GABRIEL CAPLAN, guitar leads and accompaniment, bass guitar, lyrics
"Exceedingly skillful and innovative lead guitar accompaniment by Gabriel X really added the right flourishing touches." Jezebel, "Jezeblog" review showcase, July 19th 2006.
Guitarist and writer Gabriel Caplan is in demand for leads/ accompaniment, and as a group director. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Gabriel was raised in a musical family steeped folk, rock, blues and world music. At age thirteen, Gabriel began jazz and theory studies. At age fifteen, his trio performed fusions of jazz, funk and rock around Richmond cafes, parties (and more than a few garages).
In 1999, Gabriel moved up north, continuing his studies under Pat Cerello at New York University, and performing with various groups. In 2006, Gabriel met Lola Johnson at an open mic in the East Village. He soon joined her as lead guitarist playing regular gigs at clubs including: Pianos, Laila Lounge, Fat Baby, Cabin Fever, Mo Pitkins, the Baggot Inn, Living Room Lounge, and Hell Gate Social. That fall, Lola was picked up by producer Andrew Fellus to record a demo. Gabriel was on board as musical director in charge of lead sheets and arrangements, as well as lead guitar. The resulting LP, "That's For Sure," features Gabriel's unique solos and extended chord voicing.
Gabriel plays a customized Telecaster from Ritchie's Guitar Shop (mini-humbucker in front, single coil in back, with a bigsby tremelo), as well as a Gibson ES-135 and a Les Paul Studio Lite. He plays through a 1999 Rivera Chubster 40 Watt all tube amp. At this time, Gabriel does not use pedals.
Gabriel also plays a Harmony acoustic guitar, a Fender Squire Precision bass guitar and Hohner Golden Melody brand harmonicas.
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
Gabriel's performance history includes lead guitar for Pierre Kingston at the Harlem International Film Fest Reception Benefit and at the New Leaf Café. He has played bass guitar in his brother's Jason Caplan Quartet, headlining shows at Kenny's Castaways, the Elbow Room and colleges along the east coast.
His own projects include a now defunct duo, "Two Thieves," a folk concept-thing playing gigs at Meow Mix, Judson Memorial Church and self-releasing a live album-demo, "The Transitive Properties of Jesus" in 2002. That same year, Gabriel premiered at the Gallatin Arts Festival, "George W. The Rock Opera," a spoof on the president, as well as privilege in general on college campuses.
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