Black Kat Benders
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Black Kat Benders

Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States | SELF

Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States | SELF
Band Blues Rock

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"Black Kat Benders"

Black Kat Benders
By Bill Martin
It’s looking like the latest incarnation of
the Tulsa blues rock band Black Kat Benders
may be around awhile. It’s not difficult
sensing when a band enjoys performing
together and that is evident when watching
guitarist Bruce Jones, drummer Bob
Bledsoe, bassist Danny Nichols and vocalist
Kara Conrad.
The band had only one gig in 2010,
playing for Bruce, Danny and Bob’s alma
mater, a car show for the Nathan Hale High
School alumni. It wasn’t until February
2011 the band was really able to put it
together.
“Bob and I get along real well and seem
to click,” Bruce relates. Then we came
across our bass player, Danny, through a
mutual friend on Face Book. Then we
picked up our singer, Kara. There was an
old band called Circus. They had reformed
and called themselves Neptune Blue and
she was singing with them. I knew her
from years ago and approached her…
and everything worked out great.”
Black Kat Benders’ music reflects some of Bruce’s major influences
ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Deep Purple, Led Zepplin
and the Texas blues of the Vaughn brothers, Stevie Ray and Jimmy.
Bruce was married at an early age, played in bands during the
1980’s and then stopped to help raise their children. “During this
time I never really quit playing and had all these ideas for an original
sounding band taken from the things that influenced me. I just
wanted to throw it out there and see where it would go. We have had
a pretty good reception so far,” Bruce observes.
Having a vehicle to get their original music out was the primary
reason for forming the Black Kat Benders. In their strong showing
at the Tulsa Blues Challenge last August, the band’s entire performance
was comprised of original tunes.
Atypical approach to creating new music is Bruce writing the music.
The lyrics are usually spread around between Bob, Kara and Bruce.
“I generally have an idea and throw it out there,” Bruce says.
“Danny will write the bass part. He’s really versatile and not like a
guitar player playing bass. He will write a good bass line for it. I
try to give everyone the freedom to do what they want with it.”
BKA has been playing a good number of gigs around Tulsa during
the past year. At this writing in late November they were preparing
to go into the studio to record. Look for their new release in
early 2012 – and expect some excellent rockin’ blues tunes with
Kara’s great vocals and a really tight, solid band behind her. - Blues Society of Tulsa


"Black Kat Benders"

Black Kat Benders
By Bill Martin
It’s looking like the latest incarnation of
the Tulsa blues rock band Black Kat Benders
may be around awhile. It’s not difficult
sensing when a band enjoys performing
together and that is evident when watching
guitarist Bruce Jones, drummer Bob
Bledsoe, bassist Danny Nichols and vocalist
Kara Conrad.
The band had only one gig in 2010,
playing for Bruce, Danny and Bob’s alma
mater, a car show for the Nathan Hale High
School alumni. It wasn’t until February
2011 the band was really able to put it
together.
“Bob and I get along real well and seem
to click,” Bruce relates. Then we came
across our bass player, Danny, through a
mutual friend on Face Book. Then we
picked up our singer, Kara. There was an
old band called Circus. They had reformed
and called themselves Neptune Blue and
she was singing with them. I knew her
from years ago and approached her…
and everything worked out great.”
Black Kat Benders’ music reflects some of Bruce’s major influences
ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Deep Purple, Led Zepplin
and the Texas blues of the Vaughn brothers, Stevie Ray and Jimmy.
Bruce was married at an early age, played in bands during the
1980’s and then stopped to help raise their children. “During this
time I never really quit playing and had all these ideas for an original
sounding band taken from the things that influenced me. I just
wanted to throw it out there and see where it would go. We have had
a pretty good reception so far,” Bruce observes.
Having a vehicle to get their original music out was the primary
reason for forming the Black Kat Benders. In their strong showing
at the Tulsa Blues Challenge last August, the band’s entire performance
was comprised of original tunes.
Atypical approach to creating new music is Bruce writing the music.
The lyrics are usually spread around between Bob, Kara and Bruce.
“I generally have an idea and throw it out there,” Bruce says.
“Danny will write the bass part. He’s really versatile and not like a
guitar player playing bass. He will write a good bass line for it. I
try to give everyone the freedom to do what they want with it.”
BKA has been playing a good number of gigs around Tulsa during
the past year. At this writing in late November they were preparing
to go into the studio to record. Look for their new release in
early 2012 – and expect some excellent rockin’ blues tunes with
Kara’s great vocals and a really tight, solid band behind her. - Blues Society of Tulsa


"Nathan Hale Car Show"

Web page showing Winners and other events at the Nathan Hale Car show.
BKB have a pic on this page. - Nathan Hale Alumni


"Nathan Hale Car Show"

Web page showing Winners and other events at the Nathan Hale Car show.
BKB have a pic on this page. - Nathan Hale Alumni


Discography

Black Kat Benders / Black Kat Benders
1. It Ain't Love
2. I'm Done
3. Alone
4. Outside Looking In
5. Butterfly Wings
6. VooDoo Rider
7. Black Kat Shuffle
8. Finer Things
9. All over you
10. Ain't got the Blues
11. Standing on Shaky ground
12. Black Kat Boogie

Photos

Bio

Black Kat Benders Bio

The Blues communities in Tulsa and OKC know who BKB are. They play their own blend of heavy blues and hard rock. They compete annually in the IBC and have just released their first CD.

The guitar riffs and leads of Bruce Jones are melodic, yet powerful enough to impress you with something reminiscent of inspirational greats such as Ritchie Blackmore, Robin Trower or Jimi Hendrix.
DrummerBob Bledsoes percussion create a driving force that keep audiences rocking to the tempo. With accentuations and fills that push this band to a higher level of listening, you will not want to miss a beat.
Our singer, Kara Conrad is our star. Seeing her perform live, she will capture your heart. An amazing voice. she will pull you into a song as if she was singing just for you.
Driven, yet melodic, bass lines from Blair Raguse add that just what is needed bond between guitar, drums, and vocals. His influences include Cream, Johnny Winter, Allman Brothers, and Hendrix. Played with several bands from the Tulsa and Southern California areas.
Black Kat Benders with a level of drive and tenacity that gives credibility to their unique blues/rock melodies and hold you with memorable lyrics that you can relate to. Their performance abilities will have you showing up for their events every time!

BTW, BKB's are happy to play benefits for Veterans and Bikers and other worthwhile causes for free. Just let us know and we'll be there!

Band Members