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Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada | INDIE

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"Sabrina Weeks and the Women in Blues Revue"

The first time Sabrina Weeks visited Toronto was for last year’s Maple Blues Awards. During that visit she walked away with the award for Best New Artist. For the British Columbia born and raised girl ...her Eastern tour of Ontario this Septembers “like a dream come true.”“Our friend Chuck Jackson introduced us to a bunch of people. We felt welcomed and at ease right away. “Sabrina who along wither band Swing Cat Bounce have established themselves in the West ... known for their up tempo swing/jazz/blues hybrid style of music and of course Sabrina’ voice; a sultry, smokey, commanding voice that conjures up memories of a couple of her idols ... Etta James and Koko Taylor. “I love love love Etta James and Koko Taylor. But my earliest influences were Elvis Presley, Doris Day and Olivia Newton John. These were the artists my parents loved and they helped shape my phrasing and vibrato. I am both a self taught and schooled vocalist. What I mean is that actually went to school at a time when there was still amazing music instruction going on. We had a music teacher that came in three times a week and taught us harmony and phrasing. She taught us how-to enunciate and intonate. We also had great choir that always had at least three-part harmony and syncopation. I was so lucky to go to school during this time. As well, I have constantly continued to teach myself new techniques and styles since then. “Tales from Lenny’s Diner Sabrina’s debut CD in 2009 hit the Roots Music Report Blues Music Charts at #1 in Canada and #12 globally, peaking at #6 on the global blues charts. The album was also rated as one of the top 100 new CD’s released in2010/2011 according to the Real Blues “top of the charts” report. “After we recorded our first CD, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. So the entire time we were submitting the CD to radio and reviewers, I was going through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I got so much support from friends, family and fans but what really kept me going was the music, the CD in particular and all the excitement that was created around it.”This August Sabrina and her band return to the studio to begin recording their follow-up CD, once again produced by Jack Lavin of Powder Blues fame. “The album is going to be awesome! I’m so excited. We wrote17 new songs and have chosen 12 to bring to the studio with the ultimate goal of choosing the best 10. We’ve brought a lot more heart to this CD. Don’t get me wrong there’s still some funny tongue-in-cheek stuff but there is also some really meaty stuff too. I know this will sound a little cliché and a little purple ... but I’m much more alive now than I’ve ever been, so, of course the songs reflect that change. “Sabrina’s music may be a melting pot of genre’s but her song writing along with guitarist Mike Hilliard who she co-writes with is distinctly Canadian in flavor. “We write what we know about. I believe that is where the most power is. We are proudly Canadian ... what can I say? Our style is eclectic because we are influenced by all kinds of music and allow whatever song comes forward, to be the song that it was born to be. I have been writing songs since was quite young ... I also took a handful of upper level poetry writing courses as part of my Bachelor’s Degree. So needless to say, for me, lyrics are important. I like it when they paint a picture, tell a story, create mood. Mike has been instrumental in my growth as a songwriter.”In November Sabrina will return to Toronto to take part in the 26th annual Women’s Blues Revue at Massey Hall on the 24th of the month joining a number of talented female artists established and neon the scene. The event which celebrates women in blues music helped launch the careers of artists such as Amanda Marshall, Holly Cole, Roxanne Putin and Teresa Leaser. “The Women in Blues Revue is an amazing opportunity. I am so humbled and grateful for being included in this event. This event gives women a stronger voice in a genre that is often predominately driven by male voices. I am so grateful to the Toronto Blues Society for their progressive vision and support. And ... it’s Massey Hall! I mean... how cool is that?”Sabrina hits Ontario by storm starting September 7th in Kingston, followed by an appearance at the Southside Shuffle in Port Credit on September 8 & 9th as well as dates in Ottawa and Laving, Ontario. Information on Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce as well as details on CD sales and pre-sales of her new CD and promotional material can be found at swingcatbounce.shawwebspace.ca. - Christopher Daltone love love - Toronto Blues Society

"Laby Sings the Blues - Sabrina Weeks Makes her Debut at Massey Hall"

December 5, 2012

WENDY FRASER

Lillooet singer Sabrina Weeks says performing at Toronto's venerable Massey Hall was a “surreal” experience.

“I just really felt grateful to be included in the event; it went off so well, and what an honour,” she says of her appearance as one of the headliners at the 26th Women in Blues Revue, held Nov. 24 at the famous venue.

Weeks' reaction is understandable, given that legends such as Caruso, Pavlova, Gershwin, Gould, Dylan, Lightfoot and Pavarotti have all performed on that same stage.

She said when she was first invited to sing in the revue, she was unfamiliar with the history and provenance of Massey Hall.

“When I got invited to be part of the Women in Blues thing, I was very excited just to be part of it,” said Weeks. “And then my husband Mike asked me, 'Where will you be playing?' And I told him Massey Hall. He's from Toronto and he said, 'Oh my God! Massey Hall – that's amazing! That's a huge deal.' It didn't mean much to me at the time. I found that out after the fact,” she explained.

