Artist description Two Ton Shoe is a Soul-Pop-Rock-Funk band from Boston that has been turning heads for the last several years. Two Ton Shoe was recently nominated for Boston Music Awards as "Best Live Band" and "Best Funk Band." Their song "Paper Bag" was featured on NBCs "Sunset Beach", and Chad Smith, drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, sat in on drums at a Two Ton Shoe show in Boston. "Two Ton Shoe is the second best band I've ever played with!", said Chad. After nearly 600 live shows, 5000 albums sold, over 100,000 plays on MP3.com, and a rapidly expanding fan-base, Two Ton Shoe is beating a path to your door.

Music Style soul-pop-rock-funk

Musical Influences The sound of one hand clapping

Similar Artists Jamiroquai, Dag, Earth Wind & Fire, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Screaming Headless Torsos, Dave Matthews Band, Seal, Michael Jackson, Soul Coughing, Leftover Salmo

Artist History The band formed in late 1995 when guitarist Jake Shapiro returned from a 2-year odyssey in Moscow, Russia to join the remaining members of the Boston band Mystery Jones. Justin Beech, Jeff Gilman, and Dave DiCenso had played in Mystery Jones for 4 years, and all four musicians had played together informally for years prior. Two Ton Shoe hit the ground running and starting playing out around Boston within weeks of forming, initially relying on the support of the Mystery Jones fanbase. But the sound was different, more soulful and organic, whereas Mystery Jones had a hard edge. The response was overwhelming and Two Ton Shoe quickly rose to be a premier headlining act in the Boston area. Soon they were broadening their range, playing other Northeastern states, and even touring in California. Early on, Two Ton Shoe realized that the surest way to success was to "build it, and they will come." They formed their own record label/publishing company - L-Shaped Records, LLC - and began releasing their own albums, selling merchandise, and taking care of the business end of things. This has proved to be a good strategy, and without major label support Two Ton Shoe has grown into a regional powerhouse, consistently filling rooms throughout the Northeast. In addition, Two Ton Shoe is continuing to expand their presence on the internet via their site at www.twotonshoe.com

Group Members Justin Beech - lead vocals, guitar John O'Reilly - drums Jeff Gilman - bass Jake Shapiro - guitar

Instruments guitar, guitar, bass, drums, vocals

Albums Two Ton Shoe (L-Shaped Records, 1996), Figures... (L-Shaped Records, 1998), Resoled (L-Shaped Records, 2001)

Press Reviews "This quartet of veteran Boston area musicians really shines with a funky rhythm and blues flavored concoction, combining elements of pop, jazz, and straight up rock. The grooves are elastic, the melodies sublime and the lyrics and arrangements are clever, sophisticated and even daring. Imagine the Average White Band mixed with a little Earth Wind & Fire and a taste of Steely Dan for spice. Gooood stuff!" - The Renegade Newsletter "Tastefully skilled musicians performing catchy pop songs best illustrates the advantage Two Ton Shoe have over their contemporaries." - M3 Magazine "Two Ton Shoe secure a sure foothold on the grounds of truly genuine song crafting." - Northeast Performer Magazine

Additional Info download our tunes, it's worth the wait - we promise!

Location Boston, MA - USA

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