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ALBUM REVIEW

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Catz in the Hatz Resilience (Rhombus RHO 7068)

Drummer turned singer, Steve Johnson presents an attractive selection of songs new and old, the latter category the majority, all set in a decidedly contemporary mood. Steve is backed by guitarist Mike Wiens, keyboard player Mike Cross, bassist Terry Copley and drummer Steve Boggio and there is a lithely swinging feel to all that the band does. This is very much music for today but the harshness that sometimes affects contemporary pop is happily absent. Instead there is a rhythmic urgency that is always controlled and as a result creates an on-the-boil atmosphere. When Steve is not singing, he returns to his percussive past with some nice touches. The familiar songs include 'Nature Boy', 'My Funny Valentine', 'Fever', 'One For My Baby' and 'Angel Eyes'. There are some originals, by Steve, Mike W, Terry and others, and also the jazz standard 'Killer Joe' as well as Freddie Hubbard's 'Little Sunflower'. There is, too, the odd surprise, such as Ludwig Van B's 'Für Elise'. Throughout, there is an air that these guys (should that be guyz) are having fun and it is infectious. Altogether, a very attractive set that deserves your attention.

Media Contact

Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services
269 S Route 94 Warwick, NY 10990
T: 845-986-1677 / F: 845-986-1699
E-Mail: jazzpromo@earthlink.net
Web Site: www.jazzpromoservices.com/
GRADY HARP / AMAZON.COM MUSIC REVIEWER

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ALBTHE CATZ IN THE HATZ is a difficult CD to classify: it is part nostalgia, part hilarious humor, part terrific scat singing, a lot of really warm crooning, and a showcase for some amazing talent! The only thing that feels missing from this experience is the visual - that is, watching these five gifted men strut their inimitable stuff on a stage. But given a CD format, the other flavors are all here.

The amazing vocal lead of this jazz group is Steve Johnson, a man with talent to burn and a vocal range to compete with any baritone around. He sings with the old style of MEANING all the lyrics and playing with the familiar melodies making them all his own. This is a voice so mellow and so pitch-true that everything else about Johnson's renditions seems like gravy. He traverses the oldies but goodies such as 'My Funny Valentine', 'Lucky So and So', 'One for my Baby', 'Angel Eyes' and an incredible 'It Was a Very Good Year'.

But Steve Johnson is only one fifth of this fine ensemble. Each of the other troupers here is masterful in his own right: Mike Cross (just catch his take on Beethoven's 'Fur Elise' - a real parody and the essence of jazz1), Mike Wiens, Guitar, Steve Boggio, Drums, and Terry Copley, Bass (and the 'strings' are on finely wrought synthesizers).

Sit back and play this fine album repeatedly and re-visit the days of fine music in a respectful, warm jazz beat! It is a must have! Grady Harp, March 07
UM : RESILIENCE
RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5
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D. OSCAR GROOMS....CRITIC

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February 3, 2007

Media Alert: Catz In The Hatz featuring Steve Johnson Rhombus 7068 St. Date October 31, 2006

CD Review: The Catz In The Hatz - Resilience 3/4
O's Notes: The ‘Catz’ started as three gentlemen who adapted to playing jazz to secure a gig. Mike Wiens (g), Steve Johnson (vocals & percussion) and Terry Copley (b) were eventually joined by Mike Cross (keyboards) and Steve Boggio (d) to blossom into a retro jazz band doing covers of classics. There are some vocals, some instrumentals and a lot of good vibes from the cats wearing hats! Among our favorites are “Little Sunflower” and “Killer Joe”.

--
D. Oscar Groomes
O's Place Jazz Newsletter
http://www.OsPlaceJazz.com
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ALBUM REVIEW

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The Catz in the Hatz - Resilience
- The Catz in the Hatz’s Resilience is a droll collection of jazzy tunes, and Steve Johnson’s deep timbre brings a somber yet touching feeling to many of the album’s tracks. “Nature Boy” has percussion and dexterous scatting on Johnson’s part, along with electric keyboard assistance from Mike Cross. “Into the Smooth” has a silky surge to it with Johnson remunerating thoughts of taking a gamble on love, with such lines as, “I’ve been to the smooth. I’m left in the groove. It’s all up to you, which way we move. We can go deep and take a huge leap. I’m takin’ a chance let’s start this romance, let’s go down into the smooth.” “Little Sunflower” has guitar work and sparkling percussion work which gives the song a breezy, feel good sensation, and is a song listeners can picture hearing as they unfurl on a tropical island and forget all their cares. “Slow Down Jimmy” has fast-paced drumming that picks things up and shows the band’s chummy side as they gossip about a guy they all know. The Catz in the Hatz’s Resilience is an album that is tough to not relax and enjoy with its whimsical beats and tepid flows.

Reviewer: Sari N. Kent
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ALBUM REVIEW

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January 8, 2007

Media Alert: Catz In The Hatz featuring Steve Johnson Rhombus 7068 St. Date October 31, 2006

CD Review: http://www.ejazznews.com/

By John Gilbert

There are no morbid dirges on this album. The ballads are cool and the
jump tunes are swinging.

Steve Johnson sings his songs with passion and the group is clearly
inspired as they take us on a journey into the land of hip.

The catz in the hatz are: Steve Johnson, vocals...Mike Wiens,
guitar..Mike Cross, keyboards...Steve Boggio, drums and Terry Copley,
bass.

All of these catz 'er cats are playing for the pure joy of it and you
will bear witness to this upon a listen or two..

Take a trip with Steve and the boys, you will not regret it.
4 Stars
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ALBUM REVIEW

Catz in the Hatz Resilience (Rhombus RHO 7068)

Drummer turned singer, Steve Johnson presents an attractive selection of songs new and old, the latter category the majority, all set in a decidedly contemporary mood. Steve is backed by guitarist Mike Wiens, keyboard player Mike Cross, bassist Terry Copley and drummer Steve Boggio and there is a lithely swinging feel to all that the band does. This is very much music for today but the harshness that sometimes affects contemporary pop is happily absent. Instead there is a rhythmic urgency that is always controlled and as a result creates an on-the-boil atmosphere. When Steve is not singing, he returns to his percussive past with some nice touches. The familiar songs include 'Nature Boy', 'My Funny Valentine', 'Fever', 'One For My Baby' and 'Angel Eyes'. There are some originals, by Steve, Mike W, Terry and others, and also the jazz standard 'Killer Joe' as well as Freddie Hubbard's 'Little Sunflower'. There is, too, the odd surprise, such as Ludwig Van B's 'Für Elise'. Throughout, there is an air that these guys (should that be guyz) are having fun and it is infectious. Altogether, a very attractive set that deserves your attention.

Media Contact

Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services
269 S Route 94 Warwick, NY 10990
T: 845-986-1677 / F: 845-986-1699
E-Mail: jazzpromo@earthlink.net
Web Site: www.jazzpromoservices.com/