Shufflecats - The "Cats"

Mark Anthony

Lead Singer

An original member, Mark is the force behind the expressive and imaginative lyrics and song writing. He's an important contributor to the
Shufflecats sound.

(For more on Mark, see Shufflecats History)

Rim Lee

Guitar

Rim Lee The newest member to the planet of earthlings. He’s from the planet Zen. He came here with a space age guitar wanting to be a rockin n’ roll star. He is also here to promote peace and love for all of humanity.

Mike Underwood

Keyboard

Michael Underwood, is a seasoned keyboard/Synth, guitar, bass and vocals musician who began his musical career in the 1970’s in various blues and rock clubs in the Chicago music scene with local area musicians such as Styx and REO Speedwagon. In 1974-79 Michael toured with the band “Sweet Nothin’” as an opening act for the bands, The Allman Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Ted Nugen and others playing original classic rock/blues songs. After touring Michael took time out to obtain a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Structural Engineering and a master’s degree in Psychology and also to build his own recording studio in Minneapolis. For the past 30 years Michael has been performing locally in the Twin Cities area as a single act and with the bands, ROBOS, Rubber Monkeys and ShuffleCats. Michael presently fills the role of Keyboard/Synth player and backup vocals for the up-and-coming ShuffleCats band performing original Blues-Rock music. Michael believes that if you, “Perform your music from the heart, you will always connect with your audience on an intimate music level.”

Mike Giampaolo

Bass Guitar

As a bass player with many years of experience Mike has always focused on the primary role of providing the rhythm and the musical foundation with the drummer. Creating and playing bass lines for the song emphasizing rhythmic and melodic phrases to enhance the music.
As most bass players start playing guitar that is where Mike started. Switching to bass out of necessity due to a shortage of bass players, Mike found his musical passion. In the early years Mike was a self-taught learning by ear and jamming with other musicians. Mike’s original influences were Jefferson Airplane, The Allman Brothers, Yes, Jethro Tull, etc.
Mike played with a variety of rock bands then joined the high school Stage Band in his junior year which introduced him to jazz standards, and jazz fusion.
Below are some bands over the years Mike has played with:
Castle, Hot Ash, Phoenix, The Nix, TKO, TMPR, Dr. Zihn, The Choppers, Mark Anthony Storm Project, Border Patrol, EPIC, Blue Dream and Various Jazz Bands.
Some of the most memorable gigs were playing with Mark Anthony’s Storm project at the Moon Dance Jam and Warming up for Marshall Tucker with The Choppers at Claim to Fame.
I hope to play music until I leave this world as it’s become a way of life (Joe’s Garage).