From left are Stephane Courneloup from Hout Bay; Jono Tait from Rosebank; and Matt and Nick Catto from Wynberg. Jono, Matt and Nick are former Rondebosch Boys’ High pupils.
Hatchetman will perform on Friday December 17 and Saturday December 18 at Alma Café, Rosebank, at 6.15pm.
The group was formed in 2013 by Nick and Matt Catto, grandchildren of musician Keith Blundell, and Jono Tait. With influences ranging from Crosby, Stills and Nash, to James Taylor and the west coast singer-songwriter tradition in common, the three men were able to combine and craft a fresh sound, while paying homage to the greats of yesteryear.
Tait is the primary songwriter and band leader. A guitarist, singer and lyricist, his songs draw on a life lived in and out of love, lived under a cloud of long-term bi-polar depression and struggles with substance abuse. Having studied classical and jazz music and choral singing throughout school, Tait picked up guitar at the age of 14. He has been involved in numerous projects in the world of musical theatre, as performer, composer and director.
The Catto brothers have both been in various bands in and around Cape Town and undertook a tour around the country with Wendy Oldfield to promote her latest album.
Stephane Courneloup is the band’s lead guitarist. Trained as a classical pianist in France, big things were expected of him in the classical world until guitar took over and became his passion. He joined the band two weeks before their first cross border gig in Mozambique in 2015.
Tickets cost R150. Email bookings@almacafe.co.za to book or hatchetmanband@gmail.com for more information.