Mission City Hot Rhythm Cats

Mission City Hot Rhythm Cats
Background information
Origin	San Antonio, Texas
Genres	jazz
Years active	Organized in early 2008
Website	http://www.missioncityjazz.com
Members
David Jellema, cornet and clarinet Mike Pittsley, trombone * Pierre Poree, reeds/vocals Mark Hess, piano * Tim Paco, bass Eddie Torres, drums *

The Mission City Hot Rhythm Cats is a 6-piece (formerly 4-piece) traditional jazz band based in San Antonio, TX. The band organized in early 2008 and is composed of several former members (shown listed with an asterisk) of the Jim Cullum Jazz Band. The band recently added bassist Tim Paco and reed man/vocalist Pierre Poree to their regular lineup. Both Mr. Paco and Mr. Poree are from New Orleans, relocating to San Antonio to escape hurricane Katrina.

During a personal interview with the author, co-leader and trombonist Mike Pittsley, along with co-leader and cornetist/clarinetist David Jellema, both stated that the change to a 6-piece band has been extremely positive, with the band receiving excellent reviews for the group’s enthusiasm, as well as for the band’s high level of musicianship.

The group frequently adds talented, well-known local area guest musicians to their lineup from time to time. The group cites influences such as Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Jelly Roll Morton, Jack Teagarden and Fats Waller (among others), as well as some of the hot Chicago-style jazz bands of the 1930s and 1940’s.

As a result of the new 6-piece instrumentation, the Mission City Hot Rhythm Cats has also been in demand to perform material from the big band swing era, citing swing influences such as Louis Jordan, Louis Prima, Benny Goodman and Count Basie.