itchieCat

04.11.2004
Colin Lynch about ITCHIECAT:

ItchieCat - Internet idol for the digital revival
Achie Floyd Bowen aka Itchiecat has some very special qualities that need to be mentioned.. as an artist, he has inspired and supported an entire online artist community with his thinking, with his masterful and orginal songwriting and production techniques, with his humour and wisdom, and in his efforts to remind us all that we share one world that desperately needs to fly the flag of peace much more often, instead of one that represents greed, hate, and misunderstanding.

So what is it about ItchieCat that stimulates so much interest and world wide respect? Well.. I could go track by track and tell you all how innovative and superb and wonderful itchie's music can be... but then you can play and download whatever you like of his and his collaborations with other outstanding artists to make that discovery for yourself.

It's enough really to know that many truly superb artists have provided their own interpretations in covers of his work, most notably 'Down on me' .. one of the most beautiful songs ever presented to the online music community.

In March 2004, both ItchieCat and Mike Weldon were awarded an IOMA for best songwriter along with other prestigious nominations, but besides the certificates and the accolades that go with that, what we really have here is a plain and simle truth... that ItchieCat's work has attracted the admiration, respect, and appreciation from artists all over. That's why he has a presentation disc and certificate hanging on his wall!

As one of the most compassionate human beings I have met in recent years, ItchieCat's efforts for his self-initiated 'Artists For Peace' project, have been entirely borderless, and limitless. This is a man brought up and bungled into a US Military community and that in itself, takes some courage to endure. His solace and comfort however, are in his knowing that he can make his thoughts and voicings count.. if only there were many many more guys like him!

I have spoken to Archie on the phone, enjoyed his music, listened to his radio show, and split my sides with laughter at his BeSonic forum antics and presence for quite some time now... but of all the artist entrances (and departures) I have witnessed over the past year at BeSonic in particular, none have been so positively thought and emotion provoking as that image of the virtual super trouper light beam that shines on Archie Floyd Bowen aka ItchieCat.



10.08.2004
Phillip E. Hardy about ITCHIECAT:

I know the truth when I hear it; and we all know the truth will set you free.
Tonight I sit here in the serenity of my den, just over a mile from the somewhat blue waters of surf town USA, otherwise known as Huntington Beach. I am blessed to be surrounded by trophies of my recent accomplishments and to know that I am fortunate in my opportunity to play music, as well as write about it. In the window sits one of my favorite critters in the world, a happily bloated, orange cat by the name of Darcy. However, tonight, it is my chief purpose to write about another one of my preferred kitties. ItchieCat is an able trio of musicians that includes Candice Chafton Childress, Mike Weldon and Archie Floyd Bowen (AFB). These cool feline beings are responsible for making some of the finest music that is currently available at Besonic. Though I have not had the pleasure of meeting Mike or Candice, I have frequently corresponded with Mr. Bowen and have found him to be a wonderful musical friend who had been supportive, humorous and generous with his time. This past Saturday, he hosted a radio show on LRS and did a brilliant job putting together a set of music mostly from the seventies and perhaps tipping his hat to some of his musical influences. According to a recent interview in Scout’s Digest, AFB also draws heavy inspiration from celebrated 60’s artists like the Beatles and Buffalo Springsteen, as well “country music in general” (Scouts, Digest). If you are new to this site and would like to savor the delights of this interesting group, I would like to offer some listening suggestions that will probably make you purr. First, I would like to suggest that you check out “Down on Me”, a musical prayer for peace that is not only melodic but beautiful in its simplicity. Next is a song I love called “I Can’t Try When I’m Dead”, a cover version of a tune by another great Besonic artist calling himself Away With The Fairys”. This song truly reminds me of the Statler Brothers and the aforementioned Buffalo Springfield. Sounding a great deal like the instrumental bit on Del Shannon’s “Runaway”, the authentic 60’s flavor is nicely augmented by the keyboard solo midway through the track. Of course, no musical sojourn into the IC catalogue would be complete without sampling the rags to riches tale of “Scruffy and Me”. This is a delightfully amusing collaboration between the kitties and Besonic blu