Spreading the Word

Cave Catt Sammy

There really isn't much of a music scene in San Antonio. But the appearance of Cave Catt Sammy may change that. What started in 1997 as four high school buddies attempting to play rockabilly has matured into a pure rock & roll band with an international following.

Speaking to them before a recent gig at Ego's, one is struck by their slightly absurd sense of humor. This is offset by a measure of common sense that is rare for a group of guys that have just passed legal drinking age. They profess a work ethic that's unusual for almost any band, but it is tied into something special, and that's the talent they possess.

"We know you can be young and have talent," asserts frontman/upright bassist Beau "Sammy" Sample. "It's odd to be playing this type of music at our age. I just don't think it's odd for us to be playing as good as we do."

Anyone who saw Cave Catt when they first hit Austin could see they had a great deal of potential. Recent performances demonstrate that the hard work has paid off. The band now makes music that's rockabilly based, yet moves beyond that genre's constrictions. Blame the group's near-constant touring since graduating from MacArthur High School in San Antonio.

Cave Catt Sammy has just released their third CD, Love Me Like Crazy, on NYC's Rubric label. It reveals the band's growth in both ensemble play and songwriting. In a modest moment, rhythm guitarist Dustin Hutchinson spells out where Cave Catt Sammy is these days.

"The fact is there's so many good bands out there that we're just trying to keep up."