Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
1. Artist Header
Artist name: Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
Country / region: United States
Active years: 1980s–present
Primary role(s): Blues band (harmonica-led ensemble)
2. Overview
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats is an American blues band led by singer and harmonica player Rick Estrin. The group emerged in the late 1980s and has released multiple albums under its own name. The band has maintained a consistent presence on the blues recording and touring circuit for several decades, with changing personnel over time.
3. Style and Genre (Established Terms Only)
Primary genres:
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Blues
Associated styles:
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Electric blues
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Chicago blues
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West Coast blues
Instrumentation:
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Harmonica
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Vocals
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Electric guitar
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Bass
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Drums
Notes:
The band’s recordings are rooted in electric blues traditions, featuring harmonica-led arrangements supported by standard blues rhythm-section instrumentation. Song structures and ensemble formats align with modern electric blues performance practices.
4. Career Outline (Factual Timeline)
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Formed in the United States in the late 1980s
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Began releasing albums under the band name in the early 1990s
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Recorded for established blues labels
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Performed regularly at blues clubs and festivals in the United States and internationally
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Continued recording and touring activity into the 2010s and 2020s
5. Discography (AllMusic)
Studio Albums
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Twisted — 1992
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One Wrong Turn — 1997
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You’re Fixin’ to Die — 2001
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Contemporary — 2006
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Way Outta Here — 2009
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One Wrong Turn: Live — 2010
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Night Vision — 2014
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Groovin’ in Greaseland — 2019
