If you were lucky enough to attend the Scatcatz reunion in Topeka on Saturday, March 4, you were treated to much more than a musical trip down memory lane with the most intriguing combination of blues, reggae and rock ever to perform in Topeka. The trio of Ric Barron (lead guitar, vocals), Danl Blackwood (bass guitar, vocals) and Jaisson Taylor (drums, vocals) was back with a vengeance at the Sixth Street Ballroom in the old Odd Fellows Hall, guitar licks still smokin', harmonies still melting seamlessly into each other and the smooth, sexy soulfulness of the trio still smoldering. Rocking with an intensity and passion that warmed the hearts of those old enough to remember the '80's, the Catz kept the considerable number of younger folks in attendance tapping their feet as well.

The night began on the third floor of the beautifully rehabilitated old hall with a rollicking set from Bridges, a folk/rock band featuring Kenny Smith (guitar/lead vocals), Danl Blackwood (guitar/bass/lead vocals), Wyndi Senogles (guitar/lead vocals/percussion), Terry Proctor (bass/guitar/vocals/percussion) and Leo Smith (drums). Joining Bridges for a few songs was Ellie Arilyn, Kenny's daughter.

The dance floor was filled, and when the Scatcatz took the stage the crowd was ready to party, hooting and hollering for what is obviously a Topeka favorite. Looking around the room as the band launched into some of their originals, you could see the looks of recognition on the faces of many, as if they were thinking, "Oh, yeah, I remember that great old song." The Catz songs are, after all, part of the collective consciousness of those who were part of the hip music scene of that era, many of whom were on hand, obviously hoping for a resurgence.

With each song, Taylor, Isaac Hayes brother from another mother, laid down the strong, chest-thumping beat that has made him one of Kansas City's top R&B professional drummers. The ageless Blackwood, blond mane shining, provided not only the rock-solid bass line, but served as the energetic MC. And then there's Barron, of course, the Latin heart and whiskey voice of the Catz, filling every note he sang with honest emotion, every note he played with the warm tone and feeling that is his very nature.

Personal favorites from the first set included, "Satisfied" and "Never Be Your Fool," both featuring Barron, who has an incomparable way with any song he puts his heart to. The set ended with a crowd favorite, "Dreamboat," the catchy lyrics of which echo in my mind now, more than a week later ("Oh, my dreamboat is still afloat . . . dream on, dream on"). The a capella ending resonated sweetly throughout the old ballroom, with Taylor's manly low range matching Blackwood's soaring high notes and Barron chiming in with such smooth soulfulness, it honestly felt like heaven, if only for a moment.

After a short break during which many in the crowd caught up with friends and acquaintances unseen for many years, the Catz stretched out with, among other songs, their own rocking "Rhythm School" and their reggae version of the old Boxtops/Cocker song, "The Letter." Numerous musical guests were then invited up, among them Kevin Hoover, who's horn accents added just the right touch to such old standards as "Drownin' in the Sea of Love" and "Superstition." See the Players/Helpers page and the Set List page for more info on the guests.

For Topeka hipsters who used to party until the wee hours with the Scatcatz, it was finally time to call it a night, though it was barely morning. But, oh, what a night it was, with the trio living up completely to the memories of those in attendance, the songs not simply satisfying, but satiating. Driving home to Kansas City in the darkness, the voices echoed on. "Oh, my dreamboat is still afloat . . ." Some dreams, the Catz made clear, never die.