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 Pyramidintroduced this new sound, and the follow-up 2 Live Catsshowcased 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.
In 2011, Joe Frisina became Cat's A Bear's
bass player, allowing Tony to put more time into his family
and Romolo Chocolates.
The band developed material and performed in this Quintet
form until 2017, when Phil also moved on to other
musical and business frontiers.
Cat's A Bear now performs as a Quartet, with
Joe Frisina on Bass, Joe Dorris on Drums and Vocals, Nick "Tito" Ronzitti
on Congas and Percussion, and Frank Singer on Guitar.
[ more
on Tito ] [ top ]
2020/01/10Cat's A Bear Live at Voodoo BrewPub
-
15 Live Cuts from the CAB Quartet of Frank Singer,
Joe Dorris, Joseph Frisina and Nick Ronzitti.
Recorded at the Event on January 10, 2020 at
Voodoo BrewPub in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
All original music written by Frank Singer.
2019/11/27Cat's A Bear Live at Artlore Studio
-
8 Live Cuts from the CAB Quartet of Frank Singer,
Joe Dorris, Joseph Frisina and
Nick "Tito" Ronzitti.
Recorded at the Event on November 27, 2019 at
Artlore Studio in Erie, Pennsylvania.
All original music written by Frank Singer.
2018/11/21Cat's A Bear Live at Artlore Studio
-
7 Live Cuts from the CAB Quartet of Frank Singer,
Joe Dorris, Joseph Frisina and
Nick "Tito" Ronzitti.
Recorded at the Event on November 21, 2018 at
Artlore Studio in Erie, Pennsylvania.
All original music written by Frank Singer.
2017/11/22Cat's A Bear Live at Artlore Studio
-
6 Live Cuts from the CAB Quintet of Frank Singer,
Joe Dorris, Joseph Frisina, Phil Papotnik and
Nick "TIto" Ronzitti.
Recorded at the Event on November 22, 2017 at
Artlore Studio in Erie, Pennsylvania.
All original music written by Frank Singer.
(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.
eCUTS
