SophistiCats
Lorraine Ceder Liswell - Vocals, Composer
Bill Liswell - Guitar, Arranger, Vocals, Composer
Louis Chatey - Bass, Vocals
Steve Hodgetts - Drums, Vocals
Mark Zechel - Bass (Alternate)
Audiences enjoy the surprise of the eclectic styles and infectious energy of this talented group. Their upbeat repertoire features selections from the 1930’s up to shining new original compositions in many styles, including jazz, rockabilly, gypsy swing, British Isles folk, and blues.
Lorraine’s voice, described as both velvety and expressive, is as well suited to the upbeat rockabilly tunes as the melodic standards. As lead vocalist and composer, Lorraine creates the original melodies and lyrics. Bill, and friend Kevin Gallagher, then compose the instrumental accompaniments to her songs.
Bill plays guitar, leads the band, and also arranges the band's music. Bassist Mark Zechel has said, “Bill Liswell knows more about various musical styles than anyone I’ve met” and this quote is found to be true by those who spend a few moments discussing music with him. Bill’s adept and smooth guitar playing style lends a distinctively warm jazzy, bluesy feel to the music and he dazzles with his fast and delightfully fluid leads. An accomplished bassist, Bill performed all bass parts on “Wisdom’s Pearls”.
Bassist Louis Chatey, a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, has extensive experience in many musical genres, including jazz and rock. Lou's melodic bass lines are captivating and add a rich and complex undercurrent to the group's sound. Lou is also a talented guitarist, so don't be surprised if he and Bill trade instruments during performances.
Drummer Steve Hodgetts moved to the United States in 1977, after playing with Bossa Nova, Dixieland, swing dance, and pop bands in his native England. Stateside, he’s performed with two impressive bands, “Backwoods”, which earned Steve and the band induction into the CT Country Music Hall Fame, and “Heartland”, voted top country band for 2005 and 2006 in the Hartford Advocate Reader’s Poll. Steve’s solid, tasteful drumming, excellent vocals, and varied musical experience make him the perfect compliment for SophistiCats' eclectic sound.
Mark Zechel, a member of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, is a classically trained musician at University of Massachusetts in Amherst and State University of New York at Stonybrook, Long Island. He's also always had a love for country music and has grown to love performing jazz as well.