“I sang 'Something's Got a Hold on Me,' an Etta James song we had on our first CD. It was important to me to do a blues song from someone I so respected. Then I did 'Bad Boys' because that's my favourite song off the first CD and then I did a song called 'Forgive Me,' which is a power ballad off our next CD.”

She and the other female blues belters joined together for the grand finale – a version of B.B. King's 'Let the Good Times Roll.'

“Each person had a verse or a chorus to do and we all sang backup vocals through the whole song because it was a call-and-response thing,” Weeks added.

She and the band Swing Cat Bounce are planning a digital release of their new CD “Got My Eye on You” in January, followed by a physical release around the end of February.

Weeks told the News she has a vision board, which she uses to help her focus on moving forward with her musical career. “We've really been focusing on getting higher-profile gigs and I believe where you put your energy, it grows. I have on my vision board 'Six gigs in Toronto' and the Blues Summit, which is coming up in January is the sixth gig.”
- Lillooet News

"Top 100 Blues CDS played in 2011"

1 GREGG ALLMAN LOW COUNTRY BLUES ROUNDER
2 TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND REVELATOR SONY
3 MARCIA BALL ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS ALLIGATOR
4 THE STEVE MILLER BAND LET YOUR HAIR DOWN LOUD & PROUD / ROADRUNNER
5 HOT TUNA STEADY AS SHE GOES RED HOUSE RECORDS
6 ROOMFUL OF BLUES HOOK, LINE & SINKER ALLIGATOR
7 MORELAND & ARBUCKLE JUST A DREAM TELARC
8 ALBERT CASTIGLIA KEEPIN ON BLUES LEAF
9 BOOKER T. JONES THE ROAD FROM MEMPHIS EPITAPH
10 JOE BONAMASSA DUST BOWL J&R ADVENTURES
11 BUDDY GUY LIVING PROOF JIVE
12 REVEREND RAVEN & THE CHAIN SMOKIN' ALTAR BOYS SHAKE YOUR BOOGIE NEVERMORE
13 SOLOMON BURKE & DE DIJK HOLD ON TIGHT VERVE
14 BEN WATERS BOOGIE 4 STU EAGLE RECORDS
15 VARIOUS ARTIST LOUISIANA SWAMP STOMP HONEYBEE
16 TRACY NELSON VICTIM OF THE BLUES DELTA GROOVE
17 DAMON FOWLER DEVIL GOT HIS WAY BLIND PIG
18 POPA CHUBBY THE ESSENTIAL POPA CHUBBY BLIND PIG
19 JOHNNY WINTER ROOTS MEGAFORCE
20 BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS BIG HEAD BLUES CLUB - 100 YEARS OF ROBERT JOHNSON RYKO
21 JOHN-ALEX MASON JOOK JOINT THUNDERCLAP NAKED JAYBIRD
22 ROD PIAZZA & THE ALL MIGHTY FLYERS ALMIGHTY DOLLAR DELTA GROOVE MUSIC
23 STUDEBAKER JOHN'S MAXWELL STREET KINGS THAT'S THE WAY YOU DO DELMARK
24 HARRY MANX & KEVIN BREIT STRICTLY WHATEVER STONY PLAIN
25 PETE ANDERSON EVEN THINGS UP - DELUXE EDITION LITTLE DOG / VIZZTONE
26 VARIOUS ARTIST TOMMY CASTRO PRESENTS THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE - LIVE ALLIGATOR
27 EDEN BRENT AIN'T GOT NO TROUBLES YELLOW DOG
28 CANDYE KANE SISTER VAGABOND ECLECTO GROOVE
29 TAB BENOIT MEDICINE TELARC RECORDS
30 MONKEY JUNK TO BEHOLD STONY PLAIN
31 KELLEY HUNT GRAVITY LOVES YOU 88 RECORDS
32 RORY BLOCK SHAKE 'EM ON DOWN -- A TRIBUTE TO MISSISSIPPI FRED MCDOWELL STONY PLAIN
33 ROBERT NIGHTHAWK 35 YEARS OF STONY PLAIN STONY PLAIN
34 ANA POPOVIC UNCONDITIONAL ECLECTO GROOVE
35 SAM HENRY TREME SOUL -- NEW ORLEANS GUMBO BISMEUAX RECORDS
36 VARIOUS ARTIST ALLIGATOR RECORDS 40TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION ALLIGATOR
37 RAY BONNEVILLE BAD MAN'S BLOOD RED HOUSE
38 TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BLUES VIZZTONE
39 STEVE GRILLS AFTER HOURS TOOGALOO RECORDS
40 DUKE ROBILLARD PASSPORT TO THE BLUES STONY PLAIN
