Purple Cat

Releasing on all platforms Friday 5th December 2025.



         

Mick writes:

Here's a little story about the Chicago club where blues legend Little Walter got his chops together. Walter had spent many years rambling around and playing every juke joint in the South; he'd paid his dues ten times over and learned his craft diligently.

But it was at the Purple Cat where Sonny Boy Williamson (the first) held a residency, that he really developed that distinctive sound, encouraged by friends who'd seen his development over the years, such as Snooky Prior and Honey Boy Edwards.

Just a footnote in blues history, but worth a song of its own.

I did get to meet at least one character in this story. When we were taking the cover photos for my duo album with pianist Lou Martin the photographer, who was also the noted British blues man Dave Peabody, brought along a guy he was working with, Mr Dave 'Honey Boy' Edwards, a man who was there at every stage of the develpoment of the blues.. personal friend of Robert Johnson.. and of Little Walter.

So we sat in this South London pub, shared a pint and chatted about guitars, while Lou boogied away on the outrageously out of tune piano. Great stuff.

Anyway, back to the point - I hope you enjoy this small offering of boogie and blues - Purple Cat.



NB: I borrowed Albert King's cat from 'Born Under A Bad Sign' for the artwork, which I really like, 'cept the colour seems to range from purple to blue, depending on the size of the image and so on. Oh well. It's only rock'n'roll..