Mr Cat & The Jackal - Themes & Variations CD

To understand Mr Cat & The Jackal, we must start at the very beginning with the conceptualisation of the group in 2006. Who, in South Africa, decides to form a band to write musical scores for theatre productions? After all, outside of the Department of Arts and Cultures little teachers pet, Mbongeni Ngema, and Umoja, who else makes money from theatre in this country?

Then, to add to the bizarreness of the idea, bring in an accordion, two dramatic vocalists and handmade instruments. Whats more, decide that a fusion of influences from Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Balkan music, exotica, the tango and the blues are the basis of for your creativity.

Four musicians from Stellenbosch, thats who.

Theyve made a relative success of their idea. They have toured overseas and released bizarre and sometimes creepy videos on MK and YouTube.

They have also received a Kanna nomination for their work on Shakespeares The Tempest (Die Storm, KKNK) and a Fiesta award nomination at Aardklop in 2010 for the soundtrack to Die Kortsondige Raklewe van Anastasia W which was composed with Braam du Toit.

Their debut album, Themes and Variations, along with their innovative and passionate live performances, caused a stir among music fans and their second album, Sins, Sirens, Songs, consolidated their cult following.

MCTJ001

NOT ON LABEL/SELF-RELEASED

2008

Good condition

"Signed" by the band

C04