41 JIM BYRNES EVERYWHERE WEST BLACK HEN
42 DUKE ROBILLARD LOW DOWN AND TORE UP STONY PLAIN
43 GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS 2120 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE CAPITOL / EMI
44 CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE THE WELL ALLIGATOR
45 SUZIE VINNICK ME N MABEL SELF
46 TERRY HANCK LOOK OUT! DELTA GROOVE MUSIC
47 ELVIN BISHOP RED DOG SPEAKS DELTA GROOVE
48 JJ GREY & MOFRO GEORGIA WARHORSE ALLIGATOR
49 LUCKY PETERSON YOU CAN ALWAYS TURN AROUND JSP
50 THE DELTA FLYERS SIXTEEN BARS SOULBILLY MUSIC
51 JAMES COTTON GIANT ALLIGATOR
52 JOHNNY RAWLS MEMPHIS STILL GOT SOUL CATFOOD
53 RITA CHIARELLI SWEET PARADISE MAD IRIS
54 MARIA MULDAUR STEADY LOVE STONY PLAIN
55 RITA CHIARELLI MUSIC FROM THE BIG HOUSE SOUNDTRACK MAD IRIS
56 JAMES KINDS LOVE YOU FROM THE TOP DELMARK
57 GRAND MARQUIS HOLD ON TO ME SELF
58 HUGH LAURIE LET THEM TALK WARNER BROTHERS RECORDS
59 SABRINA WEEKS & SWING CAT BOUNCE TALES FROM LENNY'S DINER SELF
60 LYNWOOD SLIM & THE IGOR PRADO BAND BRAZILIAN KICKS DELTA GROOVE
61 MATT ANDERSEN COAL MINING BLUES BUSTED FLAT
62 SUNDAY WILDE WHAT MAN!? OH THAT MAN!!! SELF
63 WARREN HAYNES MAN IN MOTION STAX
64 JOHNNY SANSONE THE LORD IS WAITING AND THE DEVIL IS TOO SHORTSTACK RECORDS
65 THE 24TH STREET WAILERS DIRTY LITTLE YOUNG 'UNS SELF
66 BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS SCANDALOUS LOST HIGHWAY
67 LARRY TAYLOR THEY WERE IN THIS HOUSE AV
68 BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS TELL 'EM WHAT YOUR NAME IS INDIE
69 RONNIE EARL & THE BROADCASTERS SPREAD THE LOVE STONY PLAIN
70 LLOYD JONES THE LLOYD JONES STRUGGLE CRIMINAL RECORDS
71 SOUPBONE LEAD ME ON CHILLIDOG
72 JOHN MAYS I FOUND A LOVE ELECTRO-FI
73 ELAM MCKNIGHT & BOB BOGDAL ZOMBIE NATION DESERT HIGHWAY
74 HADDEN SAYERS HARD DOLLAR BLUE CORN MUSIC
75 CHRIS BERGSON BAND IMITATE THE SUN 2 SHIRTS
76 TERRY QUIETT BAND JUST MY LUCK LUCKY BAG
77 CHRISSIE O'DELL IF I HAD A DIME DIME TIME
78 TOM PRINCIPATO A PART OF ME POWERHOUSE
79 MIKE ZITO GREYHOUND ECLECTO GROOVE
80 ROBIN ROGERS BACK IN THE FIRE BLIND PIG
81 HENRY GRAY LUCKY MAN BLIND PIG
82 DOUG MACLEOD BRAND NEW EYES REFERENCE
83 CASH BOX KINGS HOLLER AND STOMP BLIND PIG
84 DOYLE BRAMHALL BIRD NEST ON THE GROUND ANTONE'S
85 REVEREND KM WILLIAMS WHEN I RISE DIALTONE
86 KAL DAVID CROSSROADS OF MY LIFE CRYTONE
87 ERIC CLAPTON CLAPTON REPRISE
88 KENNY 'BLUES BOSS' WAYNE AN OLD ROCK ON A ROLL STONY PLAIN
89 RICH DEL GROSSO & JONN DEL TORO RICHARDSON TIME SLIPS ON BY MANDOLIN BLUES
90 STEVE GERARD & THE NATIONAL DEBONAIRES VOODOO WORKIN' BLUE EDGE
91 BOO BOO DAVIS UNDERCOVER BLUES BLACK & TAN
92 - Roots Music Report

"Top 100 Blues CDS played in 2011"

"Best New Artist success at the 15th annual Maple Blues Awards in Toronto."

Swinging high on a Maple

Mike Hilliard and Sabrina Weeks of Swing Cat Bounce celebrate their Best New Artist success at the 15th annual Maple Blues Awards in Toronto.

By Dale Bass - Kamloops This Week
Published: January 18, 2012 9:00 AM
Updated: January 18, 2012 9:05 AM

You can always count on the airlines to remind not everything always goes great.

So, just hours after they won a Maple Blues Award for best new artist, Sabrina Weeks and Mike Hilliard were at Toronto airport — waiting.

Their flight home had been cancelled and the exhausted couple, lead singer and guitarist with Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Blues, were waiting for the next flight to bring them home.

