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Catwalk

Born in the summer of 2002, in Northern California's Santa Cruz Mountains, and raised in the culturally and geographically diverse coastlands of The Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas, this unique jazz/ funk quintet captures much of the eclectic nature of its colorful home.

Guitarist/writer Joe Menichetti, drummer Sid Thompson, bassist Scott McKenna, saxophonist Doug Rowan and pianist Jay Jackson have beautifully incorporated elements of jazz, blues, funk, fusion, rock, latin, celtic and more into this spirited project that features all original compositions. All highly regarded and seasoned Bay Area musicians, the members of Catwalk present a well rounded blend of fine skills, strong tunes and arrangements, as well as a good sense of humor. Plus, they all enjoy cantaloupe.

Past appearances have included the SAN JOSE JAZZ FESTIVAL, the KUUMBWA JAZZ CENTER in Santa Cruz, as well as the prestigious MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL and RUSSIAN RIVER JAZZ FESTIVAL.

Their independently produced CD WEATHER OR KNOT is available and features 11 of their best tunes. Check out the sample song clips!

New CD also features guest artists: Tammy Bueno- percussion & vibes Tim Jackson- flute Ric Feliciano- trombone Modesto Briseno- trumpet Barry Phillips- tabla

Produced by Joe Menichetti and Sid Thompson All compositions by Joe Menichetti (BMI) Arranged by Catwalk Horn arrangements by Doug Rowan Timbales on track 8 by Sid Thompson Mandolin on track 5 by Joe Menichetti Congas on track 5 by Jesse Mejia Engineered by Jeff "Woody" Woodruff and Thom Duell Recorded at Soundtek Studios, Campbell, CA Mixed by Thom Duell Mastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA Graphic design by Liz Beidelman Band photography by Dave Lepori Special thanks to Jeff Mayer (guitar tech), Robert Berry (Soundtek Studios), Helen Sullivan-Thompson and all our friends and families for their support. Dedicated to and in memory of life-long friend and bluesman Dave Williamson.

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"Last September, a last minute cancellation at the Monterey Jazz Festival gave local jazz-funk quintet Catwalk the opportunity of a lifetime. “It was an honor,” writer/guitarist Joe Menichetti says of the band’s festival debut. “We were there playing one stage and at the same time in the arena, Dave Brubeck was playing … We felt really fortunate. There are so many great jazz bands that would die to play there.” But humble though Menichetti may be, the band’s lucky break was most likely less kismet and more merit-based. In lieu of the common clutch of careworn jazz standards, Catwalk offers all original compositions, fundamentally written by Menichetti and evolved in rehearsal by the musical prowess of the band’s other members; Scott McKenna (bass), Doug Rowan (sax), Sid Thompson (drums) and Jay Jackson (piano). In 2002, the five men, all seasoned Bay Area musicians and according to Menichetti, all “old friends,” got together to jam and Catwalk was born. The band’s sonic foundation is built on a deep-set groove that prominently features Rowan’s fierce sax. The compositions are innovative and imaginative, and draw from the members’ diverse musical pedigree, which includes rock, Celtic, funk, Latin and blues. But what makes Catwalk’s music consistently accessible is the frequent inclusion of catchy melodic motifs, a possible consequence, says Menichetti, of his past experience writing “pop-oriented” tunes. “With some of my jazz stuff, you know, there are some hooks there.” On maintaining Catwalk as an all-original project, Menichetti describes the process as challenging, but infinitely more rewarding. “It’s a little bit more risky, as far as getting gigs,” he admits. “It’s not as accepted. If no one’s ever heard the music, it requires an open set of ears.” A challenge, perhaps? Be sure to bring your open ears to the Kuumbwa this Thursday. Amanda Martinez - Santa Cruz Good Times Weekly (Aug 29, 2007)

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