RECKLESS IN VEGAS
The Band… The Show… The Album…
Vocals & Guitar/Michael Shapiro
Bass & Vocals/Chris Nichols
Drums & Vocals/Ryan Low, Drums/Jack Roth,
Vocals/Kim Wood Vocals/Gret Menzies-Gonzales Vocals/Roni Meron Vocals/Lily Arce,
Dancer/JoLae Brandt-Shapiro, Dancer/Agnes Roux, Dancer/Sophie Ayache
Producer/Arranger Dan Shea
Choreography by Jolae Brandt-Shapiro & Alex Yonkovich
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THE BAND
Reckless In Vegas is a power trio comprised of Michael Shapiro on vocals & guitar, Ryan “Dr Fu” Low on drums & vocals, and Chris Nichols on bass & vocals.
THE SHOW
Reckless In Vegas has blended the imagery, banter and classic music from the 1960’s Glory Days of Vegas with a contemporary rock band aesthetic. They’ve created an exciting show with modern versions of songs by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis, Sonny & Cher, Frankie Valli, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Bobby Darin, and more. Whether you remember the swinging Vegas lounge era days or were born later, Reckless In Vegas has something for everyone. Video montages, dialogue, humor, modern hard-rocking grooves, and tender moments of balladry combine to create a truly original take on this classic genre. Think The Rat Pack meets Green Day.
THE ALBUM
Reckless In Vegas’ “The Hard Way” is officially here! RIV, along with multi-platinum producer Dan Shea (Jennifer Lopez, Santana, Mariah Carey), have created a studio album of songs taken from their live show with rocking new renditions of songs by Vegas Golden Era artists. RIV’s “The Hard Way” is set for a Fall 2013 release and is already available on iTUNES. Tracks to take note of include Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, a duet featuring very special guest, actress/singer Rumer Willis (daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis) and for you rock-riff-heavy enthusiasts, check out Sinatra’s “Luck Be A Lady”. Also included are Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Of Of You”, Dean Martin’s “Everybody Loves Somebody”, Sonny & Cher’s “The Beat Goes On”, and Neil Diamond’s “Solitary Man”.
RIV founder and guitarist/vocalist Michael Shapiro states, “The songs and artists from that 50’s and 60’s era were so incredibly special that it was of the utmost importance for us to pay homage to those original versions, yet make them our own. This album absolutely reflects RIV’s original style. I guess one might say we’re a tribute to an era but somehow, someway, we’ve managed to bring it current and make it our own.”
RECKLESS IN VEGAS is Vegas in all it’s glory, reinvented and reinvigorated!
The Official RIV Promo Vid
ABOUT THE BOYS
Michael Shapiro
…was born in San Jose, raised in Las Vegas and now resides in San Rafael, Ca. He picked up his first guitar at age 13 and trained hard in guitar, vocals, piano and trumpet and attuned his ear to classical opera as well as rock. A chance encounter with a family friend struck the right cord and paved Shapiro’s way into music. At age16, he had the opportunity to jam with Bruce Springsteen. The rocker’s energetic marathon performances spurred Shapiro to develop a taste for a raucous stage presence. After stints in various cover bands in his teens, Shapiro formed the band Trip, released a few CD’s and toured. Being part of the VH1 Rock Across America Tour, Trip opened for such artists as Edwin McCain, Duncan Sheik, The Romantics, and Cheap Trick. It was during an ill-fated gig opening for Great White when a tragic fire struck, that moved Shapiro to deeply reflect on life’s vagaries and whims.
He bounced back, releasing his first solo album, Somehow, Someway and toured nationally opening for the band Live. After moving to San Rafael, Ca., he formed the power trio, Reckless in Vegas.
There are several influences that peer through his music, for example, the raw and unyielding guitar riffs of Jimi Hendrix, Journey’s Neal Schon and Carlos Santana, as well as the melodic and powerful vocal styling of U2’s Bono. In fact, it is “Hendrix’s bluesy style” and wild “manipulation of the guitar” that Shapiro credits as a major early influence.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”RYAN LOW aka DR FU” tab_id=”1540096386785-05c0e8a7-c5dd”][vc_column_text]
Ryan Low a.k.a. Dr. Fu
…born in Chinatown, San Francisco is a high visibility drummer who is remarkable, not only for his showmanship, distinctive and varying styles and driving rhythm, but also for how often he is seen playing with various artists. Ryan’s unique approach and explosive energy onstage, brings him to the forefront with the rest of the band. Besides being a performer and session player, Ryan is a committed teacher of drums and music. He applies his classical music training to his teaching along with his love and passion for drumming to his students. Although Ryan is a true lover of rock and funk drumming, he has explored a variety of musical styles from hip-hop to country, Latin jazz to R&B; always looking for a challenge to expand his musical repertoire. Over the last 20 years Ryan has performed everywhere West of the Rockies, and remains a solid Bay Area performer. He also has extensive recording experience, with almost thirteen records under his belt to date. Ryan has also expanded his drumming credentials by working as co-producer on one of his recent projects.
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Chris Nichols
Born In Newark, Ohio as the son of a piano teacher. Chris studied the piano, cello, guitar, drums, and bass. His early years led him to Nashville where he toured with several artists throughout the nation. His desire to “Go West”, led him to Las Vegas when the mob still owned the town. He saw the Sands and the Dunes casinos fall to their demise. Since moving to Sin City, he has recorded on several records both as an artist and as an engineer. Chris actually shared the stage with Michael in Trip as they ascended to the height of that band’s career. With the help of several bands, he has also shared stages with the likes of Willie Nelson, Chris Isaak, Toto, Peter Frampton, Rick James, and Lifehouse (just to name a few).
