BIO
Based in Chicago and Nashville, Kick The Cat is an internationally renowned jazz fusion ensemble. Musically, the band is within the virtuosic lineage of classic fusion/prog ensembles like Return to Forever and Weather Report but draws on contemporary groove elements, electronics and a healthy dose of humor as well. The result is a high energy of mind-bending rhythms, harmonies and kaleidoscopic textures that is surprisingly approachable.
The band formed while in college in the late 90s to perform each other’s unique and challenging compositions, at the time living together and working on music while also each individually making names for themselves in the Chicago music scene. As of today, KTC has four full- length albums of original material and has performed hundreds of shows, headlining and opening for a variety of national acts. KTC has long been noted as being one of the most engaging, highly virtuosic jazz ensembles to emerge from Chicago’s richly varied scene.
Drummer Kris Myers is a founding member of KTC (recording the first 2 albums) but left the band in 2003 after being recruited by now-renowned jam band Umphrey’s McGee. He was temporarily replaced by Tom Hipskind (Hamilton, Brian Culbertson), but has rejoined the original lineup for the current album and shows. Guitarist Chris Siebold is a well known prodigy and in-demand session player in Chicago who has also performed regularly with Howard Levy and Garrison Keeler’s Prairie Home Companion. Keyboardist Vijay Tellis-Nayak has performed with many greats including Marcus Miller and Jennifer Hudson and was featured in 2007’s Keyboard Magazine for KTC’s “Scramble” album as Unsigned Artist of the Month. He is also one of the owners and producers at Chicago’s Transient Sound Recording Studio. Bassist/multi-instrumentalist Chris Clemente is one of the most in-demand musicians and educators in Chicago and has performed with many greats including Jon Secada, Randy Brecker and Kanye West
KTC’s latest album, “Gurgle” is a long awaited tour de force. It’s varied style takes you from 70’s style fusion to a Rio’s Carnival, from dub-step to RnB, and from Zappa to country all the while telling a story in a humorous, sometimes ponderous and always delightfully irreverent tone.
Chris Clemente - Bass
Kris Myers - Drums
Chris Siebold - Guitar
Vijay Tellis-Nayak - Keyboards
CONTACT: kickthecatband@gmail.com
