preamp I've ever played. Transient response is unbeatable so this tube preamp can even hang with super fast slapping. It feels like I'm getting the best of both worlds now, warm tube sound and the speed of a solid state preamp. I also picked up a M-Audio Delta 44 soundcard and a M-Audio DMP-3 mic preamp. I use to DMP-3 to boost the signal of the Jensen output in the HBP-1 for recording. It is a very transparent preamp and quite the bargain. Lastly I picked up a better headphone preamp by Presonus. So lots of fun experimenting in the studio."
Ley Lynes is still working on their album. New songs should be up soon!
2006
10-20-06
"It was an exciting week for me. I finally got to meet my number one influence John Patitucci. John was the first solo bassist I studied back in highschool even before Jaco or Stanley. John played at the Regatta Bar in Boston MA and I got the chance to meet him after and get a pic taken. It was an inspiring night."
Ley Lynes will be back at it again this coming week. George (guitarist) has lots of new material and they are excited to perform again.
07-26-06
MikeShawOnBass.com is still the temporary site for Mike and George's project Ley Lynes but they can also be heard on Myspace by clicking the following link Ley Lynes.
The following is a quote copied from Ley Lynes on Myspace- "Now in 2006 George and Mike are recording many new tracks including Get it Back, Tempest, Hoedown, some Mike's solo bass songs including the popular Electric Hoedown, some of George's solo guitar songs, and even some traditional Greek tunes. They plan to have their album complete by the end of the year or early 2007. The album's great diversity will have something for everyone. There are also plans for a tour in 2007-2008." We hope to make this come true!
Confusion External took a break from the studio during July but will be back at it soon!
Other projects are being discussed with Mike's friend Andy of now broken up Point Blank and Kenn Medeiros of Confusion External. They will all get together to brainstorm in late August.
George and Kerry of Ley Lynes are planning to play some acoustic cover gigs at local restaurants soon. Mike will join once his schedule eases up.
06-06-06
Ley Lynes had their first internet radio airplay this week on Awesomeradio.net. Their track Senorita was played by DJ Shashona. Senorita was a big hit and will continue to be played. Check out the station's website for Shashona's DJ slots for more Ley Lynes. George and Mike want to thank Shashona for supporting their music.
Ley Lynes is back in the studio this month with Kerry Lardner. They have lots of new songs including some traditional Greek tunes to lay down. Ley Lynes is also working on a tour planned for 2007-2008 and a new website.
Confusion External hits the studio this month to record a couple old songs and some new ones. A Myspace profile will be created soon to host these songs.
04-27-06
So its been a while since the last update. I've been super busy with well, life. You all know how that goes, lol. But I am in the process of recording a few new tracks with my old hard rock band Confusion External. As far as Locked n' Loaded goes we have disbanded for now due to a lack of time to devote to the needed practices to polish up our sound. But hopefully we'll be back at it in the future. I would like to thank Kenn, Nicole, Andy, and Paul of LnL for a great time. It is rare that you get a group of great musicians together that get along so well :-) My second passion of studying the martial arts has also changed since the last email. South Shore Wah Lum lost its school several months ago and I have moved onto Li Family 5 Animal Kung Fu and Rotating Palm Linear Bagua. My concentrations are the internal arts Linear Bagua, Tai Chi, Xing Yi, and Chi Gung. Well that is about it for now. Hope you all have a wonderful year!
2005
11-15-05
Ley Lynes has been on pause for the last couple months but plans to complete their latest single within the next few months.
Locked n' Loaded is attempting to round out their sound by adding a keyboardist. Mike has been doubling on the keys for the last year but wants to focus more on the bass and only play the occasional song on the keys. Mike will still play his favorite cheesy keyboard song "Jump" by Van Halen so not to worry, lol. Look for a current gig list soon on their site linked below.
A little unknown fact about Mike. When he isn't thumpin' da bass he is kicking ass at his Kung Fu school. He has a background in Tae Kwon Do but is currently a student of the Wah Lum Tam Tui Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu system. He also practices Tai Chi Chuan style at the same school. Wah Lum is most popularly known for its star Mimi Chan whom is the grandmaster's daughter and lives in Florida. Mimi Chan was featured in movies like Mortal Kombat and was the model character for Disney's Mulan series. She is also Mike's Sifu's niece. Mike's Sifu (master or instructor in Chinese) is the younger brother of the grandmaster and lives here in Massachusetts. The Wah Lum styles Mike studies can be seen all over the world in competitions, movies, and popular TV shows. It also known for its Mantis techniques, strong mix of soft and hard techniques, and large range of classical weapons making it a very diverse style of the over 300 styles of Kung Fu. If you have any questions about the style or would like to be part of the new school Mike and his Kung Fu Brothers are starting please feel free to send Mike an email or visit his links page for a link to Grandmaster Chan's Temple in Florida.
