A Little History
I first met Lionel Young in 1991 at the Telluride Jazz Festival. We were playing in different bands and struck up a quick friendship. Not long after that we began co-hosting a weekly blues jam in Boulder at The Catacombs, and continue to host a blues jam at the Boulder Outlook Hotel on 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Lionel is a one of a kind musician (violinist and singer), and between us we play a multitude of musical styles which we blend into a unique night of music. Featuring a violin and an upright bass in the band, one does not usually expect to hear the deep funk of James Brown, the hard rock of Led Zeppelin, or the classics of Cream, The Beatles, The Allman Brothers, or The Troggs (who did Wild Thing). Our drummer Jay Forrest is also a long time friend, rock solid drummer, and an amazing singer. Coming from Arkansas and raised on gospel and soul music, you can hear his powerful sound in everything he sings. Musically we cover everything from Muddy Waters to Prince, with a bunch of New Orleans grooves, blues, and classic rock mixed in. What I'm saying is that this band, which can be a three piece to a six piece, is ready to go when you want great music for your wedding, party, nightclub, or concert. It's a band that will get everyone out on the dance floor!! Jazz, blues, funk, soul, rock, zydeco, with great two and three part harmony vocals is what you'll get with...
The Heavy Cats!!
Lionel Young is the winner of the 2008 International Blues Competition in the solo/duo category!!
BEST BLUES JAM - WESTWORD 1998
In March of '96', bassist Mark Diamond and violinist Lionel Young celebrated their second anniversary as co-hosts of what had become one of the area's most popular and well-attended blues jams; the two were joined each Monday night at the Catacombs by keyboardist James Torres and drummer Tony Black. Sponsored by Robb's Music and the Colorado Blues Society, the jam had a reputation for quality as well as longevity. It was also known for a few firm rules: The music started at nine o'clock sharp, and as Young liked to stress, the most important rule was, "If you suck, don't come here and expect to play."
This jam lasted for nearly nine years at The Catacombs, and continues today every 2nd and 4th Sunday at The Boulder Outlook Hotel.
See a video of a tune - tinyurl.com/yfrngyh
Sample artist/tune list:
Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze, Hey Joe, Fire, Little Wing, Red House
Beatles - Oh Darlin', Come Together,
Funky Meters - Sissy Strut, Looka Py Py
Prince - Kiss
Allman Brothers - One way Out, Statesboro Blues, Whipping Post
James Brown - Cold Sweat, Sex Maching, I Feel Good
Rolling Stones - You Got To Move
Cream - Strange Brew (it may be Traffic)
Stevie Wonder - Superstition
Joe Cocker (versions of) - Leave Your Hat On , A Little Help From My Friends
Bill Withers - Use Me Up
Howlin’ Wolf
Led Zepplin - Whole Lotta Love, Dazed and Confused
Professor Longhair
Lenny Kravitz version - American Woman
The Troggs - Wild Thing
Chuck Berry
Percy Sledge - When A Man Loves A Woman
Dave Mason
Traffic
Delbert McLinton - Just A Little Bit
Johnny Winter - Johnny Be Good
Stevie Ray Vaughn - Scuttle Buttin'
Buffalo Springfield - Everybody Look What's Goin' On
Springsteen (version) - Pink Cadillac
Wilson Pickett - Mustang Sally, In The Midnight Hour
Muddy Waters, and all kinds of Blues material
And so much more..........................................................
Photo by Bryan Beierle
Link to our MySpace page for more about THC - myspace.com/theheavycats
