Felix and the Cats

Harlem, the birthplace of Swing and home to legendary clubs such as the Savoy Ballroom and the Cotton Club, gave birth to Felix and the Cats in 1994. In the beginning, self-taught pianist Felix Endico studied with Duke Elllington’s organist “Wild Bill Davis”, arranger of the Count Basie version of “April in Paris”. He also had the honor of sitting in with Erskine Hawkin’s band, of “Tuxudo Junction” fame and the last to play the Savoy Ballroom.

Influenced by both R&B legend Jimmy “Preacher” Robins as well as Red Blazer regular Sol Yaged (“The Benny Goodman Clone”), Endico formed Felix and the Cats. The band’s vision drew heavily from both of these men’s styles and featured musicians that could solo and remain true to the art of Swing.

Today, the Cats’ Big Band musicians join with young Swing Turks from the Juilliard Jazz program, transporting audiences back in time to the New York and Chicago jazz clubs of the 1930’s. Their book includes arrangements from the Henderson Brothers, Jimmy Mundy and Sy Oliver, originators of the Big Band sounds of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw.

While their passion is Swing, Felix’s seven member band has built a diverse catalog over the years to include Blues, R&B, Latin and Rock. They have charmed audiences at venues such as Well’s of Harlem, The Rainbow Room and Swing 46, which have claimed Felix and the Cats as their house band over the past 15 years. They were also featured in the Spring 2006 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.

CDs available:
www.cdbaby.com

Videos:
www.youtube.com/felixjazz

Contact Information:
FE Swingtime Inc.
444 East 86th Street, 16G
New York, NY 10580