8-27-05
Ley Lynes has completed their drum tracks with the help of Jeff Armstrong. They continue to record bass and guitars this month and next month. Look for an upload soon!
Locked n' Loaded is preparing a set for their first gigs. A complete list of their songs can be seen on their website linked below.
Much of Mike's solo music is going to be merged with Ley Lynes and will appear on the Ley Lynes CD which is expected to be out this coming spring.
Mike also has a progressive studio project in the works with drummer Paul Murray of Locked n' Loaded and the Coaster Thieves. The album will be a concept album consisting of only one 50-60 minute song. Mike plans on adding CD track numbers to various sections for ease of listening.
6-23-05
The official line up for Mike's 80s Hard Rock tribute band Locked n' Loaded is as follows: Kenn Medeiros of Confusion External on vocals teamed with Nicole Reihl on vocals, Andy White of Point Blank on guitar and backing vocals, Paul Murray previously of Stiflah on drums, and Mike on bass, keyboards, and backing vocals. Check out LockednLoadedBand.com for more info including their full set list.
Mike has recorded a new driving funk rock bass tune and will mix it down for upload soon!
Ley Lynes will enter the studio again with engineer Joe Clapp to complete their drum tracks with drummer Jeff Armstrong for their latest single featuring Kerry Lardner on vocals.
And of course, Congrats to Mike who got married last month and bought a house this month. What a busy last couple months!
4-8-05
Lots of site updates lately! Check out the pics page for some "lost and found" pics of Mike's early years. Pics are now organized for easy viewing by Mike Solo, Ley Lynes, Fishing with Fredo, Confusion External, and Stick Figure Stanley. Lots more pics on the way including tons of Confusion External and a few from Get Up.
Also, make sure to visit Mike's forum Da Bass - Q&A for the Electric Bass at Myspace for all your electric bass related questions and answers.
3-23-05
A new more detailed and updated Bio has been uploaded to the About Mike page.
New links have been added so check them out!
3-16-05
Mike has a new cover band in the works. It will be an 80s rock/metal tribute band with a mix of some very talented musicians. His now disbanded Fishing with Fredo focused on 80s rock/metal but his new band will be all 80s rock/metal! Mike admits it is a guilty pleasure and unexpected but it is simply fun! The project will be led by Mike and good friend Kenn Medeiros (vocals) formally of Confusion External. Other members including female vocals, lead guitar, keyboards, and drums are currently auditioning. Mike does not want to give away any names but the lineup looks to be his best yet!
Confusion External was Mike's funky edged hard rock band formed back in the mid 90s. The members were Kenn Medeiros on vocals and backing guitars, Scot Brine on lead guitar, Mike on bass and backing vocals, and Mike Mcleavy on drums. Now in 2005, nearly 10 years later, they plan on recording several new tracks in their home studio. It will be a blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and funk. Check back soon for more Confusion External updates!
Make sure to visit Mike's forum Da Bass - Q&A for the Electric Bass at Myspace for all your electric bass related questions and answers.
2-21-05
Fishing with Fredo has called it quits. "We all had lots of fun and would like to thank all of our fans for their support", Fredo. Each member has a new band in the works so keep an ear open for them. To get Mike's view on the breakup checkout his blog at Thunderfingers at Myspace.com. Myspace is a free networking site where Mike hosts a bass Q&A forum named Da Bass as well as a Bela Fleck and the Flecktones fan forum .
Ley Lynes is back in the studio recording a new tune with vocalist Kerry Lardner. It should be posted within the next few months. Ley Lynes is also now featured on Myspace at Ley Lynes at Myspace.com.
1-31-05
Mike now has some openings for private bass instruction. From the absolute basics for the begineer to Jazz improv and advanced slap techniques for the intermediate and advanced, Mike can setup a program that will help you reach your goals! Program can be 1 hour once a week, every other week, or one time a month (once a month can be 2 hours if needed). If interested please email Mike from his 'Contact' page.
Mike has begun a new chapter in his bass development by starting lessons by correspondence with virtuoso bassist Cliff Engel, founder of The International Institute of Bassists and former correspondence student of world renowned Jazz improvisation guru Charlie Banacos of the New England Conservatory. Mike plans to further his understanding of Jazz improv along with other numerous aspects of his playing.
