Welcome to the Catch 22 Website!
Bob - Muz - Spen - Jay
TVNZ Christmas Party 2008
Catch 22 is Auckland’s and New Zealand's premier cover band, and you this is where to keep in touch with the group, catch latest dates with the gig guide, watch videos, download MP3's of our originals as well as covers and much, much more...
2009 has arrived and arrived with a bang. We seem to be picking up where we left off at Christmas with a full calendar of functions squashed into a hectic first half of the year.
2008 ended on a high with some great Christmas functions and company events. The pick of the bunch for us was defiantly doing the TVNZ Christmas party. Nothing beats playing on top of the roof at TVNZ on a fine sunny night, to a 500+ crowd going nuts. To all our corporate clients thanks again for your continued support, we hope you all enjoyed the functions as much as we did and look forward to doing it all again for you this year.
As far as gigs go in 2009, Catch will continue with our current residency venues. These being the Cock and Bull for most Saturdays in 09, and we will be playing mainly The Kingslander and The Backyard (sister bars) on most Fridays. Do check the gig guide and I will do my best to keep it up to date for you.
The 2009 calendar is getting full really fast. Catch have numerous weddings and corporate functions booked in for the first 6 months of 2009. So if you are planning an event please get your inquiry through to us as soon as you can.
Don't sit back and think it's six months out, we already have bookings into 2010 for some companies so when planning an event get hold of us early on. Catch is also full of information and contacts to help your event come together so don't be shy to ask for our ideas and input.
Catch you all soon!
For any info on booking's or comments please drop us a line at...
catch22@xtra.co.nz
Catch 22 - The History.
The Band Catch 22 was formed by Murray (Vocalist) over 17 years ago, after accepting an offer to tour throughout the country, as part of a contract with Lion NZ. After 5 years, with the sale of Lion Nathan hotel contracts into private ownership, and Catch 22 members no longer wanting to constantly tour, the band underwent the transition to the current lineup you see today.
This lineup, with now over 11 years, and some 1500 performances together, has become one of the most tight nit and professional acts available in the country today.
The last 10 years have seen Catch 22 finish a lengthy residency in a venue synonymous with the band, East Auckland’s premium venue ‘The London Shed’. A contract the band held for over 5 years, playing every weekend to a packed venue of over 500 patrons a night.
Their top live performances and popularity during this time saw the band get nominated and win best NZ Cover Band, as voted by the NZ public for the 2003 NZ Entertainment Awards.
It was not unexpected that the band was quickly snapped up and signed into a new residency contract with ‘The Reef Bar’ Mission Bay, when the band decided to part ways with the ‘London Shed’ due to a pending sale process. The Reef Bar with its clientele, is an up market bar over looking the Auckland waterfront and Catch 22, with their constancy of performance and huge repertoire, have transformed The Reef Bar over the last few years into the new place to be seen at, every weekend.
2008 see’s a slight change to the bands exclusive, one venue residency deals, as Catch 22 has accepted a offer to join the ‘Cock & Bull’ chain for Saturday’s, while continuing their loyalty to ‘Reef Bar’ and its clientele on Friday nights. A change the band is really excited about due to being tied into just one resident venue at a time for over the last 9 years.
Catch 22 are a fantastic asset to any company or special event. The band with their huge repertoire of material, can cater for just about any audience taste and age spread.
Catch 22 also have on offer fully themed performances, amongst these is a fantastic 80’s show, a 70’s show, even Robbie Williams or U2 tribute mini concerts.
Catch 22 even look similar to U2 in the flesh. So much so that Murray (Bono), was recently on C4’s Pop Goes the Weasel, appearing as his alter ego Bono, with many shocked on lookers at the TV station having to double check that Murray wasn’t the real deal!
