Detailierte Künstler Informationen: Cattywompus

A:
Cattywompus is an organic musical journey among 5 bros formed in 2001 in Canoga Park, CA (a suburb of Los Angeles) under the moniker Wine Lip. The band consisted of Jonathan Lennartz as vocalist and guitarist, Aaron Bateman on lead guitar, and brothers James and John Webber as bassist and back up vocals and drummer respectively.

Later in 2001, the band changed its name to Cattywompus, a word used by James’s and Jon’s high school football coach to describe opponents, and added Kevin Webber, James’s and John’s father, as a percussionist.

Just months after forming, Cattywompus played live shows at the popular University of California, Los Angeles pub, Westwood Brewing Company and at 14 Below in Santa Monica, California. Through the duration of 2002 and 2003 the band continued to play regular gigs at local bars and clubs throughout Los Angeles County.

In 2003, Cattywompus released its first EP entitled, “Backwards Evolution,” a self-produced five-track album which is now out of print. One song from this EP, “Beautiful,” remains available on iTunes, however.

Shorly after moving to Venice Beach, CA, Cattywompus traded wine for whiskey with the release of the “Wildfire,” in 2005. Though this EP was also independently produced by the band, it received assistance from Los Angeles audio engineer, Kent Hitchcock. This six-song EP garnered much attention and acclaim in the indie community and received reviews comparing the band to its major influences, The Rolling Stones and Neil Young. Critics noted the “tight rhythm section” of the band’s three Webbers, Kevin (Percussion), James, (Bass) and John (Drums) and the appeal to fans of both classic rock and modern acoustic rock. (rocknworld.com and allaccessmagazine.com)

In October of 2005, Cattywompus (minus Kevin Webber) embarked on its first tour. Within one month, the boys played to fans at sixteen shows in nine different states—from California to Florida. The tour greatly increased the band’s fan base and led to radio play on college radio stations and on the internet.

Sadly the excitement from the success of the tour was short lived. Not long after Cattywompus arrived home, Kevin Webber passed away due to cancer. Despite their mourning and to honor Kevin’s love for music, the band starting writing an incredible amount of material and returned to the recording studio in early 2006, this time with one of Kevin’s former band mates, Britt Philips co-producing.

The result was “Gospel Hymns and Original Sins,” the first full-length release from the band, will be released in the first quarter of 2007. The LP was once again self-produced, but this time Cattywompus got some help. Artist/producer, Britt Phillips provided producing guidance; Thom Flowers mixed the tracks; and Evren Goknar at Capitol Records mastered the album. Reviews of the album observe the emotional charge behind the album as a result of Kevin’s passing but highlight the catchiness of the tunes and well composed harmonies which arouse a sense of nostalgia. (getunderground.com)

The band made another move to Austin, TX in 2007 playing live regularly in Austin, Dallas and Houston. The band is currently on hiatus. Also in 2012, Jonathan Lennartz and John Webber became the rhythm section for Sugarsmoke. Aaron Bateman has contributed lead guitar to a score of bands around Austin. In 2012, Cattywompus regrouped for a live set at Lindsay’s Hill Country Jamboree.

Currently you can see James Webber and Jonathan Lennartz together as the Surly Gates, Austin, TX.


B:
CATTYWOMPUS is a band dedicated to American Roots music. As diverse as America itself, so is the band's musical heritage. Whether it be Rock, Country, Blues, or Folk, no specific genre accurately pin points Cattywompus. The band is what the name means: off kilter. By combining these styles with captivating lyrics Cattywompus has created a downhome feast that will soothe most any appetite. Having a deep appreciation for the artists that have inspired generations: from the earliest blues and folk singers Leadbelly, Robert Johnson, and Bob Dylan, and the country greats Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, to the 60's & 70's Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gram Parsons and Allman Brothers Band, and modern bands such as the Black Crowes, Tom Petty, Drive By-Truckers and Kings of Leon, Cattywompus has explored many musical directions, foraging its own path of songs expressing love, loss, salvation, war and freedom, and of course whiskey and women. All these themes come together on Cattywompus's debut album "Gospel Hymns and Original Sins" already spinning on americana radio.

After five years, over 100 shows, 2 EPs and one national tour, Cattywompus has arrived with their debut full length LP "Gospel Hymns & Original Sins," to be independently released in January 2007.

Cattywompus is comprised of brothers James Webber (Bass, Vocals), John Webber (Drums), Jon Lennartz (Vocals, Guitar), and Aaron Bateman (Guitar).

C:
Cattywompus is a roots rock band from Austin, Texas. On their MySpace page, their quote is "Keeping Austin Weird." Well, I don't know too much about that, but I do know that the people of Austin are lucky that to have a band like Cattywompus in their backyard.

This album shows Cattywompus as one of those rare bands that can incorporate a lot of different influences while still maintaining their own unique sound. Through the first two songs ("The Soldier," "It's All Over Now") you can get the sense that the members of this band grew up listening to the likes of The Allman Brothers, The Band, and Flying Burrito Brothers.

The next couple tunes ("Elizabeth Rose," "Sweet California") definitely have more of an "alt-country" feel. Think shades of Grandaddy or The Lost Trailers. But like I said, while you can hear similarities to other bands, Cattywompus maintains its own sound. Jonathan Lennartz wraps his easy vocals around twangy guitar and a solid rhythm section. And whether they are doing a classic roots rock, or an "alt-country" sort of tune, they sound good.

I think "Lord I Just Don't Know" is a tremendous song. The slide guitar by Aaron Bateman is outstanding. For me this is one of those songs that makes me stop what I'm doing so I can just listen. It is five minutes of pure goodness.

Every song on this album is quite good. From the lonely twang of the slide guitar in "Lord I just Don't Know" to the honky-tonk piano of "Leaving Virginia," the guys in the band show that they know what they are doing, both in performing and putting a song together. I can tell that this is going to be one of those "You have to hear this" CDs I spring on all my friends. It is an incredibly well-done roots rock album with twelve good songs and two audio clips. Roots rock fans, pick this album up and maybe you'll be telling your friends, "You have to hear this band Cattywompus."

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