In the early 1990s, vocalist/bassist Andrew Giordano joined lead guitarist Don Sztabnik on the downtown New York City rock club circuit in the
Dragons. Some 25 years later, the
duo reunited to form the Black Cats NYC.
While the band is hinged on Gordano and Sztabnik, the Black Cats NYC presently also
includes guitarist Francesco D’Ambrosio,
drummer Jason Reddish, and backing
vocalists Deanna Lair and Julie M. Smith, also known as the Pussycats. The band is also frequently
augmented onstage by pianist Alex
Giordano, saxophonist Seaton
"Raven" Hancock and vocalist Gass
Wild. The Black Cats NYC released a three-song EP entitled Gone on October 28, 2016.
At Sidewalk
tonight, the Black Cats NYC brought the roll back to the rock. The Black Cats
NYC knew that to lead the party and electrify the spirit, the band had to avoid
pensive confessional lyrics and complicated musical arrangements. Instead, the band
played light-hearted rave-ups with stinging guitar leads and sax breaks separating
the verses and big harmonies on the choruses. Throwback moments were inspired
by the core of 1950s rock, 1960s pop and 1970s glam rock. Raucous songs like
"Animal" and "She Got What I Need" charged with dirty
grooves, with Giordano's strong vocals raising the temperature of the room. This
was several steps beyond garage rock, yet still a bit raw and dirty. It would
be hard for a rock and roll fan not to enjoy the Black Cats NYC live.
The Black Cats NYC will host a video release party for "Too
Far Gone" at the Delancey on June 15. In the meantime, visit the Black
Cats NYC at www.theblackcatsnyc.com.