Catch 22 also have an their own original music and were chosen to open for the 2003 NZ Entertainment Awards playing alongside top kiwi bands Augustino, Opshop, Stylus and The WBC. Performances of their original material on the ‘Good Morning’ show on TVNZ during 2004, saw a debut self funded EP “The Story So Far” sell more than 1500 copies locally in a limited run.
A local TV documentary crew also followed the band to see how young NZ musicians saw the industry after ‘XLR8 your lifestyle’ entertainment newspaper had picked up their story and ran with it for 4 months.
Catch 22 have also played many specialist industry events. ‘Jim Beam’ ran a huge release night at the ‘London Shed’. Over 1000 invited guests from all over the country were entertained, in a real carnival event, which saw the band playing live, while a Crusty Demons type motorcycle stunt team were performing massive midair jumps, and wowing the crowd with death defying tricks.
Catch 22 were also selected by the winner of a nationwide ‘Coruba’ promotion to play along side ElomenoP in a 50k product release party. This was a extremely sort after event. To the amazement of organizers, the winner, with such a huge budget, wanted Catch 22 a local cover band to perform. Not interested in taking up offers from some of the other major NZ recording artists that were lining up to play. The proceeding performance by Catch 22 was noted by event organizers to be ‘Outstanding’ and the highlight of the event.
With a current play list of the best songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today’s latest radio hits.
Catch 22 can cater to any audience taste
let us make your next event unforgettable!
Catch 22 - Meet The Boys!
Murray (Muz) Lead Vocals, Guitar
Fronted various top Auckland bands before forming Catch 22. Toured extensively throughout NZ. Recorded and performed with many top NZ recording artists. Various TV performances from live, to appearing as Bono (U2) in C4’s ‘Pop Goes The Weasel’.
A true performer able to make an audience believe they have just heard the real artist with his vocal range and dynamics.
Jarrad (Jay) Vocals, Lead Guitar
Jay has been playing basically since the day he could walk. Toured Asia extensively before joining Catch 22. Regularly performs in the Haruraki band at radio events/promotions. Performs with Midge Marsden annually. Accomplished solo artist and recording engineer/producer in his own right.
Writes and records jingles for various media. Teaches guitar and vocals to up and coming musicians.
Bob (ummm Bob) Bass Guitar, Vocals
Performed in various large theater groups and productions, including overseas tours. Conceived and wrote the preschool concept called, ‘Bobbie & the Bonsters’, a children’s audio series with innovative characters. Which is now an international and award winning product.
Included in Bob’s stable of achievements is a diploma in music.
Spencer (Spen) Drums, Vocals
Toured NZ extensively with various NZ & International acts. Full time music teacher and clinician. Sponsored by Yamaha and Pastie cymbals.
Has become a sort after recording and session player. One of the few live drummers around that can perform to click tracks and samples which is imperative to the Catch 22 sound.
The Times
http://www.times.co.nz/cms/lifestyle/out_and_about/2006/04/art100011208.php
Catch the vibe, it's party time at the Reef Bar
Thursday, 20 April 2006
WOW, come the weekend the ‘in crowd’ should be falling over themselves to party at the Reef Bar, Mission Bay.
That’s because Catch 22 is the star attraction, having been snatched from the east to take up the regular Friday/Saturday night spot at this popular waterfront venue.
Ever since Aaron Calman (aka The Lizard) took over as manager early this year, the Reef Bar has been positively humming.
His goal was to make it the top party bar and live music venue in Auckland and so far he’s doing a good job.
Firstly, Aaron wasted no time having a stage and light show erected on the deck to cater for a hip crowd who enjoy good music and a party mood. He then recruited the hugely popular Catch 22, a band well known in Auckland’s eastern suburbs.
“Now that they’re playing from 9.30pm until around 2am, Friday and Saturday nights with us, there’s every reason to head down and enjoy,’ says Aaron. “I’ve worked with Catch 22 on and off for three years so I’m stoked they’ve made a commitment to the Reef Bar.”