But, even that couldn’t dampen the excitement the pair experienced when they heard their band’s name called out for the prestigious award at Toronto’s Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

This was the 15th year the Toronto Blues Society presented its awards, considered to be the top honour in Canadian blues music.

MonkeyJunk, which performed recently in Kamloops, took three awards, including Electric Act of the Year, Recording of the Year and Drummer of the Year for Matt Sobb. - Kamloops This Week

"Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce win Maple Blues Award"

By Mike Youds
Daily News Staff Reporter
January 17, 2012

Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce can boogey all the way home.

Weeks and guitarist Mike Hilliard accepted the best new band honour Monday night at the Maple Blues Awards in Toronto. In the field of Canadian blues music, there is no higher honour than the Maple Blues.

“It’s the Juno of the blues world,” Weeks said from Toronto. “I wanted to win but, of course, it’s always a surprise when you do win. I was in shock and so happy. We’re just a tiny little band from Kamloops and we’ve only been together two years.”

Another surprise came when Weeks learned she was co-presenting two awards alongside Brant Zwicker, who hosts a syndicated blues radio show when he’s not managing CFBX, Kamloops’ campus/community radio station. On air, Zwicker has been a steady supporter of the group.

“They might have known we’re both from Kamloops,” she said. “I didn’t know until I walked into the green room and saw his big, smiling face.”

Swing Cat Bounce won over fellow nominees Tim Vaughn (who recently opened for Johnny Winter in Kamloops), Kat Danser, the 24th Street Wailers and the Douglas Watson R&B Review.

The boogie blues band from Kamloops released their debut album, Tales from Lenny’s Diner, in 2010. However, the award is based, not only on recording, but on a band’s performances and reputation through the year, Weeks said.

An estimated 1,000 people attended the gala awards ceremony at Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Ottawa’s Monkey Junk (who Zwicker presented here last summer) was the big winner, taking home awards for best electric act, best recording and best drummer.

The band also includes Bill White, Ken Sell and Ed Hilliard, who drums for Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. Weeks is the band’s lead singer. She used to front for Lava Kazu, a Lillooet-based R&B outfit. Before forming Swing Cat as a trio initially, she and Hilliard performed with the Salmon Armenians, another R&B ensemble. Swing Cat Bounce was nominated for blues recording of the year at the 2011 B.C. Interior Music Awards.

“It just means everything,” Weeks said. “It’s the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me.”

New Brunswick’s Matt Andersen also nabbed three prizes: best entertainer, best acoustic act and best male vocalist.

Saskatoon native Suzie Vinnick won the best songwriter and best female vocalist awards.

Paul James, who has been performing for four decades, was presented with a lifetime achievement award, while Liz Sykes, president of the Ottawa Blues Society, earned a prize for her contribution to the Canadian blues music industry.

Gregg Allman of the famed Allman Brothers Band was named the recipient of the B.B. King international artist of the year award.

Weeks and company plan to return to the studio this year to record their sophomore album.
- Kamloops Daily News

"Kamloops is the home base for this new quintet of veterans"

Kamloops is the home base for this new quintet of veterans. Sabrina Weeks is a powerful vocalist with lots of stage presence. She and the band work in the west coast jump blues style pioneered by Powder Blues and hiring founding member Jack Lavin as producer guarantees they’ve got it right. They call their version ‘bouncing boogie blues’ and the disc starts off with “Boogie Downtown”, a rousing story of an outdoor gig that features horns, back up singers and piano. All but one of the songs were written by Sabrina & lead guitarist Mike Hilliard and song number two is a memorable one with Sabrina stating that if she had money for every poorly chosen relationship, she’d be rich. She doesn’t, of course, and all she has is “Fingers In My Pocket”. Etta James’ “Something’s Got A Hold of Me” is the only non-original and it gets a solid workout. There are a couple more songs about no good men, “Bad Boys” & “Detour” before a very good big band composition, “Ain’t My Time To Sing The Blues”. A first in blues songwriting in my experience is “Wrath Of Mom”, about a housewife who’s ready to explode. It’s a good song too. Bill White is the other guitarist, Ed Hilliard is on drums and Ken Sell on bass to round out the Swing Cat Bounce and special mention should go to Dave Webb for his keyboard work throughout. I hope they have the opportunity of leaving the Okanagan Valley & traveling to the East. The web site is www.swingcatbounce.com. - Tononto Blues Society

"Blues Blast Magazine Review"

