The Strange Cat People joined forces because they all had a passion for the distinctly American styles of music that have shaped contemporary music from rock and roll to rap. These earlier styles of music, now called “Roots Music” because they are the roots from which contemporary American music has sprung, include the blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, gospel, and country music. While many people are just beginning to discover the richness, variety, and intensity of Roots Music, Mike and his band have been long-time devotees, playing in the Boston area and beyond for over ten years. Here’s how they’ve been spending that time:
Mike Leavey: In addition to being the driving force of the Strange Cat People, Mike is a co-founder and the lead guitarist for the Splendid Nobodies, a Boston-based band that that has been recognized in the 2003 and 2004 NEMO Music Conferences for its amalgamation of blues, rock, and country music. Mike has also played with some of the most venerable names in the Boston blues scene, such as Barrence Whitfield, Shirley Lewis, and Dennis Brennan.
Scott Cormier: Music-wise (and possibly otherwise,) Scott has been around the block. He has studied bass at the Berklee College of Music, gotten down and dirty in Boston’s best blues clubs, and toured extensively in both the United States and Europe. His insatiable appetite for Roots Music keeps him busy playing with the likes of Barrence Whitfield and R&B sensations The Fancy Brothers. At night, he dreams in bass.
Chris Sciuto: Also a veteran of The Splendid Nobodies, drummer Chris Sciuto is as comfortable supporting the honky-tonk sound of the Dave Sammarco Band as he is the haunting and hard-driving sounds of Kendra Flowers, and has played with both artists. A versatile performer and dedicated student of many musical styles himself, Chris instructs some of Boston’s most promising young students.
