Cat Squirrel

Releasing on all platforms Friday 28th February 2025.



         

Mick writes:

Here's a version of the popular 60's British blues rock instrumental 'Cat's Squirrel' .. originally a song by the great Dr. Ross.

Doctor Ross really was great actually - I saw him play at the 100 Club in London. Just sat there and boogied away - first time I really got the 'boogie disease'. I don't think he did 'Cat Squirrel' - I'm sure I would have noticed. He should have done - he could have said 'here's a song I wrote for The Cream'.. that would have raised an eyebrow or two.

I also saw Cream at the Marquee Club, but i don't think they did the song either. However I did see Mick Abrahams play it a few times with the original Jethro Tull. Very good too.

Anyway, you've got to give EC some credit for turning the song into an instrumental.. it works well. I've just rocked it out here, using the Les Paul and a few 'Creamisms' and sticking to the straight three piece line-up. But do check out Dr. Ross's original - it's a great track.

I've used the original title 'Cat Squirrel' and credited it to the good doctor. It is his song after all. But the arrangement is clearly Cream's 'Cat's Squirrel', so I should give a mention to its apparent writer, 'S. Splurge'. They can fight about the royalties.




I don't own a Telecaster. However, here's the bridge pick up on the E Series Strat giving it some welly. I think it sounds pretty good.
Susie Q is of course an R&B classic, originally written and recorded by Dale Hawkins, with the legendary James Burton supplying the guitar solos.
There's a wonderful Youtube of Dale, hat perched on the back of his head, having a whale of a time on some TV show, miming to his hit record and showing off to the girls. I'm still practising his patented right knee lift, although the arthritis doesn't help.
For the solos James Burton appears in the corner of the screen looking super cool and playing like a god.
I tried to capture a little of Burton's magic - playing with my fingers instead of a pick, which hurt a bit but was worth it.
So I think this rocks. And I think it's the kind of track I'd happily end a set with. I hope you enjoy the music. Susie Q.