British Columbia’s Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce give in Tales from Lenny’s Diner a CD that is elegant, suave and sophisticated as it felicitously romps through jump blues/boogie, city blues, jazz, B.B. King-style bluesy swing, and comes to a delightful denouement with two tracks of contemporary soul and funk styling. Sabrina Weeks has a beautiful voice that is both masterful in technique as well as effectively emotive over a considerable range of feelings, from soft love to breathless passion, from gentleness to anger and assertive determination—all the time kept by Weeks under complete artistic control. She is a fine chanteuse indeed. In her band, Stray Cat Bounce, she is joined by four musicians who each possess thirty years’ solid experience in pop genres, whose expertise fully matches and complements hers. Lead guitarist Mike Hilliard is highly versatile and fluidly proficient both in support and on solos, completely at home in city blues, B.B. King-style blues, lacy jazz, and hard-rockin’ funk, ably assisted by the rhythm section of Bill White, rhythm guitar; Ken Sells, bass; and Ed Hilliard, drums. Additional music support’s provided by judicious use of the horn section of Jerry Cook on saxophones and Vince Mai on trumpet; Linda Kidder, background vocal chorus; Dave Webb on both accompanying and solo piano and organ; and Ken Burke and Jack Lavin, percussion. The East Barnaby Senior Men’s Choir provides choral support and call-and-response on the last two tracks.

Ten of the 11 tracks are co-written by Sabrina Weeks and Mike Hilliard, and possess strongly original and expressive lyrics that are exploratory both in themes and in metaphor/imagery. While the usual themes of romance are touched on fairly conventionally in some of the songs, others explore newer, more uncharted territory. “Bad Boys,” track 5, is a city blues that tells of the relationship of a loveable boob who irritates his woman, then makes it right, as summed up by the refrain, “That’s how bad boys keep your heart.” “Detour,” track 6, is a city blues about a much different kind of bad man, and is the tale of a determined woman finally leaving a physically abusive relationship; while funk-rock “Independent Woman,” track 11, is a feminist manifesto of a woman who was once under a man’s thumb, but won’t allow that with her current man. “Wrath of Mom,” track 9, tells of another side of domestic life, that of the Mommy who’s at the breaking point with her children, and draws amply on Star Wars imagery to emphasize both her frustration and her regaining control, with these driven home musically by a fast, churning, insistent, blues-rock arrangement.

The sole cover, Etta James’s “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” track 3, while adhering to the basic gospel-inflected call-and-response of the original, does so against an understated musical backdrop provided by the horns and rhythm section, with Jerry Cook punctuating with baritone sax notes and Linda Kidder providing vivid choral response. Tracks 4 and 8, “Thinkin’ of You’ and “All That Love,” respectively, are contemporary jazz ballads about—what else?—strong romantic love; while “Ain’t My Time to Sing the Blues,” track 7, is a B.B. King-style blues swing ably led by the horn section, with felicitous, excellently-phrased being-on-Cloud-Nine lyrics that the King of the Blues himself would be proud to sing. Track 2, “Fingers in My Pocket,” is a city blues of rueful regret built around having and lacking money whose musical foundation is the “High Heel Sneakers” riff. “Spend a Little Time,” track 10, is a contemporary soul number of making time for loving despite other commitments, while the opening track, “Boogie Downtown,” is horn-driven jump blues with guitar and piano solos about being the house band for a fun but poorly-attended gig. Mike Hilliard appears on guitar solos throughout, Dave Webb having a piano solo on “Wrath of Mom” and an organ solo on “Ain’t My Time to Sing the Blues.” Jerry Cook provides a tenor sax solo on “Spend a Little Time,” as well as tenor and baritone sax accents elsewhere, and joins with Vince Mai’s trumpet to create the horn section riffs. All this making Tales from Lenny’s Diner another fine showcase for Canadian blues, this time from the far western end”

Reviewer George "Blues Fin Tuna" Fish hails from Indianapolis, Indiana, home of blues legends Yank Rachell and Leroy Carr. He has written a regular music column for several years. He wrote the liner notes for Yank Rachell’s Delmark album, Chicago Style. He has been a blues and pop music contributor for the left-wing press as well, and has appeared in Against the Current and Socialism and Democracy. - Blues Blast Magazine

"Cats swing to bouncy beat"

The Kamloops based jump-blues group, Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce, are an aptly named band –– they do swing and bounce.

This is in ample evidence all over their debut album, Tales from Lenny’s Diner, recorded in Vancouver and Kamloops with producer Jack Lavin (Powder Blues Band).

Vocalist/front person, Weeks is a formidable vocal presence whose style is rooted in a past era that was dominated by jazzy big band sounds. She brings a certain verve associated with the days of ballrooms and sequins and this energy is matched by the swing-centric blues-based Swing Cat Bounce.

The band locks up in precision ensemble playing, itself the result of years of various experiences in the Canadian music scene. This tightness is buoyed up by the clean guitar work of Mike Hilliard, whose economical notes jump out and sting.

Swing Cat Bounce’s focus is centred on good times and bopping dance music. The album is upbeat party music throughout, and the jivey vibe recalled from the early 1950s only lets up for a few numbers.

Those include soulful, blue-coloured song, Detour, a moody mix of vocal/instrumental interplay, and All That Love, with its subtle ‘60s AM radio character that causes it to stand out amidst the boogie-woogie.

