"I read Jim's ad and I was just like, ‘This guy just described my dream band',"recalls Mike Setzer, bassist for JC & The Rhythm Katz. "The first time we spoke on the phone he was reciting names of musicians that were his influences, and I just didn't have a clue who he was talking about… but he was really open. I started naming off my influences and we finally started finding some common ground somewhere around The Allman Brothers and MMW."

After a couple of improvisational jams, it became clear to both of them very quickly that they had a very special musical connection. So they asked the Universe for their perfect drummer. Jim made a few phone calls, Mike posted some"drummer wanted"ads, and from the ether came Steve Banks, also a Seattle native and long-time music scene veteran, and the most perfect drummer that either of them could have ever hoped for. What better compliment could there be for a fusion-jazzoid guitarist and a Deadhead bassist than a drummer with a heavy background in funk and R&B? It's kind of like dropping the chocolate in the peanut butter for the first time. And then sticking a pretzel in it. Something like that.

Though they are completely instrumental, their music speaks of unity, diversity, and higher consciousness. One would be hard-pressed to find three more diverse individuals who feel such a strong sense of unity and brotherhood and can express that, collectively, through the music that they make. It is no mistake that the first tune JC & The Rhythm Katz played together was a beautiful piece from the late Gerry Niewood, the title of which completely sums up what their group is all about."Joy.

And if you were wondering... No. They never did find an organ player.