Jonny Kaplan & The Lazy Stars’ fourth album, Sparkle And Shine, Drops September 24 on Reckless Grace Music
With this 4th album, the Southern California band has created an innovative and engaging collection of American rock numbers that opens Kaplan into a new era of his musical career.
Sparkle And Shine was produced by Kaplan and mixed by Bruce Witkin. The basic album tracks were recorded at Fonogenic Studios in Van Nuys, CA, which is co-owned by Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters, The Wallflowers) and with Ran Pink. All songs were written by Jonny Kaplan, except “I’ll Be Around” (written by Jonny Kaplan/Betsy Ulmer) and “Always” (written by Charlie Robison).
Jonny Kaplan lives on a sailboat in Marina Del Rey when he’s home in California and is an avid motorcycle rider, even suffering a massive motorcycle accident after the release of the group’s third album, Seasons, in 2007. He broke 20 bones and was laid up in bed for months, wondering whether he’d be able to get back onstage again. Although he fully recovered, the accident put Jonny in a bit of a dark place. Keyboardist Rami Jaffee inquired about the next steps for the music, offering his Fonogenic recording studio as a place to create what would become the fourth Jonny Kaplan & The Lazy Stars album.
Sparkle And Shine is the product of collaboration, bringing together a slew of talented musicians whose presence augments the quality of the songs. The Lazy Stars include Rami Jaffee on keyboards, bassist Jokin Salaverria, guitarist Dan Wistrom and drummer Joey Galvan. Kaplan also enlisted help from some very cool friends: The Black Crowes’ keyboardist Adam MacDougall, Blind Melon bassist Brad Smith, Jessy Greene (who also plays with Foo Fighters)on violin, and actress Daryl Hannah, who lends her vocals to two tracks (“When You’re Down” and “Always”). The end result of all these talented musicians coming together is a striking collection of rock numbers that draw from Americana, country and folk, recalling artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Ray LaMontagne, The Band and Gram Parsons.
For Jonny Kaplan, Sparkle And Shine also represents an opportunity to bring his music to new audiences, particularly live. The musician’s songs frequently appeared on major network TV shows like USA’s “Graceland,” FOX’s “House” and NBC’s “Grimm,” and over the years he’s played with artists like Kings Of Leon, The Wallflowers, Lucinda Williams, Keith Richards and Wilco. But this album will be his first to receive a proper release in the U.S., giving him the opportunity to earn the sort of passionate acclaim stateside that he’s cultivated in Europe. From 1999’s California Heart, named U.K.-based Mojo magazine’s “Americana Album of the Month” upon release to 2002’s Ride Free to his last album, Seasons, Jonny has built an extensive international fanbase. The musician’s new album feels like the right release to finally match that overseas attention at home.
Hear Jonny Kaplan & The Lazy Stars f/. Rami Jaffee on Unfuck The World Day 2013 Los Angeles here.
Track listing for Sparkle And Shine:
- Sparkle and Shine
- Annalee Meets the Scorpion
- Helena’s Afraid
- When You’re Down
- The Child Is Gone
- I’ll Be Around
- Sweet Magnolia Flower
- Billings Blues
- Garage Cleaner
- Always
- Pretty Little Nose