Otherwise, this is an “up” recording –– uptown, upbeat, upswing arrangements and grooving shuffles that signal a sophisticated blues direction.

Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce hold their CD release party for Tales from Lenny’s Diner at Vernon’s Army Navy Air Force Hangar tonight. - Vernon Morning Star - Dean Gordon-Smith

"Offering up a generous helping of Swinging Bouncing Boogie Blues"

Blues Underground Network's Year End Review 2010 Winner - Category: Best Debut Album (Band) (Canada)

Chosen As One Of The Blues Underground Network's Top 10 Albums 2010

Offering up a generous helping of the Swinging Bouncing Boogie Blues is what Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce are all about and now with their ground breaking Debut release "Tales From Lenny's Diner", we all get to hear why this band gets such rave reviews at all their shows.

Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce is a little city band with a big city sound and I do mean BIG. These cats can stand up against any Swinging Boogie Blues band out there today and not only hold their own, but blow the competition away.

When it comes to music leaving you with a good time feeling, "Tales From Lenny's Diner", really is the Cats Meow.

"Tales From Lenny's Diner" consists of 11 Tracks, 10 originals and 1 Cover, "Something’s Got A Hold of Me" (Etta James, Leroy Kirkland and Pearl Woods). The 10 Originals are the catchiest and freshest music I have heard in a long time and it waste no time at all, getting you running for your dancing shoes.

From the opening Track, "Boogie Downtown" to the closing notes of the last Track, "Independent Woman", "Tales From Lenny's Diner" is locked, loaded, and pointing right at you with some of the best tunes I have heard this year, and believe me I have heard a lot.

One thing that super impressed me about "Tales From Lenny's Diner" was the fact that it is a Debut Album. You really don't often see Debut Albums of this caliber released, both Production Wise and Music Wise, but after you realize the amazing amount of talent behind this Album, the fact that it is so good, becomes crystal clear.

Hailing mainly in and around Kamloops, B.C. Canada, Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce have been making a name for themselves both individually and collectively for many years.

First off you have Sabrina Weeks, an absolute dynamo of a award winning singer, who has been composing songs since she was 10, a fact that is abundantly clear when you listen to the gems that were written for this Album. They are witty, fun, and absolutely relatable, especially to the ladies in the crowd.

The rest of the magic makers on this Album are Mike Hilliard (Lead Guitar), Ed Hilliard (Drums), yes they are brothers, Ken Sell (Bass), Bill White (Rhythm Guitar). These artists are all very well known both locally and nationally, and comprise at least 30+ years each of musical experience. Additional players for this Album included, Dave Webb (Keyboard), Linda Kidder (BG vox), Vince Mai (Trumpet), and Jerry Cook (Saxes).

The production of "Tales From Lenny's Diner", which is virtually flawless was due to the very capable hands of Jack Lavin, of the Powder Blues Band fame and recorded at the Crying Light Studios in Vancouver.

"Tales From Lenny's Diner" is an absolutely wonderful Album, one that will place Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce firmly in the Spotlight when it comes to Swinging Boogie Blues, done right. "Tales From Lenny's Diner" is a contender that is sure to turn a lot of heads.

I give "Tales From Lenny's Diner" my highest rating of 5*****. This Album simply blew me away and I am sure it will do the same for you. Great Job Everyone... Another Local Band making me proud, yet again...

Review By John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) - The Blues Underground Network - John Vermilyea

"Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce - Tales from Lenny's Diner"

A Kamloops band with Vancouver connections, not least of which is Jack Lavin. As can be guessed by Lavin's involvement as producer, Weeks and company are a blues band. Their's is a light, upbeat style with discernible jazz influences in Mike Hillard's guitar playing. They basically map out the album with the first track, "Boogie Downtown," which jumps and jives accordingly and is reinforced by the only non-original, Etta James' howlin' R&B of "Something's Got A Hold On Me." It adds to the tone of the record and hints at the album's playful character. B - The Province - Quick Spins - Tom Harrison

"Man, these Swing Cats are making me bounce!"

I started liking this disc immediately upon removing it from it's package. Then I stopped looking at the pictures and thought I should give it a listen. Surrounding herself with a bunch of handsome, and well dressed gents, Sabrina's put together one heck of a good looking band. Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce are: Mike Hilliard and Bill White on guitars; Ed Hilliard on drums; Ken Sell on bass; and, of course, the lovely and vivacious Sabrina Weeks on vocals. Special guests for this project include: Terry Strudwick on bass; Jerry Cook on saxophones; Vince Mai on trumpet; Dave Webb on keyboards and organ; Linda Kidder and The East Burnaby Senior Men's Choir (who, although I could be wrong, may very well be the cats of Swing Cat Bounce) on background vocals; and Ken Burke and Jack Levin on percussion. Now let's go hear these "Tales From Lenny's Diner".

