Here's our story

Here's our story

RED HOT BLUES CATZ
1999 through 2013
The Red Hot Blues Catz band was originally formed in 1999 under the direction of lead guitarist and singer/song writer Ed (“Cat Daddy”) Hayslett. Ed’s musical back grown started with his first guitar in 1968. He was quickly drawn to the blues and started studying from the legends back then. Over the years Ed has shared the stage with National acts such as: Koko Taylor, The Lamont Cranston Band, Matt Guitar Murphy, John Hammond Jr. to name a few.

The original band was formed as a Father & Son Blues Rock project created by Ed & son Justin then in high school. The desire of the band was to provide a hobby and share a love of music between father and son. Within two year the band was playing over 40 shows a year and released two CD’s.
Despite its success and critical acclaim, the original Red Hot Blues Catz disbanded in the summer of 2003, shortly after the release of the band’s second CD entitled “Look What the Catz Drug In,” due to differences in musical direction of the individual band members, not to mention Justin going off to Collage in Sydney Australia.

Following the breakup of the band, Cat Daddy went on a musical journey that took him to Australia, Japan, and twice to Russia. With a renewed heart and spirit, Leader Ed Hayslett re formed the Red Hot Blues Catz band in 2005 with musicians and vocalists Cat Daddy became acquainted with through his travels.

“A number of the new Catz will never forget the night we played the blues in a nightclub in Moscow and invited locals to come up and jam with us”. There is something amazing about the universal language of music”.

The 2005 version of RHBC In addition to Ed Hayslett, the new Catz included Gabriel Gonzales (vocals), Steve Sides (guitar), Billy Allen (mouth harp), Brad Ruptak (drums), Brenda Carruth (vocals) and Mark Lane (bass guitar). The synergy of the new Red Hot Blues Catz was evident in their musical and vocal abilities as well as their obvious friendships on stage,
In April of 2012 vocalist Brenda Carruth lost her battle with cancer. My musical sister is so missed but it feels like her spirit is right my side whenever we take the stage!
After taking time out to morn the loss of our dear friend and band member the Catz have regrouped. The current 2013 version of the group consists of Ed Hayslett, Lead Guitar and leader, Gabe Gonzalez, Lead Vocal, Larry Behl, Bass guitar, Robert Pyon, Drums, percussion from the original Catz  & new guest member Craig Fisher, Keyboards.

The Catz have appeared four times at the Summerset Festival in Littleton, CO, and they have also been featured at the Blues on Blake Club, the Blue Moo’d Lounge, the Toad Tavern, and at Herman’s Hideaway, The Little Bear, Oscars Blues, Denver Hard Rock Café, The Taste of Colorado, Denver’s Peoples Fair, The Buffalo Rose in Golden along with a number of large outside concerts across Colorado. We pride ourselves on high energy shows and  good times when we take the stage!!

So, hang on for what is ahead for these Catz, ‘cause they’re gonna rock your world!

-- Ed “Cat Daddy” Hayslett