Check out the latest recordings from the Storm Cats. More recordings are available from our Electronic Press Kit found at Sonic Bids. Click here to follow the Storm Cats on facebook.

SpidermanTango Till They’re Sore

Callahan Trio Hereafter 10-09-2012

Recorded live at the Radio Bean in Burlington, VT. Please enjoy this springtime ballad called “Hereafter.” Stephen Callahan on piano and composition, Mike Klug on bass, and Stephen Morabito on drums.

Here is a video of a few wrist and forearm stretches based on the practices of Aikido and Yoga. Depending on the level of interest, I may post a Part 2.

Recently, I was able to pick up an effects pedal from the TC-HELICON VoiceTone Singles line of products. These products are designed for vocalists. However, as a drummer, I also wanted the ability to add effects to my snare drum, specifically reverb. After much research, I chose the VoiceTone R1 Vocal Tuned Reverb. Although the VoiceTone R1 Vocal Tuned Reverb was designed to provide effects for vocalists (as do all of the TC-HELICON products), I have been very pleased with how it allows me to create my own snare drum reverb separate from the main mix. From the manufacturer’s description, “VoiceTone R1 adds studio reverb polish to your live vocals by offering pro acoustic spaces from lush halls to tight ambience.” The very solid casing to this effects pedal provides seven selectable reverb styles, including hall, plate, theater, club, room, studio, ambience, and arena. Other features include mic gain, dry/wet effect control, power supply, USB connection, and, of course, mic and out connections. The rugged stomp switch allows for a quick engagement of the selected effect. I have been experimenting with the unit connected between various mics and PA systems. All of the settings work well, and I have appreciated the ability to change reverb effects on the fly and from the throne. If you’re a gigging drummer and want more control over your sound effects, check this out.

July 20-22, 2012 – An extraordinary event, the Precipice, was held this year at the Intervale in Burlington, VT. This event, put together by Joe and all the crew at the Radio Bean, showcased more than 50 Vermont-based bands, singers, and songwriters. With multiple stages set outdoors, in the barn, and at the particularly quaint Garden Party tent, it was a gorgeous, summery Vermont day to remember.

The Stephen Callahan Quartet featured Mike Cluge on bass, Jake Whitesell on flute and sax, Stephen Morabito on drums, and Stephen Callahan on piano and compositions. Photos of two of my favorite acts are shown above, including Dan Blakeslee and Last October.

WEARINGHATS-WEARINGHATS-WEARINGHATS-WEARINGHATS-WEARINGHATS
It was a pleasure to play drums and percussion for Jeff Bazz on the demo recording, “Wearing Hats.” Jeff Bazz on Guitar and Vocals, Stacey Benben on Cello and Vocals, and Stephen Morabito on Drums and Percussion. My favorite tune from the demo is “The Sauce.” I hope everyone goes to Soundcloud to listen or download these very cool Indie tunes.

This link will take you to: http://soundcloud.com/jeff-bazz:
Wearing Hats by Jeff Bazz on Sound Cloud

Or listen to a quick sample here:
The Sauce
Box
Robots In Space
Good Morning Brooklyn!

Berlin, Vermont – Here are a few recent recordings.
Musicians are: Joe Cannizzaro (Bass, Vocals); Danielle O’Hallisey (Guitar); Stephen Morabito (Drums, Percussion); Papa Cannizzaro (Horn).

Ornithology
Blue Bossa
Basin Street

Montpelier. Vermont – Storm Cat Jazz is on the loose!

Based in Montpelier Vermont, Storm Cat Jazz is an eclectic trio performing a unique mix of classic and obscure jazz tunes. The trio expounds a seriously geeky mind-meld of the elements of jazz with artistry, humor, and humility. Intricate melodies are finely crafted by eight string guitar-playing wizard Danielle O’Hallisey. Joe Cannizzaro mesmerizes the audience with his thoughtful rhythmic pulse on the upright base, occasionally supplemented with old-school gritty vocals. Drum brush artist Stephen Morabito completes the dynamic picture bringing a refined texture, color, and whimsy into the mix. The trio frequently calls upon other local jazz artists for live performances to create a fresh unique experience every time. The Storm Cat Jazz experience teleports the listener through the vast historical jazz timeline: from the swing era of the 1930′s and 40′s to the golden age era of Miles Davis and Bill Evans, to the avant-garde and edgy fusion styles of modern times. This trio does it all! Guitarist O’Hallisey explains that, “by standing on the shoulders of the jazz giants of yesteryear, we are provided with a great opportunity to play leapfrog.”

Montpelier, Vermont
Stephen Morabito and Friends performed at the Bagitos brunch on November 13th, 2011. Here they are playing the classic “What Child is this.” The musicians are: Cannizzaro (Bass); Manning (Vocals); Morabito (Drums); O’Hallisey (Guitar).

Berlin, VT
Storm Cat Bixby plays “Minor Swing” a classic gypsy jazz most notably performed by Django Reinhardt. Players are Cannizzaro (bass), O’Hallisey (guitar) Hutchins (sax), and Morabito (drums).
Minor Swing by Storm Cat Bixby 2011