Artist description Original compositions encompassing multiple genres from rock to folk to Caribbean.

Music Style Alt/Rock, Rock and Roll, Folk, R&B, Country, Latin, Punk Rock, Rap, Hip-Hop

Musical Influences Louis Armstrong, Bob Dylan, Kieth Richards, Iggy Pop

Similar Artists The Tap Dancing War Victims

Artist History New Release by Spinach Chin Records. RAN SHAO BA CD by CHILLIE MACK 'O The Detroit area Alternative music scene owes its beginning in part to two pioneering individuals. Working side by side, Don McAlpine and Don Was (the Grammy winning music producer) forged a new sound that shook the area in a way that left all comers lacking in their ability to formulate an appropriate response. From appearances on TV to top rock theaters across the United States, The Traitors emerged as Detroit’s premiere new wave act. Taking music production and theatrical skills learned under the capable direction of Don Was, McAlpine has carefully crafted a style that is all his own. He now stands ready to take on the music scene with a new plan of his own. Paying his dues in many styles of bands prepared him for his early recording dates. From the first bar of the introduction, to the last hold of the coda, it was obvious to all those present that Don had his own musical statement to make. A producer who was on site, introduced McAlpine to Don Was. McAlpine had to choose between an offer to be the lead guitarist in the Silver Bullet Band by Bob Seger and Don Was’ plan to create an original, front-running band. He chose Was, because of the outlandish viewpoint he had of reality. The partnership culminated in a band, the likes of which Detroit had never seen before. The Traitors performed original music at a time when it was not allowed at rock clubs. TV newscaster Rich Lawrence, commenting on The Traitors’ appearance on The Scene television dance show, said, New wave hits Detroit, and it packs a punch. Was and McAlpine eventually went their separate ways. McAlpine continues to write songs and appear in nightclubs and colleges. Performing under his nickname, Chillie Mack’O, he draws appreciative audiences wherever he plays. Working by day as an automotive designer, Don continues to write and record music in his spare time. Cars and music have been my life. He says. Earning a livelihood designing cars of the future is not a bad way to carry on; as long as I have music for emotional outlet. Emotion is the key to everything. If you have no passion for what you are doing, you may as well quit, because you aren’t going to do your best job. Carry the torch boldly! That is the only way to know that you have done your best work. Indeed, McAlpine’s latest offering, Ran Shao Ba, is a musical potpourri that displays his songwriting versatility. Each original composition, while different in its evocation and style, has a distinctive quality that places it solidly in the alternative genre. From the demonically haunting chant in Death Pill, amidst the intermingled wail of guitars with the unsettling drone of the Egyptian Oud, to the desperado proclaiming his sorrow in the hidden jewel of the collection, Fire of Your Hate (while castanets snap, the drums blaze away like a shot from a 38 caliber revolver, and the Spanish guitars duel), McAlpine paints a vivid picture of the depth of pathos involved in a life that is fraught with slings and arrows. The title cut is done in the style known as Canto Pop with vocals to match. Shanghai Emily, who translated the words to Chinese, said that it is definitely Hong Kong style. Make No Mistake begins with a crisp Tango beat and then quickly degenerates into a back alley cantina rocker. It features the only man who could ever depress all of the keys of a piano simultaneously, Eighty-Eight Fingered Louie. Say You’re My Love is a lilting love ballad that features the Indian Sitar. A first rate oddity, Cannibal Baby is a tongue-in-cheek send up to Hannibal. It features heavy jungle drums, a rude blues-based bass guitar, and Yomma-yomma background vocals. As the raggedy opening bars of Lust crank into overdrive, one is given notice that this is a no holds barred, bare-knuckled offering that will deliver the punch. Check out Ran Shao Ba when you have the opportunity. You may not agree with McAlpine’s method of twisting multiple genres to the breaking point, perhaps you may, but his unreserved passion for life is undeniable.

Group Members Chillie Mack'O - Guitar and lead vocals. Mike Papi - Drums and vocals. JRP - Bass and vocals.

Instruments Drums, Bass, Guitar, Piano.

Albums Highway Robbery, Yer Cannibal Baby

Additional Info All day long a Chillie Mack'O. Lay me down a stack a jacko.

Location Dearborn, MI - USA

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