Cissy Strut     Blues with a funky soul

Markus Mayer, born ’62, guitar,
originally self-taught, he studied at the MGI - Munich Guitar Institute - and at Hildesheim University focussing on classical and jazz guitar. During that time he founded the band Phil Rauscher - Cat the Beat . Being the guitar-man of the soulband Bag o' Soul he met Thomas Martin. Together they started Cissy Strut in 1997. Besides his engagement at musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar Markus tea-ches at Hildesheim-Music-School and tutors at the Jazz Rock Blues workshops in Ottobrun, Hamlin and Hildesheim at Pinkjazz international Jazz Exchange Ibbenbüren, Mansfield/Dallas and Nordridge/Los Angeles .

Thomas Martin, born ’57, vocals Blues-Harp,
trained as a choir-singer, he discovered his passion for the blues at the early age of twelve. His musical activities covered different styles such as folk, rock and jazz. During their time at Bag o' Soul the idea of Cissy Strut was born. Thomas is responsible for the rough singing and the blues-harp.

Christoph Dommnich, born ’63 keyboards
swaped his violine for the keyboards. He became a music teacher and -therapist. He played classical music, jazz and rock'n roll in a variaty of line-ups. Playing the keyboards, he contributes to Cissy Strut's jazzy colour.

Michael Hoff, born ’69, bass
from the age of 14 he accompanied several choirs. Having been involved in top-40 bands, he played in combos reaching from blues and rock to pop, jazz and fusion. At Cissy Strut he covers the bottom register.

Gunnar Hoppe, born ’67, drums
he has been making his living as a professional drummer for more than ten years. Having completed the jazz rock pop course at Hannover University, he worked with different jazz formations, including Vieregg and Uli Beckerhoff . He drums with Hamburg's blues band Phonus Balonus (appearances at festivals and two Madeira-tours). Gunnar works as a substitute drummer for the musicals Cats (Hamburg) and Joseph (Essen) as well as tutoring at workshops. He is in charge of Cissy Strut's funky grooves.