The band consists of Murray Howell, vocals and guitar, Jarrad Lee, guitar and vocals, Paul Mathews on bass and backing vocals plus Spencer Bryant on drums. They have a repertoire of more than 300 songs ranging from rock ‘n’ roll to disco, retro, modern pop and rock and they’re quick to sense an audience’s mood.
As well as making live music a priority Aaron has made every night at the Reef Club special. Quiz nights on Tuesdays at 7pm now feature a visual format with movie and music video clips. Enjoy the fun, jokes and the chance to win bar tabs.
For those who prefer a more mellow mood then Wednesday’s $10 cocktail night with funky house music is just the thing, while the inimitable Phil Madsen and band play Thursdays.
The band’s wide appeal saw them open for Cher at her 2005 Auckland concert and they’re a favourite at the annual Coca Cola in the Park event.
Sports fans also get their go on Fridays and Saturdays when they can watch the Super 14 on the big screen and win prizes should ‘their player’ score a try.
With the Reef Bar setting up its VIP Reef 10 Club and starting to put together a range of discount offers, readers are invited to join the email info list – partyatreef@ihug.co.nz – it’s an easy way to stay in touch with events and special promotions.
And while the nightlife is buzzing, everyone should be aware that lunch at The Reef Bar has long been recognised as tops.
Enjoying a great location – elevated and sunny, featuring reserve and sea views – the Reef Bar offers a fantastic lunch menu. The Reef Salad, for instance, is a must for seafood lovers. More to do with lashings of seafood in a delicious dressing and virtually nothing to do with lettuce, it ranks just ahead of the salmon stack and the chicken, avocado and brie salad as meals which truly satisfy.
All are great value – they are generous, extremely tasty and the price is right. Just ask my friend.
She dines there almost every other week and thanks to her recommendation, scores of others have discovered the virtues of this prime waterfront venue and its menu. And hey, if you’re a night owl who likes to boogie, you’ll definitely be staying on at the Reef Bar to catch the band.
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'03 NZ Entertainment Awards
http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/articles/3159
Last Saturday night was a celebration of NZ Entertainment - the first ever NZ Entertainment Awards were held at Float Bar down at the Viaduct.
The selection of the nominees has been an ongoing process during the year, and voting occurred throughout October and November. Categories covered various areas of the entertainment industry, ranging from television and music, to restaurants and night clubs, and winners on the night were found by audience choice (through online voting).
Winners on the night included:
‘Best NZ TV Programme’ – Shortland Street
‘Best NZ Actor’ – Anna Paquin (!!)
‘Best NZ Comedian’ – Mike King
‘Best NZ Band/Artist – Originals/Signed/New’ and ‘Best NZ Music Video’ – Elemeno P
‘Best NZ Nightclub’ – The Fu Bar
‘Best NZ Influenced Movie’ - LOTR: The Two Towers (other nominees for this category included X Men 2 and The Matrix: Reloaded – I’m still not all that sure about the link these films have to ‘NZ influence’…)
‘Best NZ Album of the Year’ – Polysaturated by Nesian Mystik
‘Best NZ Sports Person’ – Possum Bourne
‘Best NZ Band/Artist – Covers’ – Catch 22
Audiences on the night were treated to selections of NZ entertainment – dances by the Covergirls www.covergirls.co.nz and Kiwimana, www.kiwimana.co.nz comedy acts by Mike Loder and Vaughan King and 3 hours of live music. First up onstage was upcoming band ‘Catch’ followed by ‘The WBC’ www.thewbc.com ‘Stylus’, ‘Opshop’ www.siren-records.com/opshop, and ‘Augustino’. www.augustino.co.nz
My fave performance of the night by far was The WBC, a band that plays music best described as ska (Think along the lines of Sublime - I am now an official fan of The WBC!!). For those of you who have never heard of them, you can check out their Official Website here. Their performance was full of energy, they had an awesome stage presence, and their songs were brilliant – keep a lookout for them, they are about to go on tour this summer!!