Tom Butwin/ Guitars and Vocals
This project has given me the opportunity to really open up as a guitar player.
As a student of the "pop" music world for most of my life, it's been great to dive into some guitar-based blues with the Black Cat Blues Band.
My influences include Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Dave Matthews, and Sting.
Many thanks to John and Geno for the opportunity to rock out and play some blues!
Gene (Geno) Carlson/ Bass
Geno (Gene) Carlson - Bassist
Born: Minneapolis,MN
Age: Unknown
I first picked up a guitar at age 14 and played on and off over the years. My first electric guitar and amp was made by Teisco, remember those? I grew up in the days when the blues was really popular and most rock was blues based so that’s when I started liking the blues. My first good amp was a 1974 Fender Twin Reverb, a classic that I wish I hadn’t parted with. I played 6 string guitar until about 2 years ago when I switched to Bass.
I like the rush of being on stage and the driving beat of bass and drums keeping rhythm. John and I really lay a great solid rhythm foundation for Chris to do what he does best. I’m lucky to be in this band, we have great chemistry and from day one I knew this band was destined for greatness.
Past Band Projects:`
Rockway 5-Guitar
Rockway-Guitar
Chain Gang-Bass
37 Years After-Bass & Guitar
Things I’ve Learned:
- There’s more to life than work.
- Practice makes perfect.
- Always play with musicians that are better than you are. They will make you get better.
- You don’t know what you don’t know; so take lessons and advice, you are never too old and you can always learn from someone who knows more.
- If you want it bad enough you will get it. Read the book; The Secret.
Check out: www/myspace.com/carl410
John (JC) Ciaravino/ Drums and Vocals
I first began playing drums and singing in 1969 (Yow!). I literally took off all of the 1970's (with the exception of two small projects) and the 1980's, until 1989. I have been at it ever since. Drummers that have inspired me and I have learned from through the years include Don Brewer (of course, from Grand Funk Railroad), Ginger Baker, Tommy Aldridge, TS Monk, Jimmy Cobb (Miles Davis), Cozy Powell, Neil Peart, Lenny White, and a number of others. I think that Miles Davis was a musical genius and there was no other like him. As far as the blues goes, it's an unlimited list of favorites, but here are some: Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, John Hammond, Etta James, Rory Gallagher Lonnie Mack, Albert King, Freddie King, Howlin' Wolf and I was lucky enough to see Albert Collins and Nina Simone perform (not together naturally).
I feel that life without music is intolerable. I love what I am doing whether it is performing live or in the studio. It has to be fun and you gotta have it in your heart and soul 100%. Forget what everyone else says. Do what feels right! I'm in it 'till the sticks fall off of me!
Band projects include:
Split Decision/ The Crush/ Thunder Alley/ Blues Child/ Yer Blues Band/ The Score/ Vantage Point/ Crossfire/ 37 Years After, Band Of Brothers and I am fortunate to say that I sat in with Billy Joel's band in 2004 in Atlantis (what a screaming rush!!).
I am incredibly elated about performing in the Black Cat Blues Band. The band is driving, take their blues weapons serious, and they quite honestly scour the blues floors of the local bar and club scene with me, taking prisoners in the process. They're like me (scary)!
I play Pearl drums, along with Zildjian cymbals and like many drummers have a number of snare drums. I play Promark Drumsticks exclusively. I am proud to say that I have been chosen as one of Promark Drumsticks "Not Yet Famous Drummers". You can check that out at:
www.promark.com and then click on "Not Yet Famous Drummer" Search under my last name and there you have it. pretty cool!