The Kaplan Brothers

Last Known Lineup: Richard "Dick" Kaplan (Lead Vocals, 12-String Acoustic and Electric Guitars) Ed Kaplan (Vocals, Percussion, Piano, Keyboards, Flutes) John Kaplan (Vocals, Bass Guitar, Keyboards) Past Members: Larry Andes [aka Larry Kaplan] (Vocals, Bass Guitar) Guest Accompanists: Scott Klynas (Lead Guitar, Electric Guitar) Jeff Czech (Bass Guitar) The Kaplan Brothers were formed in the Chicago suburb Des Plaines in the mid 1960's. The group was initially a comedy duo consisting of Richard (Dick / Rich) and his brother Edward (Ed) Kaplan. The two expanded their repetoire to include musical numbers, with Dick on Guitar and Ed on percussion. The duo took their act on the road and toured parts of the mid-west. They performed Rock and Pop standards as well as Jewish songs like "Hava Nagila" even though only Dick was Jewish. Eventually, the Kaplans hit the studio to record their first LP: "Universal Sounds Of The Kaplan Brothers". The album included performances of Pop and Lounge standards of the time, with a Psychedelic twist. The duo was accompanied by local musicians Scott Klynas on Lead Guitars and Jeff Czech on Bass Guitar. The album was released independently on their own Kaplan Record Productions label. After several years of being a duo, they added Larry Andes (who also went by Larry Kaplan) on Bass Guitar. The trio continued their dominance in the Lounge scene, performing in Clubs, Hotels, and Restaurants all over the country. The group returned to the studio in 1972 and released a self-titled affair, featuring more Pop and Rock covers, this time performed in more of a Folk fashion. A single featuring two self-penned tunes titled "Free And Easy / Happy" was released at the same time. Both were distributed through their own label, Kap Records. Meanwhile, the group began increasingly including more and more original material in their sets, mostly written by Larry Andes. Demos were made but many songs weren't recorded til much later. A turning point in the group's history was reached most likely in late 1974: The Kaplan Brothers relocated to Colorado, parting ways with Larry Andes in the process. Andes bounced around Oregon earning a degree in Optometry and working as a Park Ranger before becoming a session musician in Arizona. The Kaplan Brothers then recruited a new bassist, John Kaplan. Upon research, Ed and Dick never had a brother named John, so it's most likely this was a pseudonym / stage name. Upon realizing they had a new crowd, the sound of The Kaplan Brothers changed. Though they had experimented with Psychedelic sounds in the past ("Universal Sounds" and unreleased demos) they completely revamped their sound upon another trip to the studio. "Nightbird", also known as "Nightbird: An Electric Symphony" was recorded and released in 1975. A mix of originals and strange covers (King Crimson's "Epitaph") were performed on the LP. The album features extensive use of Mellotrons, Flutes, primitive Synthesizers, and Piano. These instruments that were notably absent from many of the group's earlier works formed a strange and unique sound combined with the group's patented vocal harmonies and bongo drums. The album contained hints of dedication towards Ed Kaplan's first born son Quinton (label name (Quinton Record Co.) and production company (First Born Productions). After the complicated work was released, the group most likely split in the following couple years as each member began to go their separate ways. Ed Kaplan took up residency in Colorado with his family, where he still lives. Richard Kaplan moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in the late 70's. He ran a real estate business as well as a wedding service. He continued to perform music at the Playa de Oro Hotel among other local venues. He became a local celebrity due to his connections with tourism and his larger than life personality. Unfortunately, Richard began suffering health issues and moved back to Colorado to be with his brother and family. He passed away on New Year's Eve 2006 of a stroke while in the hospital. Larry Andes is alive and well, still residing in Arizona. John Kaplan's current whereabouts are unknown. In more recent years, their work has gained wider recognition and been included in retrospective looks into records of the Acid Rock era (c.f. Acid Archives, Enjoy The Experience).