Tiger Alley is an exciting musical collaboration between violinist, Katy Rose Cox (Shotgun Party, The Lost Pines, The Maybelles) and guitarist, Sophia Johnson (The Toy Hearts, the Sophia Johnson Band). Drawing inspiration from bluegrass, Jazz and American roots music, Tiger Alley performs both original and traditional tunes. With heart felt harmonies and impressive instrumental arrangements, this female led band knows how to capture the attention and imagination of their audience.
Born in El Paso, TX, Katy Rose began her musical journey at age 5 shining as a classical violinist. She later “cut her teeth” as a fiddler in New York City playing in a speed metal bluegrass band (with a rated R name) selling out clubs like CBGBs. During that time, she wrote original compositions as the original timekeeper for “The Moth” storytelling group now featured on NPR radio. Later, she spent many years touring the US and Europe with several groups including “The Maybelles” and “Shotgun Party”. Katy is now the owner and bow luthier of Fiddlestick Bow Shop and pours her heart into raising her son. Tiger Alley is a project that has been in the works for a while and Katy is beyond thrilled to combine forces with Sophia.
Sophia Johnson, originally from Birmingham England, began her path as a guitar “shredder” first with classical music at age 7. She found her drive and musical taste from her father and sister while in their family bluegrass band, “The Toy Hearts”. As principal songwriter, Sophia toured with her family for over 12 years. Later, her interest and passion in Western Swing grew so Johnson realized she had to move to where the pulse of those rhythms seemed to emanate the most: Austin, TX. Since moving to Texas, Johnson started her own band “The Sophia Johnson band”, she recorded a solo cd and won the prestigious award as “best Western swing female” via the Ameripolitan awards. In addition, she has worked as a guitarist and vocalist with several other Texas and US artists: Rosie Flores, Jim Stringer, The Carper Family, Nancy & Beth and Devin Jake.
Sophia and Katy met while the Toy Hearts were spending the summer in Austin. After hitting off a fast friendship they realized they had like minded musical goals and a similar skill set. Both loving vocal harmonies, impressive instrumental acrobatics and detailed song arrangements. Encouraged by this, they had planned to create their band “Tiger Alley” as soon as Sophia was able to move to Austin but Katy became pregnant and had to put this creative collaboration on the shelf till now.... Tiger Alley has arrived.
