Casey J. Chapman - Singing/Strumming; Dave Shaver - Percussion/Vocals
Influences
Wallflowers, Matchbox 20, Allison Krauss, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Oasis, James Taylor, Your Mom, Ani DiFranco, Alanis Morrisette, Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows...
Sounds Like
Jewel (with djembe), Lisa Loeb (with djembe), Ani Franco (but slightly poppier...and with djembe), Oasis (but acoustic, and a LOT less fighting), Crosby Stills and Nash (your guess is as good as mine), Sarah McLachlan (without piano...and with djembe), The Bookdrop Bees (with a lot less soul...and with djembe), Mudfunk (with a girl...and harmonies...and a lot less soul), Alanis Morrisette (just as bitter, but with a little djembe), The White Stripes and the Dresden Dolls (Hey, it's a hunk and a chic. It's close, right?), Johnny and June Cash (with a lot more clothing, and we are both breathing), Sonny and Cher (without that horrible song about getting babes), Sam and Joon (with music), Superman and Wonderwoman (without the capes...and with djembe), Dispatch (with a girl...and one less person...and some djembe), and anything you've ever heard that you've enjoyed.
Almost Awake formed one fateful morning at Bruegger’s Bagels in Albany NY. Neither Casey nor Dave had slept a wink the night before, having stayed up playing Killer Bunnies and the Quest for the Magic Carrot, drinking coffee at Bob's Diner, and wandering the streets of Downtown Albany. The pair met only a few weeks before, at a Tuesday night open-mic in Troy. Dave took one of Casey's flyers for a show the following day and she invited him to sit in with his djembe. He did. The crowd was thrilled, Casey and Dave were hooked, and proper sleep patterns were lost forever.
Troubadour song-stress Casey J. Chapman heads up the duo, using honest lyrics and ripping melodies to drive her acoustic insights. With a soulful voice that fills the room from first note to last, no listener leaves unaffected. The addition of Dave Shaver, providing creative harmonies and a djembe style all his own, puts Almost Awake in a class of few, captivating audiences of all ages wherever they go.
Since joining forces in August of 2005, Casey and Dave have put together a string of accomplishments that are remarkable to your everyday musician. Performing 115 shows in their first year, regularly hosting two capital region open-mic nights, and appearing on five different radio stations, Almost Awake is making a lot of waves around the Capital District, using a ‘do-it-yourself’ approach to making, producing, and marketing their music. In March of 2006, they released their debut CD entitled ‘TAP’, a compilation of tracks recorded live at the Daily Grind in Troy, Flavour Café in Troy, and the nationally historic Caffe Lena in Saratoga. The release of ‘TAP’ also prompted the duo to embark on a statewide ‘Farmer’s Market Tour’, traveling to 30 different markets throughout the summer of 2006. Now, with ‘TAP’ sales still soaring, Almost Awake has headed into the studio to begin putting together their follow-up album (‘Green Both Ways’), constructed from Chapman’s deep-rooted notebook of over 40 compositions. In the meantime, the band has released a five-song EP entitled Crisis Averted, a live recording from their recent concert at Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT.
Almost Awake has shared the stage with such renowned musicians as Sean Rowe, Erin Harkes, The Ramblin’ Jug Stompers, Maurizio, Steve Candlen, Matt Durfee, Kevin McKrell and Sirsy, to name a few. Citing a wide range of musical acts including Oasis, Matchbox Twenty, and Ani DiFranco as their primary influences, it’s no surprise why you are not likely to find a sound quite like the Almost Awake experience. However, one thing is for sure-- Casey and Dave’s chemistry on and off the stage, not to mention their creative arrangements of original and adapted material alike, finds Almost Awake forever etched into the minds and hearts of all who come upon them.
Peace and love to you all. Enjoy the music.
..This profile was edited with Thomas' myspace editor™ V2.5
Hey Shavers, what's new? Sueann and Haywood say hello! I was passing through Cortland last night and realized I don't have a updated number for you. Give us a ting if you get a chance. We continue to pray for you and still love listening to you even though the song has never surfaced. Hope to hear from you soon. Peace and love!
I'm sorry to hear living on Third Street presented so many difficulties, but glad that you persevered, overcame and also played (and will play there again, I hope) on that old avenue.
I think you should come to Rochester on Nov 1st. Because SIRSY is coming to Rochester on Nov 1st. And because I live here. SIRSY + me = things you love soooo much!!
at least you are before NKOTB. it was a toss up there for a while, but you beat them by a smidgen because casey is cuter than jordan knight. when are you coming to Rochester?? i heard a band that sort of reminded me of you. in that they play the guitar and drums only. yes, dave, i know you play djembe, not the drums. anyway, it was a similar style, i thought. i'll be in town next weekend, as my parents are selling the house and my brother and myself have to go through all our stuff. perhaps you will be around?? hope you are doing fabulously! miss yooooouu! love, em
Hey AA, we just wanted to stop by and say hello. We are very excited to hear you play this weekend, and we pray all is well. See you soon. Peace and love!
Hello! This is an invitation for all my current myspace friends (and anyone else who's interested) to check out my band's new myspace page. We renamed the project to CROOKED TOE (formerly known as John Pinder Band), so check out myspace. com/crookedtoeband and feel free to add us. We'd love to have you as a friend!
