Pimp the Cat--Pimp the Cat

I’m not one for jazz and blues albums, and don’t pretend to be very knowledgeable on the topic. But damn do I know some good music when I hear it. When this album fell into my lap I stayed away from playing it for at least a month because of the title and cover. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, right? Never was this a more correct phrase than with Pimp the Cat. Despite their name (I envisioned the music of some immature "punk" outfit to come oozing out of my speakers), these guys can play like no other. Rounding out 74 minutes with 11 tracks (including "Itzit," an 11 minute instrumental), this is a groove album to end ‘em all. Most of the tracks are instrumentals, and average about 5 minutes. Beautifully played guitar solos, solo filled organs, and a cool-hand blues/jazz wave come sweeping out of this album…almost too much to handle. Made up of the best musicians for their respective instruments, (Mark Greenberg, the drummer, has played with the likes of The Doobie Brothers and Roomful Of Blues, as well as endorsing Zildjian), Pimp the Cat crank out "Bill Hilly," an 8 minute behemoth, like its no sweat. The solos roll out one after the other, simulating a great live experience. A wonderful gem of a find, Pimp the Cat prove not only that they can play the socks off anyone, but that "indie" is not just a rock term.

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)