The Jazz Pollcats - Band History

Aspiring to recreate and reinvent classic swing music, the Jazz Pollcats were formed in 1993 by clarinetist Scott Poll. Considered one of Ottawa's finest acoustic jazz groups, the Pollcats deliver some of the most exciting and romantic songs from the 1930's and 40's.

Whether performing as a duo, trio, quartet or quintet, the Pollcats always pay tribute to the musical Swing era sounds of Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw together with the more traditional New Orleans jazz of Pete Fountain. Their repertoire includes music from this century's best-loved songwriters, including Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer and Richard Rogers.

Originally from Western Canada, the Pollcats became an integral part of the Calgary jazz scene with regular performances at local venues and jazz festivals. Since moving to Ottawa in '94, the groups activities have included dates at the National Press Club, the National Gallery, the Ottawa Congress Centre, the Museum of Civilization, the National Aviation Museum, the Corel Centre as well as the Chateau Laurier, Delta, Radisson, Citadel and Westin Hotels.

For many summers, the Pollcats have been invited to perform at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival. In 1996, the group joined a cast that included Karen Kain, Veronica Tennant and Angela Hewitt for a gala charity concert at the National Arts Centre. In addition, the Pollcats have entertained for Nortel, United Way fund-raisers, Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, the Mexican Embassy and are an annual fixture at Carleton University Alumni Association events.

Over the last three years, the public has had opportunities to catch the Pollcats at Nepean's Forest Country Bar & Grill, Ottawa's After Eight Jazz Club, Vineyards Winebar and Empire Grill, in the Byward Market. Other highlights of the last few years include performances for Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Finance Minister Paul Martin and opposition leader Preston Manning.