The Alley Katz Band was formed in the summer
of 2000 when Chris Leigh from Smith’s Creek, MI was asked to take over the house guitarist & vocalist responsibilities for the Carriage House Saloon
in Redford, MI. At the time Chicago, IL bassist Johnny B. Gayden, and Taylor, MI drummer Billy Reyna were the Carriage House
rhythm section. After a month of hosting sessions together at the Carriage House the three musicians found a certain chemistry
and gave the trio it’s own identity when Billy Reyna dubbed them; The Alley Katz Band!
Humble beginnings…
The band was so well received by the blues fans that they started gigging throughout
the southeastern Michigan area. A very loyal following formed shortly after. Since the very start The Alley Katz Band has
experienced exceptional success.
Then the ‘Katz’s days seemed to be numbered when Johnny B. decided to move
to Indiana in partial retirement after finishing a tour with the Larry McCray band. The 'Katz considered calling it quits when
they got lucky. Typically, in Kat fashion, the Alley Katz Band landed firmly on
it’s own feet.
That's when bass man, vocalist & long
time friend James Cloyd, Jr. joined the group. James, a native Detroiter, didn't know it yet, but he was a true 'Kat. The
Kool ‘Kat style was already a part of him. He brought wit, charisma, and a unique vocal style to the group giving
the band much needed momentum and attitude. This brought a positive change, lifting the band yet another notch.
Since then, The Alley Katz Band has gained
even more recognition. Through the summer of 2004 the Alley Katz became the house band for the world renown Tenny Street
Roadhouse, frequently opening for blues legends like Ronnie Brooks, and hosting their own jam night where many blues
greats frequently stopped by. And to even more heights in 2004, The Katz went on to play legendary Chi-town clubs Buddy
Guy's Legends, & The Kingston Mines.
The summer of 2005 marked even more milestones
for the band. In July the AKB showcased their original style at the Heat Stock Blues Festival in Fostoria, Michigan securing
them a position on the No Cover Productions recording label and in September released their first full length CD titled Goin’
Alley On Your Mind. The CD features 14 songs, 11 of which are The Katz original compositions.
Look out! The Alley Katz band is on the
prowl.
Grrrrrrrrrrr!