1-03-05
Mike has tied with friend and great bassist Brian Battles as "South Shore's Best Bassist of 2004" on the South Shore Muse website (see Link page). Though Mike and Brian may seem quite different with their approach to the bass they both share a strong Jazz background and many of the same influences. This combined with performing in a wide range of bands from Jazz, Fusion, Prog, Rock, Funk, Soul, and Covers have proven Mike and Brian to be among the best musicians of 2004. For a complete list of all the "Best of 2004" musicians check out the South Shore Muse (see Link Page).
2004
11-22-04
Mike has a few openings for private bass lessons for anyone in the South Shore area. He can teach any age and ability. From basic bass setup and techniques for the novice to Jazz improv theory and advanced slap styles for the advanced. Just drop him an email with your interests and he will tailor a program for you!
Well it has been a busy month with Mike's rock cover band Fishing with Fredo. They have played some great gigs and are building a good fan base. Check out their link below to see the site.
Mike's Jazz Fusion band Ley Lynes will go back into the studio soon to complete their album. More details soon.
10-22-04
Mike's improv rendition of America the Beautiful is getting great reviews! Check it out on the Sounds and Lessons page.
Don't forget that Fishing with Fredo's first Halloween party is coming up soon! Check out below for more details.
10-04-04
The Ley Lynes gig at Kiskadees went awesome! Thanks to all that came to show their support.
Fishing with Fredo will be hosting their first Halloween bash October 30th at the Plymouth Elks Club. For more info visit the new Fredo web site at Fishing with Fredo.com.
Lots of new updates on this site to tell you about. Tons of new pics from the Ley Lynes gig, updates to the lessons section, and most importantly several new tunes including Mike's rendition of America the Beautiful. Check it all out!
09-16-04
Reminder: Mike's Jazz Fusion band Ley Lynes will be performing its first gig in nearly a year at Kiskadees across from Riptides in downtown Plymouth MA Thursday September 23rd from 8-10 PM. Read below for more info.
09-06-04
Mike has won the Best Bassist on the South Shore poll at the South Shore Muse. Thanks to all that participated.
08-31-04
Mike has been nominated as Best Bassist on the South Shore at the South Shore Muse. Mike leads the pack and the polls close today. If you have not voted, please vote soon.
Some new pics have been posted including one of Mike with one of his most influential bassists, Victor Wooten of the Victor Wooten Band and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Mike has met him many times along with a lot of other great bassists like Stanley Clarke, Stu Hamm, and Michael Manring.
Mike's cover band Fishing with Fredo has booked many gigs including Oct 14th at Riptides, Oct 16th at Shay's, Nov 19th at Shay's, Nov 27th at Riptides, Dec 17th at Shay's, and Dec 18th at Riptides.
Mike's Jazz Fusion band Ley Ley Lynes is booked for a two hour set at the old Book and Bean in downtown Plymouth on Thurs Sept 23rd. New members include Jeff on drums, Kerry on vocals, and John on sax and wind synth. This gig will be a blast!
08-13-04
Fishing with Fredo will be appearing tonight at Shay's in Bourne just off the Bourne rotary. They will be performing back to back 80s rock sets. For more details contact Mike or go to Fishing with Fredo.
Fishing with Fredo has booked plenty more gigs including several at the popular Riptides in Plymouth.
Even though Get Up had a great gig at Riptides in July they have decided to take a break and regroup. Get Up should be back up and gigging this fall.
Ley Lynes has completed its live line up including a great saxophonist that plays alto, tenor, and the Yamaha Wind Synth. Be on the watch for gigs.
There is a great new music site for South Shore musicians called the South Shore Muse. It is a site developed by musicians for musicians with great links to local bands and much more. Mike's site is listed as well as an ad for bass instruction, and he has even been voted for the South Shore's best bassist several times. So check it out!
06-26-04
Erin Carey has joined Mike's funk/soul cover band Get Up on guitar.
Get Up has booked Thursday July 22nd at Riptides in Plymouth. Come see what all the hype is about!
Fishing with Fredo will be performing at a private party July 4th on the Plymouth waterfront. If you are on the waterfront to enjoy the fireworks you'll surely hear them playing some great tunes!
06-04-04
Chris Barone is now on da skins for Fishing with Fredo. Chris is also known for playing in Mike's funk band Get Up and the popular rock band Psionic.
05-27-04
Mike spent another night sitting in with acoustic cover band Spank Friday the 14th at Cabby Shack. Thanks again guys.
Fishing with Fredo is currently restructuring to kick off their summer. Look for a new line up and some fresh tunes.
Funk/Soul/Hiphop cover band Get Up is ready to launch with guitarist Alex Pashoian, singer Finn Maquire, drummer Chris Barone, and Mike on bass. This band has some of the best musicians around and will surely deliver the funk!
