Digable Cat began in the summer of 2002 with the idea of creating incredible music by combining compelling original songs with an ensemble of top notch musicians to create a sound that is unique and universal for an international audience. Emphasis was and continues to be placed on writing songs that speak without being preachy while exploring the variety of genres that compliment the power of the songwriting
Even before the band had a name or a full roster, Gregg Mandel had a vision of recording a full-length album from which to translate to the stage and live show. In other words, the "let's just have fun, go into the studio, record and see what happens" approach. This approach took its cue from the "Steely Dan" method where a main team of songwriters gather the best musicians they personally know to record an album of their songs. Fortunately after searching 8 years in various local bands, Gregg was introduced through a mutual friend to Susan Lofton. The day they first met together in the same room, they penned their first tune, "Mary Poppins". This made them understand the rare musical partnership that had been created, and more songs flowed from a shared groove orientated, roots and rock, gospel influences with a powerful edge added to the mix.
For the first song recorded on what became "Skratch Traxx", recorded by Dave Wagner at Super Buddha Studios in Chicago, Gregg recruited long time aquaintence Nathan Syfrig to write a string quartet arrangement for "The Letter", for which he also played all the parts for the quartet except cello. Little did Nathan know this was just a ruse to join a band on violin and keyboards. Gregg then set out to acquire the help of various members of local Chicago bands such as Trading Brains, Echosend, Wax Buddha, Finneus and 56 Hope Rd. In early 2003, with recording nearing completion and no plans finalized for performing live, a few of the cuts made it to local radio station Q101, members of the band were invited to perform acoustically at the House of Blues Back Porch Stage., which led to the entire band being asked to perform on their main stage on Saturday March 1, 2003. Not bad for a bands first gig. By then, the band name Digable Cat had been selected. More shows followed and the recording was done in May with pressing being completed in July. The album was well received in the press. Other performances and highlights that followed included touring the mid-west, playing in London, England, and Chicago performances such as the MECA music conference, Double Door, Wise Fools Pub, Elbo Room, Well St. Art Fest and others. In the beginning of 2004, the band recorded a self-titled EP at the famous Fantasy Studios in Berkley, CA, with Grammy-nominated producer Jeffrey Wood producing. 4 Non Blondes drummer Dawn Richardson played on the sessions.
In late 2004 Susie left the group to pursue other areas of interest while Gregg realized the original vision of the band was compelling as ever and began searching for the new voice of Digable Cat. They didn't have long to wait or far to search. In two months, the amazing Romanian born singer and pop star in her native country, Alina Giurgiu joined on vocals. Alina made her debut with the band on March 3, 2005 for a taping of the cable show, "The Flabby Hoffman Show" at the Beat Kitchen. The rest of the band roster retains founding member Nathan Syfrig and includes Mike Anderson (PALA) and Dr. Brad (Dolly Parton, Dr. John) on drums and "Friends of Digable Cat" on lead guitar.
For more information, visit their website: http://www.digablecat.com
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