Cat Rhodes Opens For Kenny Neal

On a recent Saturday night, the soul of blues made Pensacola proud!

Greetings dear readers.... Its been a while since I published a review of one of our fine local musical groups. I've been quite busy with endeavors of my own, suffice it to say you'll be hearing about some new exciting music I'm involved in very soon. Now...on with the show...

D-Lady and I arrived at Seville Quarter near 5:30 pm as our Florida sun headed toward the horizon...it was hot and humid this Saturday, but even hotter inside one of Pensacola's most known music and entertainment venues. Phineas Phogg's located inside Seville Quarter, was rumbling with the sound of anxious music lovers anticipating a grand night of entertainment. Upon check in, the lovely Kathy Griffin greeted us, checked us in and directed us to one of the balcony booths overlooking the entire floor and stage area. It was a great spot, I took some good pics from that vantage point, most seen here in this review.

After setting up my gear, D-Lady and I ordered drinks and settled in for an amazing night. Kenny Neal was headlining, but The Beatman was here for Cat Rhodes and The Truth, the opening act for tonight's evening entertainment.

Cat Rhodes and The Truth are a local blues/jazz/soul act that have been playing all along our beautiful emerald coast for years. Though many players have come, and gone, Cat, and her bandmate Bryan Morris have been the rock steady foundation of the band. Many Pensacola artists have had the privilege of playing with "The Truth" over the years, however this evening a stellar lineup of pro players geared up to "bring it" and bring it they most certainly did!

I first met Cat and Bryan back in the summer of 2020. I had recently arrived from Houston and was in search of the blues. I found a cool, laid back venue name of The Funky Blues Shack in Destin. I was just as impressed then, as I am now of this tight, professional entertaining band....read on.

Now, there are a lot of female band leader/entertainers here in Pensacola. All have their own style and musical approach. Few however know how to connect with an audience like this dynamic queen of the blues, Cat Rhodes. Cat has that "special" way of drawing the audience in, making friends of everyone then completely blowing you away with her "in your face" no holds barred vocal power stylings. When I mention "vocal power", trust me when I say this woman has a rare pair of lungs. When it's time to chill, Cat brings it all down so the crowd can get to know how she feels just a bit better...but watch out! When the band requires Cat to let loose, a vocal storm ensues. Never out of key, always spot on and RAW!

Cat has the whole package, right down to her fashion sense. This night she put on the perfect outfit, as she always does. Cat Rhodes is not just a singer, she is an entertainer, and may I please add...a wonderful woman with a huge heart and loving personality.

Bryan Morris, recently returned from a tour with The Famous JB's..(James Browns former band), and was able to perform this night. Bryan, #18 on the Billboard smooth jazz charts sports 4 blues albums, a smooth jazz album and 3 singles. Bryan is also a known music producer and owns a production company called BMO Productions.

Now, anyone who knows anything about The Beatman knows how much I do so appreciate the time keeper of a band. I study every drummer that I review with the intent to get a drum lesson. Well...Bryan Morris took me to school! Bryan is easily in my top 5 drummers list playing in and around Pensacola and our emerald coast. Each and every time I see this man play I am amazed at the speed in which he sub divides time. His lightning fast hands appear as a mere blur when he decides to cut loose! Speaking of timing...Bryan is a human metronome! I really appreciate his right foot... I'm envious of drummers that can pound out doubles, triples and quads on the bass drum to the level Bryan brings when he performs. I could seriously watch his bass pedal action for a whole number! Thanks for the lesson Bryan...uh, but please don't bill me, okay?

Melodious Allen, one of our local blues, funk and soul artists, plays keys and sings backup for Cat and The Truth. I enjoyed Melo's keyboard prowess as he gracefully glides over the 88's producing the body and flow of any tune he plays. His solos are unmatched by most keyboard players and he never misses a note. Though this night was Cats, Melo has a great voice and does most of the singing when not backing Cat up with spot on harmonies. Melo is a professional and he proves it each times he takes a stage. Melo can be seen all around Pensacola with his own band, The Funkheads, and during the week at open mics at local venues.

Rounding out the balance of the band, Randy Howell on Harp, Teardrop Wamble and Robert Hill. I've had the opportunity to see and hear Randy Howell before, but this night he was playin his way to heaven it seemed. His backup notes help fill the room and when he cut loose for a solo, well, let's just say The Beatman was impressed!

Teardrop Wamble, the nights guitar player demonstrated his talent on this particular stage. His runs, riffs and licks we're quite tasty and his solos were precise, calculated and very entertaining. I can appreciate a good lead mans ability to send the music into the sound stratosphere... rhythm, leads...didn't matter cause Teardrop played them all with relative ease.

Robert Hill provided me with some new ideas on how to walk up and down on a bass guitar....well, perhaps "walk" isn't the proper word here, no I'd say he "ran" up and down on that fat sounding, solid bass! Roberts the kind of player all drummers wish they had as a section mate. I envied Bryan Morris as he and Robert made the bottom drive right into everyone's ears and souls!

Lovers of the blues, jazz and soul, Raymond Wedell and Jeanette Davis toast the nights festivities. Thank you fine folks for supporting the local music scene.!

I sincerely hope you enjoyed my review of Cat Rhodes and The Truth. We appreciate every time you patronize a local music venue and show your support for our Pensacola music scene. Don't forget to drop a lil sumpsumpin in the tip jar for the hard working musicians you enjoy, we all appreciate that!

For now....this, is your Beatman, Rich NaVarre reminding you to Keep The Beat!