THE CLETUS BLACK REVUE
For over twenty years, the five piece Cletus Black Revue band has been grabbing live audiences’ attention with their unique blend of rock, blues, jazz and pop sound. Fronted by award winning and critically acclaimed guitarist/vocalist Cletus Black, the Revue is comprised of some of Greater Cleveland’s most outstanding musicians. Drummer Rod Reisman (First Light) and bassist Pat Walsh (Simpletons) provide a tight driving rhythm section, while guitarist/vocalist Kevin McCarthy (The Cleveland Beat) and harp virtuoso Dave Morrison (Aces and Eights) add inspired heartfelt leads. The Cletus Black Revue has an exciting sound and style all their own.
They have played such venues as the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, House of Blues, Wilbert’s, the Beachland Ballroom, Legacy Village and the Agora. They’ve played many special events like the Cleveland Grand Prix, Painesville Party in the Park, Taste of Cleveland and the Clifton Arts Festival. The Revue has also performed on several live radio and TV shows.
DAVE MORRISON (harmonica,vocals) Dave started playing with “The Revue” in 1999. He can be heard on the self-titled “Cletus Black” CD, and all of the Cletus Black albums since. Dave has been performing and teaching the harmonica professionally since 1973. From 1980 – 2000, Dave was the band leader of Cleveland based blues band Aces and Eights. For the past 25 years, Dave has performed in a variety of settings. He has played clubs,concerts,and has appeared on radio and television.
KEVIN McCARTHY (lead guitar, vocals) Kevin McCarthy first met Cletus Black in 1997 when both appeared on the AROARA Compliation CD project. Cletus invited Kevin to play keyboards on the “Back It Up” sessions in 1998. With the release of that CD, the first version of the Revue was formed, featuring Kevin on keyboards and Michael Dreyfuss on viola. By the time of the “Cletus Black” recording sessions in 1999, Kevin had taken over lead guitar duties with the Revue and the current lineup was solidified. His studio contributions on guitars and keyboards continues to this day.
Besides playing with the Revue, Kevin keeps an active and varied schedule as a solo performer.
PAT WALSH (bass guitar) Pat Walsh has played with the Cletus Black Revue since 1998. Before joining the review, he has played in a variety of bands and has played throughout the U.S. including stops at the House of Blues in New Orleans, and the Las Vegas Luxor. Pat also showcased at the 1998 SXSW Music Conference in Austin, Texas.
ROD REISMAN (drums) Rod Reisman, one of the most sought after drummers in Cleveland, has been playing with the Revue since 2001. Some of Rod’s most notable endeavors have been with The Numbers Band, Buckeye Biscuit Band and Baby Sirloin. He was also the original drummer for Sextet Devo (yes that Devo). His talents have been displayed throughout the world with a tour of the Far East with the USO in 1975 and 1976, and stops at the Playboy Club and Disneyland. From 1984 to 1997 Rod had played with one of Cleveland’s most popular bands First Light.