Last September, a last minute cancellation at the Monterey Jazz Festival gave local jazz-funk quintet Catwalk the opportunity of a lifetime. “It was an honor,” writer/guitarist Joe Menichetti says of the band’s festival debut. “We were there playing one stage and at the same time in the arena, Dave Brubeck was playing … We felt really fortunate. There are so many great jazz bands that would die to play there.” But humble though Menichetti may be, the band’s lucky break was most likely less kismet and more merit-based. In lieu of the common clutch of careworn jazz standards, Catwalk offers all original compositions, fundamentally written by Menichetti and evolved in rehearsal by the musical prowess of the band’s other members; Scott McKenna (bass), Doug Rowan (sax), Sid Thompson (drums) and Jay Jackson (piano). In 2002, the five men, all seasoned Bay Area musicians and according to Menichetti, all “old friends,” got together to jam and Catwalk was born. The band’s sonic foundation is built on a deep-set groove that prominently features Rowan’s fierce sax. The compositions are innovative and imaginative, and draw from the members’ diverse musical pedigree, which includes rock, Celtic, funk, Latin and blues. But what makes Catwalk’s music consistently accessible is the frequent inclusion of catchy melodic motifs, a possible consequence, says Menichetti, of his past experience writing “pop-oriented” tunes. “With some of my jazz stuff, you know, there are some hooks there.” On maintaining Catwalk as an all-original project, Menichetti describes the process as challenging, but infinitely more rewarding. “It’s a little bit more risky, as far as getting gigs,” he admits. “It’s not as accepted. If no one’s ever heard the music, it requires an open set of ears.” A challenge, perhaps? Be sure to bring your open ears to the Kuumbwa this Thursday.
Amanda Martinez - Santa Cruz Good Times Weekly (Aug 29, 2007)