Cattywompus - Gospel Hymns & Original Sins (2007)

Cattywompus is an American rock band formed in 2001 in Los Angeles, California. Cattywompus is Jonathan Lennartz lead singer/rhythm guitar, Aaron Bateman lead guitar, James Webber bass/vocals and John Webber on drums.

Cattywompus released its first EP entitled, “Backwards Evolution,” a five-track album. Around this time they added Kevin Webber, John and James’ father, on percussion adding a deeper dimension to the music. The songs were recorded at Hot Pie Studios in Pasadena, California. The tracks were recorded analog by the Webber’s cousin and studio co-founder Paul Gagliaradi in a whirlwind 2 days of sessions. The band held a CD release party in North Hollywood at a favorite local venue that was overpacked and ultimately shut down by the local fire marshal. Around this time they began venturing out playing shows further out in San Diego and Tempe, Arizona.

Cattywompus followed up “Backwards Evolution” with the release of the “Wildfire,” in 2005. This EP was again independently produced and basic drum tracks recorded analog at Hot Pie Studio, but this time it received assistance from Los Angeles audio producer, Kent Hitchcock. The band had these tracks digitally converted to Pro Tools. After acquiring an abandoned Santa Monica recording studio for a few months and purchasing a Pro Tools console, the band took over producing the songs.

This six-song EP garnered much attention and acclaim in the indie community and received reviews comparing the band to The Black Crowes and two of its major influences, The Rolling Stones and Neil Young. Critics noted the signature “tight rhythm section” of the band and the appeal to fans of both classic rock and modern acoustic rock. (rocknworld.com and allaccessmagazine.com) They began playing at larger venues in Hollywood including The Roxy, Key Club, Viper Room and The House of Blues.

In October of 2005, Cattywompus embarked on its first tour. Within one month, the band played to fans at shows and live radio performances in nine different states—from California to Florida and back. The tour greatly increased the band’s fan base and led to radio play on college radio stations and attention on the internet.

Sadly the excitement from the success of the tour was short lived. Not long after Cattywompus arrived home, Kevin Webber passed away from cancer. During this time of profound loss, a rush of writing took place. To honor Kevin’s love for music, the band got together with these new songs and brought in the guidance of Britt Phillip to return to the recording studio in early 2006. Britt had been a bandmate of Kevin’s in the 70’s and 80’s who had lost contact over the years. James reached out to him after finding his name on several hand written cassette tapes in Kevin’s collection. Soon after, Britt invited the band to record in his newly built home recording studio. Within a month they had a full length record, raw and ready to mix.

“Gospel Hymns and Original Sins,” the first full-length release from the band, was released in early 2007. The LP was once again self-produced, but this time Cattywompus got some help. In addition to producer Britt Phillips work, Thom Flowers mixed the tracks in Santa Barbara and Evren Goknar mastered the album at Capitol Records in Hollywood. Reviews of the album observe the emotional charge behind the album as a result of Kevin’s passing but highlight the catchiness of the tunes and well composed harmonies which arouse a sense of nostalgia. (getunderground.com) After a sold out record release party at The Roxy in Hollywood, the band embarked on a short tour opening for Reckless Kelly up the California coast through Santa Cruz and San Francisco.

In 2007 Cattywompus moved to Austin, Texas. During 2007 and 2008 the band played up and down Texas hitting as many iconic theaters, honky tonks and haunts as they could find. They played notable shows at Antone’s & Momo’s in Downtown Austin and as the opener for JJ Grey & Mofro at the Granada Theater in Dallas. During this time the band started recording a new song they had been closing shows with, New Wave Outlaw Politic, at The Recording Conservatory of Austin. For the first time, there was a slow down as the band had began new lives in a new city. This was also a time where they embarked on new personal adventures and decided to take a break after 7 years of writing, rehearsing, recording and hundreds of live performances. New Wave Outlaw Politic sat quietly, locked away, unfinished and unheard. Until now. Now the New Wave Outlaw Politic is out now!