Album Notes

The seed of the album “A Little Taste” began in New Orleans pre Katrina. It is a 13 song disc which travels the dusty roads of the Delta to New Orleans. It winds through Kansas, Memphis and Chicago and delivers some Texas back road juke joints. Several eras of blues influence this body of songs. Strains of Robert Johnson, BB King, Louis Armstrong, and Charlie Christian dot the landscape of this aural canvas. V & the Wholly Cats are named in homage of the brilliant contributions Charlie Christian left as inspiration for all future generations to enjoy.
While in New Orleans, songwriting partners Holly Goulard & Vernon Wills immersed themselves in a study of the blues. The body of songs that emerged filled 4 demo CD's and then some. It was Holly's intuitive insight that was the spark to get Vernon into the studio and record the songs for prosperity. Vernon contacted his drum teacher Mike Michalkow who offered his expertise as a drummer and percussionist. Soon after Shael Wrinch @ Beatty Lane Studios (Vancouver) was onboard as engineer for the session. Bassist, Dave Graber was recruited from Hawaii for the recording date. Amber Goulard offered her services as a vocalist and took some brilliant photographs of the band as well.
Keyboardist, Tom Carter simply showed up one morning and asked through the console mic if he could sit in with us, within moments he was one of the Cats completely.
The album was recorded "live off the floor", guitars and vocals were handled by Vernon. This older style method of recording is not commonly employed but was utilized to keep it real. Over the first three days the 13 tracks were laid down and took shape. Some additional editing, percussion and backgrounds were added on the fourth day.
Chris Bellman @ Bernie Grundman's mastered the CD, our own Tom Carter provided the art (his art!!) for the liner and Groove House manufactured the CD. Not necessarily the process for an impatient person but we are so proud of the end result.
We had a lot of fun and were blessed with magic too! The Wholly Cats came together quite effortlessly, after years of individual endeavor, effort and love for the blues. BB King and Dr. John have been a lifelong inspiration and thrust of influence.
Listen and enjoy!