05-10-04
Mike gave his fretless acoustic a workout last Friday night the 7th sitting in with acoustic cover band Spank at the Cabby Shack in Plymouth, MA. Thanks goes out to friends Kris, Mike, and Woody of Spank.
Guitar auditions continue for funk/soul/blues cover band Get Up. Hopefully a decision will be made this coming weekend.
05-03-04
Wow!!! What a response Fishing with Fredo got last Saturday night at the Beachcomber in Quincy MA. The place was packed and the band was smokin'! Thanks to all that came out.
04-26-04
Finn Maguire of Psionic has joined Get Up on vocals.
The response from guitarists for Get Up auditions has been overwhelming this month. The band should be ready to go soon!
Ley Lynes' demo single Senorita is now available for download under Sounds and Lessons.
04-14-04
Fishing with Fredo will be performing with Velvet Jones at the Beachcomber Saturday night May 1st.
Mike is currently restructuring Get Up with drummer Chris Barone. Get Up should be up and playing soon.
03-04-04
Rob Wadsworth has joined Mike's cover band Fishing with Fredo on guitar. Be on the lookout for upcoming gigs.
Mike has a new funk/blues cover band named Get Up in the works with guitarist/vocalist Mark Silvia. This band is sure to deliver some hard hitting funk! More news soon.
Ley Lynes single Senorita is currently being distributed. Email Mike for a copy. Don't forget to check out www.LeyLynes.com.
01-29-04
Ley Lynes' single Senorita is complete and will be duplicated and distributed this month.
Guitarist Mike Visconti and drummer Tom Corshia will be performing on Mike's first song on his new instrumental Progressive Fusion album.
Kris Boynton of acoustic band Spank has joined Mike's cover band to sing, play guitar, and play the keys.
2003
12-03-03
This month Mike and George mix and master their long awaited single Senorita for their band Ley Lynes. Also be on the watch for the Ley Lynes official site release at www.LeyLynes.com.
Mike has finished recording the rough bass tracks for the first song in his new instrumental Progressive Fusion project. He has just sent it out to a few top notch guitarists to see what they can add to the tune.
11-12-03
Mike is busy trying out guitarists for his cover band this month. The musician lineup will be nothing short of incredible and the tunes will range from classic rock/funk to modern rock/funk and our specialty will be crowd pleasing 80s guitar rock hits. Thanks to all the great players that have tried out so far.
Mike and George have hired Michael Rakusin of Hi8us to play the keys on Ley Lynes' single Senorita. The single should be out soon.
10-24-03
Last night at Riptides in Plymouth MA Mike made another guest appearance to close the night for the Mike Visconti Band. Mike performed the crowd pleasing Classical Thump by the incredible Victor Wooten into a latin blues and funk jam with drummer Tom Corshia and guitarist Erin Carey. Both Mike and the Mike Visconti band where in their zone last night! Thanks again to Mike Visconti. Also, new pics added from the gig.
10-17-03
Thursday the 23rd of October at Riptides in Plymouth MA Mike will be jamming on a medley of well known funk tunes from Victor Wooten and Stanley Clarke with drummer Tom Corshia to kick off the night for the Mike Visconti Band. The show starts at 9:30pm.
Mike is currently forming a cover band to begin performing in the local Plymouth area soon. This band will differentiate themselves from many other cover bands by opening up the tunes for improv in a jazzy and funky way. So far Mike has recruited drummer Mike McLeavey and vocalist Joli Chaffee. Guitarists interested contact Mike ASAP.
09-30-03
Drummer Jeff Armstrong recorded drums and bongos on Ley Lynes' first single name Senorita this month with recording engineer Joe Clapp. With the addition of some guest keys, the single will be completed by the end of next month.
09-11-03
Mike will be performing at a private party in Brookline, MA on September 20th with guitarist George Stavropoulos and a guest percussionist.
09-06-03
On September 4th, Mike had the opportunity to talk to the great bassist Michael Manring at Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge, MA. Over the last year Mike has met and talked to many inspirational musicians including Stanley Clarke, Victor Wooten, Stu Hamm, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and Wayne Shorter.
On September 5th, Mike opened the last set of Mike Visconti's CD release party at Riptides in Plymouth, MA with an electrifying bass solo.
09-01-03
Mike is busy in the studio this month recording Ley Lynes' first single named Senorita, which should be out soon.
08-01-03
Mike had to pause recording his solo bass project in order to complete the album for Ley Lynes with guitarist George Stavropoulos.
Mike has a few openings for private instruction. Please email him if interested.
