CAT'S A BEAR
Cat's A Bear was founded by Frank
Singer (guitar) and Joe Dorris (drums) in 1982 as a
creative outlet for musical exploration. The group has existed
in many forms, beginning as a quartet with Geri DiMarco
on piano and Irv Ziskind on bass. This incarnation of
Cat's A Bear played jazz covers of McCoy Tyner, Joanne Brackeen and
others, which were incorporated into sets with original music by
Frank, Irv and Geri. Although the group did few recordings, it
established the reputation of Cat's A Bear as a dynamic musical
force.
Russ Hoffman on keyboards and
Bob Dorris on bass joined Frank and Joe in 1984,
and recorded original jazz and cover material. In addition to playing
Weather Report tunes American Tango, Cucumber Slumber and
N.Y.C., and Joe Farrell's Great Gorge, original
music including Naked Kitty Rumba and What Color Is
Your Underwear? entered the set list. In 1986 Frank,
Joe and Bob became the first trio and recorded more originals,
including La Lagartija, written by guest soloist Dave
Lindsey. These recordings also featured guest keyboardist Jim
Merkin on Can't Seem To Agree.
Cat's A Bear performed as a Trio
until 1988, when the electronic duo began. Looking at the
technology of the times with unique perspective, the computer
and sequencing aspects of the group assumed the role of the
bass, setting the form and foundation for the improvisation.
Eye
Of The Pyramid introduced this new sound, and the follow-up 2liveCATS
showcased live drums with covers of Spain and Birdland,
and originals Theme for Mary's Birthday, Lost In Allston, and
Kikit, a tune dating back to the '86 trio repertoire.
Tony Stefanelli joined up
with Frank and Joe in 1991, and re-established the live
sound. When the mysterious and mythical Tito began to
appear, the group recorded
Tito: In Search of a Revolution,
with eight originals, adding saxophonist Phil Papotnik
for the closing track Positive Energy. Phil remained with
the group for the follow-up CD
Tito In Wonderland,
showcasing the vocals of Joe Dorris on the first four jazz
standards Cat's A Bear has recorded. The two Singer originals Change
and Prime Dub round out the set.
Tito remains on the loose, and a
third album is on the way.
The quintet with the addition of Tito is Cat's A Bear's current
configuration, although the band performs as a trio and quartet
just to keep on their toes. [ more
on Tito ] [ top ]
Read the long story of Frank's foray
into music and Cat's A Bear in
LONG TALES OF A
CAT.
Click here for
a stream of an edited version of CHANGE.
[ You will need a free mp3 player like
winamp ]
Click here for a
2,972 kbps mp3 of an edited version of CHANGE.
[ This will open a new window for download ]
Erie Times News Advance - Scotty's - October 7, 2005
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Visit
the Cat's A Bear website
www.catsabear.com
Phil Joe
Frank Tony
Phil
has a sound and lighting company. More at:
www.ravensound.com
Tony
makes great chocolate. More at:
www.romolochocolates.com
PlayErie.com
has a page on Cat's A Bear:
http://www.playerie.com/
artists/cats_a_bear
Read a review of a
Papermoon performance featuring the members of the band
read the text
see the
picture
|
A
fan speaks:
(Re: JazzWalk at the Paper Moon, 7-13-02)
"You guys played great last night. It all came
together...the compositions,
the playing and the mix. Tony played really well and his
bass sound was
excellent. The room sounded good too even with the glass
wall behind you.
Nice gig
David"
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