by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
Rhonda Peavy belts out hard rock originals and cover songs in this new four-piece power band. With her cohorts, Russell Sweet on lead guitar and vocals, Tim Brown on drums and vocals, and Dan Rubel on bass and vocals, Rhonda delivered lead vocals with an awesome force. She’s no wimpy girlie-girl. I caught this iron-core outfit at Whitey’s last Saturday night. The place was packed when I arrived. The band cranked out covers by Jet, Nickelback, Shinedown, U2, Fall Out Boy, Zeppelin, Heart, Joan Jett, 3 Doors Down, 3 Days Grace, and Seether, as well as a few originals.
Although all the band members are experienced professional players, they are on the cutting-edge of today’s sound, playing covers that not many bands play. Consequently, NB sounds fresh and new, not like the typical worn out groups that play the same old stuff I hear on a weekly basis. For a new band, NB sounded well-rehearsed and tight.
Rhonda Peavy is the former singer for Liquid Blue, which was another popular rock band that performed throughout the Jacksonville area from 2001 to 2003. Rhonda studied music in high school and college. She then performed in choirs, studios, and live performances. Rhonda fronted Clockhouse, Code of Ethics, Brazen, and Liquid Blue.
Guitarist Russell Sweet has played guitar all his life. His influences include Frank Gamble, Michael Angelo Batio, Joe Stump, and Jimmy Bruno. Early in his career, Russell played in many musical groups. NB has allowed Russell to strengthen his stage performance and showcase his intensive study with the major scale and various modes. Dan Rubel, the bass player, graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance. Dan has been busy playing in various ensembles in the region and is active in many studio projects. Drummer Tim Brown studied drums during his high school years. He played five years with Mint Julep, Matrix, South Creek, Rocket Science, Big Bad Wolf, Cisco & the Bloozers, and Lyons.
Together this group sounds new and different. Rhonda is an aggressive performer and powerful singer. Her voice cuts through the mix with soul. I remember Liquid Blue, and had covered them once, but For Rhonda, this new group offers a hard rock sound that allows her to use her vocal chops to the best advantage.
There is always room for a hot new band that has a fresh perspective. NB is winning new fans everywhere they play. The band has performed at the Ragusa Pub, Monkey’s Uncle, and the Palace Saloon in Fernandina, and they will be back at Whitey’s in the near future.
Whitey’s remains one of the best live rock clubs in the region, featuring the A-list groups from all over the Southeast. The annual Whitey’s Light Parade will happen on Dec. 9, 2006. I will be one of the judges out on that cold dock. I just couldn’t say no to my friend Elaine. Last year the boaters went all out to decorate their boats with lights and a singing Santa with a keyboard on his boat won the contest.
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