Review: Robbin Kapsalis & Vintage #18 'Soul Shaker'

Robbin Kapsalis & Vintage #18

By Mike O’Cull

Vocalist Robbin Kapsalis and her flame-throwing band Vintage #18 go so hard on their new sophomore release Soul Shaker that you’ll want to get to dancing in zero seconds flat. The record blasts off October 15th, 2021 on Bird Song Records and gives listeners another dose of Kapsalis and company operating at the top of their ferocious game. The sessions were band-produced and tracked at Gizmo Recording Studios in Silver Spring, Maryland with Gantt Kushner engineering. This proved to be a potent mix of musical spirits that utilized blues, soul, and jazz inspirations to create an amazing record that’s refreshingly genuine and that crackles with the energy of real life. Consisting of six new originals and three covers, Soul Shaker brings us all the kind of reason-to-live music we need to survive our desperate, contemporary world.

Kapsalis is a Chicago native who moved south to Atlanta when she was 14. She sang the alto part in her church choir’s arrangements and developed a rich, low-toned voice influenced by Sharon Jones, Koko Taylor, Tina Turner, and Gladys Knight. Vintage #18 is the first and only band she’s ever been part of and she displays the enthusiasm and excitement that many road warrior veterans can’t muster up anymore. Backed up by the stomping trio of Bill Holter on guitars, Alex Kuldell on drums, and Mark Chandler on bass, Kapsalis and her trademark sassed-up white fringed dress has been building a stellar reputation throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia since 2013. She has opened for major blues artists including The Nighthawks, Billy Price, Roomful of Blues, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, Albert Cummings, Selwyn Birchwood, and Coco Montoya, performed at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and put out a well-received debut effort called Grit in 2017.

“Lost Souls” shifts into a melodic and swinging jazz-informed feel that shows us an entirely different side of this talented crew. Robbin smooths out her attack for this more uptown sound and the addition of a sweet horn section helps her ice this cake. Kapsalis is quite the engaging artist and overflows with that singing-directly-to-you factor without which no legend can be built. “Boogaloo” is another jumping track with a cool bass line and a killer sax solo courtesy of Ron Holloway. Total dancefloor candy, this one, and you’re going to dream of being in the front row when this one drops. “Living Large” is a slinky blues number written by the great Deb Ryder that deals with living the life of a performing artist and its many ups and downs. Kapsalis does fine work with Ryder’s lyrics and gives them a personalized performance that will make you feel her in your heart.

“From The Heart Of The One” is a low-key soul song that lets us hear Robbin in a quiet and delicate mode that’s profoundly moving. She’s a beyond-capable vocalist who easily moves in and out of these different vibes and moods in a way that makes each cut a must-hear situation. Vintage #18 is her equal as a unit and anticipates and follows her moves perfectly. “You Don’t Deserve Me” is a cheating-lover song of the highest caliber. Kapsalis gives voice to her anger and frustration over a tough trio beat that allows her to get it all out. It’s a stellar track that uses an old-school style to communicate a mountain of timeless emotions. Be sure to also dig into “Silver Spoon” and “The Cannonball.” Robin Kapsalis needs to be your new favorite vocalist and one spin of Soul Shaker has the power to make that happen. Do yourself a solid and get onboard.

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