BIG BEAR LAKE- the long awaited release of the Catz in the Hat second album "Take Two" will be released on Apr. 1st. This album was produced differently from the first and captures the true sounds and energy of this band. This album also contains for the first time, songs written by the Catz in the Hat including "Slow down Jimmy", “Whisper Low" and a bonus track of Mike Cross’ "God Blessed America", a song that is to be featured at this years July 4th extravaganza as broadcast over KBHR during the fireworks display. This album is a must hear album for all music fans even if you don't like jazz since the Catz in the Hat are all former rockers where the energy is always different, so there is a little bit of something for everyone. The success of the first album ”Take One” was more than we could ever imagine" according to Terry Copley, who is the bassist as well as the song writer of “Slow Down Jimmy”. The first album has sold 800 copies and is available for download for a fee at 30 different engines including Sony Music, Wal-Mart and Tower Records, CDBaby, and Emusic. You can download a single or the entire album at these sites. The second album will also be available at those same places. The first album is still getting airplay on an international level both on internet as well as commercial stations. “Fur Elise” a song by Beethoven and re-arranged for the Catz in the Hat by pianist Mike Cross, just recently debuted around the globe including Russia on the “On the Horizon" radio network. This song is being released as a single from the Catz in the Hat second album. It is also worth mentioning that “Fur Elise” scored the number 1, 3, and 6 slots for the months of November and December of 2005 at 104.7 fm in Los Angeles. the catz preform every saturday night at 8pm at the beautiful mandoline Bistro, located on Village Drive, in Big Bear Lake. Call 909-709-7117 for more information. Please visit the Catz in the Hat at www.catzinhatz.com or www.cdbaby.com/cd/catzinhatz. CD Review. THE CATZ FIRST ALBUM "TAKE ONE". The Dream Merchant June/July 2005 The Catz in the Hatz Review By Mike Foley For those of you who don't like reading reviews all the way through, I'll start off with the bottom line: You've got to hear this band. Why? Quite simply because The Catz in the Hatz are the best thing to happen to jazz in the last two years. Do I have your attention? Good - because this band blows the socks off 99 percent of what passes for jazz these days. And I'll say it again - you've got to hear them. Firmly rooted in straight-ahead, traditional jazz, the Catz aren't afraid to explore the relaxing groove that has fueled the jazz resurgence. And when the toast of Big Bear for the last year and have often been called "the best kept jazz secret in Southern California." That's all about to change. This bright spot on the jazz scene has released its first album, Resilience, a collection of jazz. standards that combines sizzling instrumentals with the best of the Great American Songbook. leading the charge is front man Steve Johnson, whose smooth baritone could easily share the stage with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole or Tony Bennett. It's the kind of voice tailor made for jazz at its lights-low romantic best and Johnson wrings every ounce out of such songs as Sinatra's 'One For My Baby," "Angel Eyes," and the classic "It Was a Very Good Year." Johnson, in fact, learned Sinatra-style phrasing as a young boy, singing with his father in the family living room. And it has paid off handsomely. His voice can easily explore the romance in a song while maintaining the kind of edge that makes him a rarity-a jazz singer who can make a song his own. But the fun doesn't stop there. The Catz aren't simply a phone-it-in backup band. These are seasoned musicians who love the music and know how to have fun with it. Guitarist Mike Wiens is often so smooth he makes jazz look deceptively easy. With a style that recalls Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery, Wiens can produce jaw-dropping solos that leave audiences screaming. Mike Cross, whose keyboards first fleshed out the Catz sound a year ago, is a 40-year piano veteran whose confidence and improvisation have inspired audiences and visiting musicians alike. Cross's solos easily bridge the straight-ahead sounds of Barry Harris and Jon Mayer with the more fun-loving approach of smooth jazz's David Benoit. It's a strong, self-assured approach that's always fresh and challenging. The Catz in the Hatz also feature a dynamic rhythm section, featuring drummer Steve Boggio, whose solid timing and innovative solos make him an audience favorite. And bassist Terry Copley isn't a hang-out-in-the-corner bass player. He's all over the stage in live gigs, delivering solos with an originality, power and machine-gun energy reminiscent of the late Jaco Pastorius of Weather Report fame. Copley can also deliver on the quieter tunes, complimenting Johnson's dreamy vocals with a bass solo on "My Funny Valentine." Add these elements up and you get some of the best cuts on this CD - Peggy Lee's "Fever," Mel Torme's "I'm Coming Home," Duke Ellington's "Lucky So and So," and what may be the best song on the album, Nat Cole's "Nature Boy," where Johnson's scatting is surrounded by seamless solos from the other band members. And if you want to see Beethoven sit up and take notice, check out Cross's arrangement of "Fur Elise," the best classical/jazz mix since Eddie Daniels. As jazz rushes back into the mainstream, its retro stylings have found a home with fans of Harry Connick, Jr. and Diana Krall. But now things have taken a new turn with the Catz in the Hatz, a band that's putting the energy and style back into America's music. Want some feel good jazz laced with some of the best vocal work on the planet? These are the guys. The Catz in the Hatz have arrived. See them. Buy the CD. You won't be sorry. Ever. eBay Registration