Vintage#18

The first time that I saw Vintage #18 was in Nashville, TN. They shared the stage that night with the likes of Phil Keaggy, Denny Jiosa, and Stan Lassiter. Almost a whole year passed before I would see them perform again in their home town of Washington DC with talented artists like Mike Westcott and Groovespan. Vintage #18 was equally impressive for both performances. It would be hard to imagine them being able to get better as a group because they’re just so tight and in the pocket.

This four piece soul and blues band consists of vocalist Robbin Kapsalis (Vocal), Bill Holter (Guitar), Mark Chandler (Bassist), and Alex Kuldell (Drummer). You can tell that each individual member of the band has mastered their craft to perfection, but the way they complement each other can truly be breathtaking. There is no “showboating”. Each member of the band is given the opportunity to shine. Their control over tone and volume is by definition dynamic, and there is just as much emotion and energy into a hit on the drum as there is in the delivery of the vocals.

The band is professionally dressed, and Robbin is wearing a white, beaded flapper dress. It’s a reflection of a different time when the artists that inspired Vintage #18 were prominent: Etta James, Koko Taylor, Nina Simone, Bonnie Raitt, Sharon Jones, B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Guy, Ike & Tina Turner. It’s not exactly like being transported back in time, but almost. Their interpretations of classic songs like “Walking the Dog” and “Let the Juke Joint Jump” inspire infectious dancing, and singing along, for those that know the words. It’s obvious that Vintage #18 is having just as much fun as the folks that are being entertained.

Vintage #18 has only been performing together as a group since 2013, but they’re live performance would have you believe that they’ve been performing together for years. It is truly a uniquely soulful and spiritual experience that should not be missed, and can only be experienced in person. One listen and you’re sure to fall into the ranks of the groovealicious. - Daniel Warren Hill

“…Grit is a solid debut.” Blues Blast Magazine, April 27, 2017

D.C.-based Soul-Blues band Vintage#18 debuted at #5 on the Roots Music Soul Blues Album Chart, and have held the #1 spot for the last four weeks! Their album Grit reflects the band’s love of classic 60’s soul and blues, featuring original music from the band as well as their looks at ZZ Top and Bob Dylan, both of which get the serious blues treatment.

The buzz from their hometown of Northern Virginia speaks of the bands engaging live shows and the energy of Robbin Kapsalis. The reviews from Australia, Europe and the U.S. have been enthusiastic and airplay has been unusually strong. They agree that Vintage#18 is one to watch.

Vintage#18 chose to self-produce Grit, and a framework was in place before most of the album was written. One of the goals when they first started rehearsing was to make sure that the sound didn’t fit solely into a single genre, however, keeping the foundation of the blues. Other familiar elements such as soul, funk, and rock appear but mix in a way that brings unexpected experiences for listeners and dancers too. This idea worked well in live settings, so the album was approached the same way.

Performing together since 2013, the band started in the clubs near their home in Northern Virginia. Residencies in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are the backbone of a circuit that extends across the Eastern Seaboard. In 2016, they represented the Central Virginia Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Along the way, they’ve been fortunate to share the stage with several great performers, among them The Nighthawks, Billy Price, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials and Albert Cummings.

They’ve always shared the same thoughts about music and, in particular, their live shows, “we’re here to move you, one way or another.” The sound reflects their love of traditional blues and soul but also the desire to bring it current for new audiences. Vintage #18 brings a high-energy show with hard-driving rhythm and groove that the band has become known for. Built on a framework of passion and dedication, the album features the unique sound of Bill Holter on guitar (a.k.a. #18), while the ground floor is laid down by Alex Kuldell on drums and Mark Chandler on bass. Soulful vocals are delivered by newcomer and bandleader Robbin Kapsalis and the collective good-mojo-getdown is provided by all.

Vintage#18 is excited about bringing their energy to festivals in North America and overseas.

Website

Radio and Press Contact:

Betsie Brown, Blind Raccoon

Email or call 901.268.6065 - Blues Festival Guide

Vintage #18 collects the heart of 1960’s Rhythm and Blues classic tracks for the Soul of their music in Grit, the recent release from the Washington, DC-based band. Originally based in Northern Virginia, Vintage #18 plugged into the DC, Maryland, Virginia Blues and Soul circuit to carve out a spot for their music, representing the Central Virginia Blues Society for the 2016 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Over a powerful rhythm (Bill Hoiter-guitar, Alex Kudell-drums, Mark Chandler-bass), Grit modernizes the sound of classic Rock’n’Soul. Robbin Kapsalis delivers vocals that slink through a smokey haze of Soul as Vintage #18 crawl through slow Blues along “Million Miles”, chicken scratch out Country Blues for “Circles Back Home”, rock a little to “Remember” good times, use a thick groove as the glue for “Pieces”, and take advantage of the powerful force of a snaking lead guitar riff to cure “Love Hangover”.

Grit balances original tunes with two covers (Bob Dylan, ZZ Top) as Vintage #18 bounce the Blues in “Just Got Back from Baby’s” with a potent bass bump, turn the wheel of tears on a slow cooking beat in “Poor Me”, and shake out a rhythm rattle to ask the seductive question “Is This Too Good?”. - The Alternate Root

Robbin Kapsalis’ brawny vocals provide all the up-front action necessary for this DC-area outfit’s stripped-down take on blues and funk. This less-is-more formula draws all the more attention to the cut-above quality of the band-penned material found throughout the set. One will never confuse their own steady-rollin’ “Love Hangover” with the 70’s Diana Ross disco track. A steamy, haunting ballad, “Pieces”, stands out as does the razor-sharp, funk-charged leadoff track, “Diamonds Are Optional”. Dylan’s “Million Miles” gets a bluesy treatment. - Duane Verh - Roots Music Report

"Grit" is #1 on the Root Music Report Top 50 Soul Blues Album Chart for the SIXTH consecutive week! - Roots Music Report