If all the tracks are as hot as this opener - "Boogie Downtown" - I may very well lose 5 pounds by discs end. Man, these swing cats are making me bounce - now I get the name. As it highlights all the regulars, this swinger is a good intro to the band. The tracks catalyst is unquestionably Ken's chest thumpin' bass as he fuels this very hot, foot tappin', knee slappin' rhythm section. Once the horns start blowin', the piano gets wailin' and the guitar starts flarin' all hell breaks loose. Oh yeah, on top of this, there's the confident Sabrina getting downright sassy on the vocals. Turn this one up and hit the replay button a dozen times - that's what I just finished doin'.

"Fingers In My Pocket", is another one of the discs ten original tracks. This Johnny Rivers', "Memphis" sounding track's highlights are its lyrics. As beautiful as she is, Sabrina seems to be coming up short in the romance game. She claims that if she had a penny in her pocket for every time she craved romance, she'd have a hundred pounds of copper pulling down her pants.....and it gets worse. A very well written and well sung track with excellent backup harmony.

It's the bottom that's tops on "Something's Got A Hold On Me". Following the baritone sax's lead, the rhythm and percussion players take it down real low on this one. Although she gets down there with them, Sabrina goes in several interesting directions with her prominent vocal range.

Sabrina showcases her vocal versatility with a wonderful performance on the very jazzy "Thinkin' Of You". It's a well done original, styled after the great sounding standards. Along with the lead vocals, this one's highlighted by the band being locked into a swift, yet very soft, groove and Sabrina working in some well timed scat.

Taking a "Detour" from their usual swingin' style, the band calms it down a bit on this slower, sultry number. Backed by great rhythm and Jerry blowin' the hell out of the tenor sax, Sabrina once again shines. She's everywhere vocally...soft, sexy, sultry, powerful and commanding. This gal can sing.

With life finally going her way, Sabrina's quite happy to say that "It Ain't My Time To Sing The Blues". On the other hand, she's doin' one hell of a job singing them right here. It's the supporting cast of Jerry, Vince and Dave that step up on this one - they're at discs best on the horns and the organ.

With her patience wearing thin, Sabrina's kids are very close to feeling the "Wrath Of Mom". It may be her children who are fueling her anger, but it's Ed - at discs best on the drums - fueling this rocker. There's also plenty of hot guitar and piano licks

Other tracks on "Tales From Lenny's Diner" include: "Bad Boys", "All That Love", "Spend A Little Time", and "Independent Woman".

There's no doubt about it, Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce sound as good as they look. I don't know if they've followed the process to be eligible for any Blues Music Awards, but what I just heard surely has them in the running for a "BLEWZZY".

Now that you're done here, do yourself a favor and head right over to www.swingcatbounce.com and find out how to get your copy of "Tales From Lenny's Diner". Of course you'll tell them the Blewzzman sent ya.
- Mary 4 Music - Peter 'Blewsman' Lauro

"Band goes to No. 1 on blues charts"

Kelowna blues fans will see a familiar face fronting a new band when they head down to The Blue Gator on Dec. 11.
Sabrina Weeks, former lead singer of the Salmon Armenians and now with Swing Cat Bounce, will be in Kelowna for a CD release party celebrating their debut album, Tales from Lenny‘s Diner.
The CD debuted at No. 1 on the Canadian Roots Music Report‘s blues charts and at No. 12 worldwide.
Swing Cat Bounce forges a new musical path from the Salmon Armenians, a sound Weeks describes as “bouncing boogie blues.”
It was a musical direction both Weeks and former Salmon Armenians‘ guitarist Mike Hilliard were looking for when they left the band.
“I parted with the Salmon Armenians because of creative differences and a divergence in vision,” said Weeks. “Mike and I wanted to explore different musical possibilities and configurations.”
That‘s not to say Weeks and Hilliard didn‘t enjoy their time with the Salmon Armenians, the band that won the 2007 and 2008 Okanagan Music award for blues band of the year.
“It was time to spread my wings and be part of a project that was closer to my ideal – and closer to home,” said Weeks, who had to travel from her home in Kamloops to Salmon Arm each week for
rehearsals.
After leaving the Salmon Armenians in 2009, Weeks and Hilliard spent a year writing new material before forming Swing Cat Bounce.
“I love, love, love the new band, and I really love the new material,” she said. “I am truly blessed.”
All songs on the CD are originals except one Etta James cover. It is receiving strong reviews.
Swing Cat Bounce‘s other members include Ed Hilliard, drums; Ken Sell, bass; and Bill White, rhythm guitar.
Weeks started her professional music career with her musical mentor, Fraser Lang, who had a successful run with the band Zumak in the ‘80s.
“He found me singing with the world‘s worst garage band in Lillooet on a July 1 music-in-the-park event,” Weeks recalled. “He loved my voice so he asked me if I would be interested in starting another project.
“Of course, I said yes.”
Lang and Weeks formed the band Lava Kazu and went on to record a CD of original compositions, entitled How Bad Do You Want It. However, Lang passed away only a few years after starting Lava Kazu.
The Blue Gator CD release party is the third for Swing Cat Bounce‘s new album, with the first two being held in Kamloops and Vernon.
The band is currently working on release parties in Penticton and several locations in the Lower Mainland.
They are also in the midst of planning a summer CD release tour, which will include stops across western and central Canada and the U.S.A. - eVent Magazine - Andre Wetjen

Discography

Tales from Lenny's Diner

The Cd is getting airplay all over the world including Canada, USA, UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Australia, and more.

