Phat Cat Swinger
Phat Cat Swinger is a nine-piece contemporary swing band that was formed in the high desert cities of California in August 2002.
History
One of the best bands to dance to in the surrounding Los Angeles areas, Phat Cat Swinger was influenced by the classic sounds of Bobby Darin, Louis Prima, and Frank Sinatra and mixed with the new swingin’ sounds of such bands as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Royal Crown Revue, and Brian Setzer, Phat Cat Swinger is a band filled with booming toms, walking bass lines, jumpin’ guitar rhythms, roaring horn lines and smooth vocals. Founded by alto sax player Marco Palos, baritone sax player William Pattison, drummer Matthew Burdick and guitar player Sebastian Western nearly seven years ago, Phat Cat Swinger is one of the hottest live swing bands to hit Southern California’s underground scene. With their rise in popularity Phat Cat Swinger has toured the country and performed shows alongside Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Royal Crown Revue and even alongside Shirley Jones. A big break for this band came when they made an appearance in Christina Aguilera’s “Candyman” music video, where they performed in the beginning scene of the song dressed up to the nines in white suites; and have recently played for the Stars And Stripes Benefit at the venue of every man’s dream, the Playboy Mansion.
Members
When the band first started they were a nine piece band containing Tim Porter (vocals), Nikki Apodaca (tenor sax, clarinet, and vocals), Marco Palos (alto sax and vocals), Will Pattinson (baritone sax), Joe Rib (trumpet), Phil Clevinger (trombone, tuba and backup vocals), Jeff Wagner (upright bass), Matthew Burdick (drums) and Sebastian Western (guitar). For a while Rosalie Mastaler joined in with the band and played piano but did not stay in the band for very long. In March 2008 the band was saddened to see their guitar player leave. But in May 2008, Sebastian was replaced by guitarist Thomas Whittle who was with the band until December 2008, upon which he quit the band. Then in June 2007 their band member Nikki Apodaca decided to take a different road in life and retired from the band at which time Stephanie Salib joined in as their new tenor sax player, but in June 2008 Stephanie left and was replaced with their current tenor sax player Ralph Torres. Alongside all the changing tenor sax players Jeff Wagner left and the band was lucky to find their current upright bass player (the lovely) Miss Laura Prieto to join in. While the band is still on the hunt for a new guitarist they have been seen playing with some amazing guitar talent such as Greg Irba, Eitaro Sako, and Billy Joe Wiseman. Phat Cat Swinger has even been seen jamming it out with fellow jive musicians such as Daniel Glass from Royal Crown Revue and Karl Hunter of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Albums
Phat Cat Swingers first album (self titled) was released in July 2005 and held such fanatical songs such as “Hep Cats”, “Money Tree” and the crowd’s favorite sing along song “Smolie Olie Olie”. Most of the bands original songs were composed by none other than sax man Marco Palos with the rest of the band pitching in until they reached melodies that take you from toe tapping jazz to smooth sultry tango. Amongst their amazing original songs they perform cover songs that take you back to a time of nostalgia with such songs as “Run Around Sue”, “Sing Sing Sing”, “The Way You Look Tonight” “Hey Pachuco” and “Jump Jive And Wail”. As of May 2009 the band has now released a three song E.P with their amazing song “Won’t You Tell Me”, “Ain’t Got No Home” (which is amazing to see live, Phil hits those high notes and Marco with his sultry deep baritone voice add wonders to this song) and their new song “Dance Dance Dance” (with lyrics written by lead vocalist Tim Porter) that lets listeners know that there is no right or wrong way to dance.
Where You Can Find Them
There was a time that the band was unable to play as many shows as they would have liked, so member of the band decided to splinter off and create side projects of their own. This does not mean that the band is no longer together, just that you are able to see other members out doing their thing with a different sound at different times. Marco Palos and Will Pattinson branched off together and along with Jose Menendez, Marquis Howell, Dave Ingram, and Patrick Summers formed ‘The Barrel House Boys’. Phil Clevinger along with Ted Schumacher found Paul James Riding, Ginger Olsen, Pat Summers, Tommy Whittle, Justin Hill and Rosalie Mastaler and created ‘Phil and the Magnificent Seven’ while the bands rhythm sections Matt and Laura went off and along with Blue Ornelas and Sebastian Western created ’20 Flight Rock' in 2007. But after a few months, Sebastian was no longer in the band, and was later replaced by Tommy Whittle in May of 2008. As of July 2009, Laura, Matt and Tommy have all left '20 Flight Rock'. Each side project brings a different sound but still hold to that sweet jive.
Music videos
- "Hep Cats"
- "Smolie Olie Olie"
- "Candyman" (By Christina Augilera)