The core band consists of Norman Sylvester: Guitar and Vocals, Rob Shoemaker: Bass, and Jolie Clausen: Drums. Depending on the situation, on occasion they may be joined by:
Frankie (the Funkmaster) Redding, Janice Scroggins, Dover Weinberg, Jeff Otto, Bennie Wilson, or Ken Brewer: Keyboards.
Gretchen Mitchell or LaRhonda Steele: Vocals.
Carly T. Helgerson (RIP) Harp.
Pete Moss, Renato Caranto, Patrick Lamb, Kenny Wild, horns.
And a host of others.....
Influences
B.B. King, Issac Scott, Muddy Waters, James Brown, Bobby Rush, Freddie King, Howlin' Wolf, James Cotton, Otis Redding, Bobby Blue Bland, Aretha Franklin, Albert Collins, Etta James, Koko Taylor, Johnnie Taylor
Sounds Like
Equal Parts Classic Chicago and Texas Blues, 60s Soul, 70s Funk, and Modern Southern Soul Blues
The following is an album review from Living Blues Magazine:
A Family Affair
Boogie Cat - bcp 103
by Jim DeKoster - Living Blues Magazine Issue 171, Vol. 35, 1. Norman Sylvester was born in Bonita, Louisiana, in 1945 and moved with his family to Portland, Oregon, when he was twelve. After picking up the guitar with his buddy Isaac Scott, he formed his first band in 1969 and has been an important player on the Portland music scene ever since.
As on his previous CDs, 1990's On The Right Track and 1994's It Ain't Nothin' But A Party, Sylvester "The Boogie Cat" purveys his own brand of blues, blended with soul and funk. He's supported by a basic unit of keyboardist Janice Scroggins, bassist Rob Shoemaker, and drummer Ashbolt Stewart, but variety comes from augmenting the group at times with as many as five horns, a group of backup vocalists that includes Sylvester's daughter Lenanne, a middle-school chorus, organist Dover Weinberg, harpist Bill Rhoades, or singer LaRhonda Steele. The generous seventeen-song playlist consists entirely of Sylvester originals. These range from the burbling funk of the opening All The Funk That You Want to the Caribbean feel of Redemption Time, the soulful blues balladry of the title track, and the humor-spiced Honey Do List and Soap Opera Blues ("the only time my woman goes into the kitchen, when she's lookin' for the remote control"). The toughest blues sounds come on the harp-backed Cheating Woman. There's a tribute to the late Paulette Davis on Soul Diva, and Sylvester closes the program on a spiritual note with a touching, but not maudlin, Mother's Prayer. The set is well recorded, and the booklet features more than a dozen photos of Sylvester with his family and colleagues.
With his tasteful but exuberant musical values and versatility, Norman Sylvester should be better known outside of Portland. Perhaps this CD will help him get some of the recognition his talent warrants.
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Just stopped by to say hello. And thanks for the add. I've loved your music and even got to jam with you once back at (I think it was) the Dandilion a few years back.
Hope you're well and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Ciao,Norman thanks for your friendship, that makes me very happy. I have to say that you are good indeed, you make indeed some beautiful music, and you have a splendid voice. starting today.. you are one of mine preferred. compliment really... I hope soon to listen to you in italy talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal
Hey you sexy black, blues throwing, gifted man! I wanted to thank you for letting me sit in with you and your band mates at Domenic's. It was an honor and a pleasure! With Gratitude and Many Blessings, Darci LaRae
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