Brandon Giles Sets Perdido Key Sports Bar on Fire!

When you think of who's doing the entertaining around the Emerald coast, one artist stands out among the musical crowd.

What a night D-Lady and I had at Perdido Key Sports Bar! Judy Davis, always brings high quality entertainment to Perdido Key. One of the most live entertainment friendly establishments anywhere around the Emerald coast. Perdido Key Sports Bar features friendly staff, excellent food and whatever you wish to satisfy that adult beverage, or soft drink craving... Judy's got it! Sporting two stage areas for artists to perform, one inside and one outside for when weather permits, the Perdido Key Sports Bar combines hospitality and an environment very easy for this writer to get comfortable in. The Beatman and D-Lady highly recommend you experience this most welcoming and fun establishment, you won't be disappointed!

I was most honored to be allowed to introduce Brandon Giles as he and his talented band have entertained D-Lady and I before. The last time I had the privilege to see them was about a year ago at Moonshine Saloon. Only this time I was barely 8 feet away from the stage and got a closer, up front look at how this local performing artist entertains a crowd. 'Entertains' doesn't even begin to describe the show Brandon puts on when it's time to play. With a bevy of uber-talented musicians, his rock-a-billy type style lends itself to a unique experience unlike others playing around town.

As the first set began (they played for 1 1/2 hours), we were all blown away! The energy level never decreased, it just kept going up and up! With each number Brandon plays, you can't help but zoning in on the stage awaiting what he'll do next! If he's not jumping up on his piano, kicking his bench away or playing his keys with his boot, Brandon Giles brings high quality entertainment each and every time he performs.

Of course, if you've not seen what happens at the end of his hour and a half long set, well... I'll get to THAT in a minute.

Now, allow me to introduce the rest of the band....

This, is Mr. Dave Caluger, Brandon's bassman. Dave gave us a show on that Friday night at Perdido Key Sports Bar. He plucked, slapped and tickled his upright bass to the point I thought the friction alone would produce enough heat to light a match! Not only is Dave an artist to the core, he entertains the audience with his special flavor. A few times while Dave played, he spun that big, bad, bass almost drilling a hole in the floor! I love an upright bass player, and I loved watching and listening to Dave play it! Always entertaining, this seemingly laid back bass basher shows he's the perfect fit for this ensemble... go Dave go!

And then there's Lars! Lars Espenson, sax man extraordinaire and consummate entertainer! Lars is not just a big man...he's a big man with a big, badass sax! Saxophone's add so much excitement and taste to any musical concern, and when Lars plays...you know it's him in the house. We were delighted when Lars ventured out into the crowd with his wireless mic rig making folks smile and shout. This man knows his instrument to say the very least, and makes his contribution to the cause just that much more colorful.

If you've read any of my reviews, you'd know that my favorite part of writing about bands, is showcasing the driving engine that keeps the band honest, alert and right on time... the drummer!

On this night of outstanding music, Bryan Morris sat down and took me to school! Oh man! Bryan impresses me as one of the very BEST drummers performing on the Emerald coast. His lightning speed and deadly accuracy nearly made my eyes bleed. At times, I couldn't believe how Bryan could play so fast, be spot on time, all while making it look too easy. Even when he was ripping it, his relaxed demeanor says "I got this!" And boy did he! Perhaps I was the only one that noticed when Bryan lost a stick... didn't matter, he filled in flawlessly with only one hand and you'd never know he missed a beat! Incredible! You can catch Bryan most Wednesdays at 1216 north with Cat Rhodes And The Truth. Thanks for the drum lesson Bryan!

Lastly, let me introduce a new player on our musical scene, hired for the evening to fill in and add his particular flavor to Brandon's show: J.C. Pringle. J.C. recently blew into town seeking playing opportunities. We were happy to see him this night as his playing prowess added so much to the show. J.C. took on rhythm runs, tasty licks and solos that boggled the mind! I believe J.C. has quite a future here on the Emerald coast and I'm sure you'll be seeing him around. I fully expect he'll get offers to play with other bands, or perhaps a solo show? We shall see.

And now... as I mentioned earlier, if you stayed 'til set one ended, some hour and a half after the band began, you witnessed a special spectacle...

When Brandon ends set one, his focus goes to pyromaniac pleasures. While playing one of his signature songs "Great Balls Of Fire", he sets his keys a blaze!

What a showman! What an entertainer! What a band! Brandon gives all he's got when he hits the stage. His versions of many iconic songs set him apart from the boring norm. His rendition of a Led Zeppelin song could only be identified by the lyrics as the music he put to it was clearly all his own. Which Zeppelin tune? Well, you'll have to go see him to experience THAT! I highly recommend you catch a Brandon Giles show at a venue near you...

Thank you for taking time to read my review of BRANDON GILES. Be sure to read my first review when he played Moonshine Saloon.. There are many reviews in our Reviews section, please take the time to read them and tell your friends. Scene Pensacola features other talented writers covering artists from multiple genres, I encourage you to read them all and let us know your thoughts.

Bands, solo acts and the like, list your shows on our Show Calendar by the 15th of each month, and see your shows published in our tri-fold, 4 color show calendar we distribute all over town! It's all for you, and it's all FREE!

The Beatman... has left the review! KTB!