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Cathy Richardson - From her humble beginnings as a solo acoustic performer in the early 90s, Cathy Richardson has risen to the top of the Chicago music scene with the help of her always amazing band. After almost seven years of constant touring of the Chicago club and festival circuits and release of four independent CD's, Cathy Richardson Band was voted "Best Local Band" in a 1999 Chicago Tribune readers poll. Most recently, CRB was voted BEST BAND by Fox News viewers in their "Best & Worst of Chicago" Poll (November 2000). Ed Breckenfeld, a veteran of Epic recording artists the Insiders, came onboard in 1997 contributing his signature slamming backbeat and refreshing musical approach to drumming on the CD Snake Camp. Ed's Charlie Watts-influenced "less is more" philosophy serves the songs perfectly, in the studio and onstage. He is also a columnist for Modern Drummer magazine. Guitar virtuoso Joel Hoekstra joined the band in 1998. Joel's jaw dropping riffs and endless palette of musical textures brings an exciting new sound and fire to the band. His encouragement and willingness to experiment have inspired Cathy to venture into uncharted musical territory as witnessed by the new rap/metal masterpiece and instant CRB classic "Yer Scaring Me." Blazing licks and unheard-of sounds aside, Joel always tempers his playing with taste and style that best suit the song and is loyal to the band's past repertoire. The band's newest addition, Eric Swanson, came onboard in December of 2000 replacing longtime CRB bassist Randy Riley. Eric has subbed in many CRB shows over the years and was the obvious first choice when Riley left the band to run his family's business. As chief songwriter, rhythm guitarist, vocalist and co-producer Cathy is the driving, creative force behind her band. A powerful presence onstage and off, and uncompromising in her vision, Richardson is hands on in all areas of her music. Possessed with an unwillingness to repeat herself or be restrained to a particular genre, her ever-evolving sound will never be easily pigeonholed as she strives to grow and evolve with each new song, recording and performance. In a twist of fate, Cathy was offered the role of Janis Joplin in the stage musical, Love, Janis when it came through Chicago in the fall of '99. After receiving critical acclaim and standing ovations at every performance, Cathy was invited to join the production on the road last summer at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, NY where she recommended Hoekstra for the position of guitar player. Cathy and Joe both plan to follow the show to New York City, off-Broadway this year, opening at the Village Gate Theater in April. She continues to perform, with her band and acoustically, and is writing and recording material for a new full-length CD. The band will release a 4-song EP Buzzzed in Feb. 2001, which previews some of the new material.
Chicago music discussion board
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