It’s been three decades since joint work on Rick Wakeman‘s “Classic Tracks” brought together producers Michael Franklin and Don Oriolo. More recently, the former worked on such prominent projects as Jon Anderson‘s "1000 Hands" and Robby Steinhardt’s "Not In Kansas Anymore" while the latter perpetuated the presence of Felix the Cat, the ever-popular character his father, Joe Oriolo, turned into a TV personage. So, given that nothing could marry two talents of Don’s, music and preserving Felix’s profile, better than a record, Michael came onboard to facilitate the participance of stellar players. Thus, “Black Cat Blues” was born.
The album, available now as digital download, finds the pair’s songs feature such famous artists as Bobby Kimball, Edgar Winter and Pat Travers, as well as two masters who are not with us anymore: Allen Toussaint and Spencer Davis. It’s a unique record should be embraced by many a feline lover, let alone cartoon enthusiasts.
1. Felix The Cat – feat. Les Dudek
2. Cat’s Got Your Tongue – feat. Randie Paul
3. Cat On A Hot Tin Roof – feat. Spencer Davis
4. Black Cat Blues – feat. Little Willie Green
5. Felix Theme – feat. Allen Toussaint
6. If You Wanna Be My Kitten – feat. The Franklin Brothers
7. Man That Cat Is Cool – feat. Jeff Howell
8. Nine Lives – feat. Bobby Kimball
9. Old Tom Cat – feat. James Montgomery
10. Prettiest Kitty – feat. Edgar Winter
11. Top Cat – feat. Little Willie Green
12. Cool Cat – feat. Don Oriolo
13. When The Cat’s Away – feat. Pat Travers