M A N D O P H I L I A

by Paul Mirocha and Chuck Kaplan

NOW AVILABLE: A new album of all original acoustic instrumental music composed by musical duo Chuck Kaplan and Paul Mirocha. Chuck and Paul have been playing together for almost 20 years. Mandophilia is a tribute to that musical mind-meld.

File this CD under Contemporary Acoustic Instrumental. Mandophilia's roots are based in Celtic music, a tradition that is a rock-solid place to begin. There are no traditional tunes on this album, yet the feelings are there, always in the background.

Rather than listing influences, it is perhaps easier to list the musical genres that Paul and Chuck ignored. German brass polka bands, or Billy Ray Cyrus might fit into this category. But then again, maybe not. But ahh, Bach!

The music is ancient, contemporary, and fresh. It's relaxing, but with a spark. It's sugar-free and has no unneccesary notes. The music combines carefull arranging with spontaneous bursts of improvisation in the studio. Even some of the unlucky accidents stayed to redeem themselves later.

Water that has been exposed to Mandophilia's music forms microscopic heart shaped crystals. (just kidding). But it has been shown to create alpha brain waves similar to those of transendantal meditation in cats and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Chuck Kaplan plays mandolin, fiddle, quatro, train whistle, and squeaky door. Paul Mirocha plays mandolin, octave mandolin, and guitar. Friends Mark Holdaway and Doug Shelton make guest appearances, playing guitar and ukelele, respectively.

Mandophilia was recorded, mixed, and mastered by George Nardo at Luna Recording Studio in Tucson, AZ.

Listen to rough mixed sample tracks in mp3 format (4-5 mb):

Raging Rillito:

Cynda:

Spider's Lament:

You can hear some more tracks on www.myspace.com/mandophilia

To order a copy or to be placed on our mailing list, please contact Paul.