Coming in March 2013 - Got My Eye on You.

Photos

Bio

2013 is shaping up to be an even better year than 2012 for Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce. In March, Sabrina Weeks et al will be releasing their much anticipated 2nd CD “Got My Eye on You” again produced by Blues Legend Jack Lavin and will begin nationally to promote it. In 2012, most recently, Sabrina had the honour of performing at Massey Hall as part of the Women in Blues Revue. Prior to that, Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce received the prestigious title of the “Best New Blues Band” in Canada after winning a Maple Blues Award in January. This act tours as a duo, trio, five piece, or eight piece - you decide :)

Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce are an act that needs to be seen. Offering up a generous helping of the Swinging Bouncing Boogie Blues is what Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce do. The show is dynamic; the players are exceptional; and the grooves drive until you’re swingin’, bouncin’ and getting’ your boogie on. The songs are light hearted with a twist of naughty, the melodies are infectious, and it is abundantly apparent when watching this group that they truly love what they are doing. Hailing originally from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, this group collectively makes up over 100 years of musical expertise. The band members include Sabrina Weeks, Mike Hilliard, Ed Hilliard, Bill White, and Terry Strudwick.

The magic began in 2010 when Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce released their debut CD “Tales from Lenny’s Diner.” The CD debuted at #1 in Canada, #12 world-wide on the Roots Music Report Blues Music charts, peaking at #6 on the world blues charts in March 2011. Further, the CD made the top 100 RMR list for most radio plays globally for 2011. “Tales from Lenny’s Diner” has been rated in the top 100 new CDs released in 2010/2011 according to the Real Blues “Top of the Charts” report and voted as the #1 CD released for 2010 by CFBX and best new artist for 2010 by the Blues Underground. Also, Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce peaked at #2 on the Siruis XM “Picks to Click” blues charts with their song “Bad Boys” being the most played song on BB Kings Bluesville for March 2011. Also, Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce have been nominated by BCIMA for the “Blues Album of the Year” Award in 2011.

Currently their CD “Tales from Lenny’s Diner” is getting airplay all over the world. The CD is available through CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, Zune, Nokia and eMusic.

For more information, check out the website:
www.sabrinaweeks.com or contact us at swingcatbounce@shaw.ca

Members Bio

Sabrina Weeks—Vocals—has been playing music professionally for over 20 years. An award winning vocalist known for her deeply expressive, powerful voice, Sabrina Weeks brings an extraordinary vocal and emotional range to her music. A composer since the age of 10, her original songs are known for their quirky, insightful lyrics, infectious vocal lines and deep grooves. Sabrina Weeks is a first call studio musician and has worked with many recording artists over the years. Also, Sabrina founded the “Sabrina Weeks Vocal and Performance School” and is an ‘in-demand’ vocal and performance coach. Further, Sabrina has been a driving force in forming a blues society in Kamloops, BC. She has shared the stage with such performers as Colin James, Chuck Jackson, Powder Blues, and Steppenwolf. As a natural entertainer, Sabrina continues to thrill audiences with her talent and commanding stage presence.

Mike Hilliard—Lead Guitar—has been playing professionally for over 30 years. Originally from Toronto, Mike moved to Kamloops in 1974. After working in Vancouver and the B.C. interior for several years, Mike signed a contract with Intercan and RCA records which brought him back to Toronto where he spent the next eight years recording and touring in Canada, the USA, and Asia. Mike has appeared on stage with some of the biggest names in Canadian music such Colin James, Steppenwolf, Powder Blues, Guess Who, and Stonebolt and continues to tour throughout BC and the rest of Canada.

Ed Hilliard—Drums— has been playing drums professionally for over 30 years. After studying privately with Roger Flock at Humber College in Toronto, Ed and Mike formed the band “STEAMER”, and was with that group from 1976 to 1984. During this time they toured and opened for such acts as The Guess Who, Steppenwolf, and Stonebolt. They also recorded three albums and scored a top ten hit with the song “Don’t say goodbye”. In 1986, Ed entered the Humber College jazz program, and played with the school’s 15 piece R&B band, as well as their concert band and percussion ensemble. He then entered the University of Western Ontario where he earned a Bachelor of Musical Arts Degree and a Bachelor of Education Degree, and while there performed with the Faculty of Music’s symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, and the faculty big band under the direction of Phil Nimmons, as well as playing with the L

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