Artist: Cat, Album: Cat, Song: Blank Space

Cat were a rock band from Toronto, Ontario.  They were Mike McQueen, Phil Mulholland, Gary O'Connor, Graham Fiddler and Jim Campbell.  They formed during the early sixties under the name, The Spasstiks, before opting for a name change.  They played up and down the U.S. east coast and had two early singles in 1968 before their self titled debut.  Their success landed them opening gigs for the likes of Lighthouse, Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin and The Guess Who.  Perhaps it was this latter band that led to Jack Richardson producing their self titled debut album in 1970.  The band toured quite a bit and went through some line up changes early in their career.  They were also a part of the Festival Express tour (http://festivalexpress.com/) apparently, but not listed by the producers of the recent documentary chronicling the event.  It was a cross Canada tour whereby the musicians travelled together by train from show to show.  Some of the bands included The Grateful Dead, The Band and Janis Joplin.  It took place in 1970 and the timing couldn't be more perfect for the band since their album had just been released.  Unfortunately, this was their only release and the members went their own separate ways by 1972.  Gary O'Connor would find fame in later years as Gary O' (see blog 1/7/11) as well as a member with the band Aerial (see blog 5/29/11).  Though never released as a single or a b-side to one, the tune, Blank Space, that kicks off side two is my own personal favourite from this release.  You can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Es3ChvghM8).  You can purchase Cat's debut album on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!