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Thick in the Arm, Thick in the Head

She was born in Boston, in a time when racism was considered the norm, and when most public schools taught pre-college level classes. With a mind quick to absorb knowledge, Ms. Jones dove into the world of music when she was given a guitar for her 11th birthday. Up to that point, she had already published poems in the local newspaper, and was a topic for several news stories and pictorials regarding the youth, needs, and culture of the city. When she was selected to perform in a commercial for the Big Sisters Association of Boston, Cathe decided then and there that she also wanted to learn all there was to know about cameras, film, and thanks to Star Wars, special effects animation.

She was supported in her creativity by her "Big Sister" Dr. Ann Howe, a college professor who took the youngster on, and served not only as a mentor but as a mother figure. With support from Dr. Howe, Cathe was able to attend the Museum of Fine Arts youth arts programs, which led her to a love of not only sculpture, but painting, glass work, and even the idea of creating mummies. Cathe later was selected from hundreds of students to intern with the Boston Youth Theater, to complete college level courses in art and music at St. Regis College, and she even worked full time for The Charles Playhouse- working as a runner for Denis Leary at the Comedy Connection, as well as socialites Smoki Bacon and Dick Concannon, and for Harry Chapin and his production of "Something's Brewin' in Gainsville", later renamed The Cotton Patch Gospel when it arrived off Broadway. The art world was her life, and at the age of 16, she requested an early high school graduation, which was granted due to her constant pursuit of higher education, her steadfast dedication to her work, and because she easily passed her final exams even before taking some classes required.

Harry Chapin was instrumental in bringing Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, and The Carter Family to Cathe's attention. She fell in love with the writings of Woody Guthrie, Tom Robbins, and even Kurt Vonnegut. When Ms. Jones entered the Navy, it was after a full semester at Massachusetts College of Art. Because of her independence at age 17, she was unable to pay both rent and for school, and the military provided her another option to reach her goals. A career that included a long stay at Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 proved difficult, as her health became an issue. Due to many bone dislocations, and issues that the hospitals and doctors were unable to heal, she was retired on a medical discharge, with honors. Her failing body didn't stop her from continuing her career at Mass Art, and then later at Calarts where she was able to learn with and study the music of the Tibetan Monks, Charlie Haden, and even rock superstar Flea. Her friendships with musicians led her to learn about funk, soul, and she even connected with a former member of Spyro Gyra, Curtis Massey, who introduced her to his band Double D Nose. She also studied with Ruth Kissane, legendary animator Jules Engel, and prominent artist Christine Panushka, creating motion graphics. Her art mentors not only influenced her take on drawing, but her understanding of timing and form. Later in years, she videoed the band, Double D, for their shows in SXSW in Austin, later performing there herself as a spoken artist, and writer.

On a street corner in Austin, she met Brian Warner, a friend of her boyfriend at the time. The trio sang David Bowie and Clash tunes, playing a guitar, a drum, and Cathe's adept drumming on a guitar case was a joyful part of the event. Later she learned the cool friend turned out to be Marilyn Manson, who also became a huge influence for her writing and work. Motown, Kate Bush, Pete Townsend, and even Tchaikofvsky became the driving influences to her work for years after, and SXSW was an annual "music camp" for many seansons for the young artist. After an earthquake hit Los Angeles when Ms. Jones was herself a college professor in New Mexico, she took inventory of her dreams v. her reality. It was months later that she lost her relationship, yet ended up in San Francisco State University, studying jazz vocals with some of the best jazz artists in the States.

During most of this time, Cathe also worked as Cathe B, the stand up comedian, performing all over the country, in colleges in North America, and even in a talk show in Mexico. Her comedy led her to a gig with Pat & Mike's radio show with Premiere Networks. The radio stint also led her to more art and leadership opportunities. As she paid bills creating what would soon become the World Wide Web, she worked hard with music and with writing to be a full time performer. She studied with Avery Shreiber, Mina Kolb, and in Second City Santa Monica, (RIP). Somehow she ended up as a rat trainer, as well, lending her talents to bands for video work, and to Penn & Teller.

Through Penn and his close friend Kelli Kirkle, and through another friend, Dr. Jeannette Higgins, Cathe also met another musician whose talent not only astonished her but enticed her to learn from Mike Jones. Mike is now Cathe's husband and the two live happily in Las Vegas. Mike is the music director and jazz master (http://jonesjazz). Mike plays every night with Penn & Teller in Las Vegas, and Cathe works on her music in their home with their dog, cats, chinchillas, rats, a fish or two, and even a dustbunny, when she hasn't got around to find it.

Cathe B Jones, aka The Ratmando Band, is not only a skilled songwriter but has published books, most recently Godless Grief, a book of loss for Atheists. Her friendship with Denny Randell and Biddy Schippers led her squarely to the home of GIJams.com where her music resides today. She is grateful for all of the mentorship that her friends provide, and continues writing and recording. Her disease that led her from the Military is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The damage done by the work on ships, (as required by any member of the Armed Forces-" if it doesn't move paint it! If it moves, Salute it!"), to her bones and joints was long term. She does have hand, arm, leg and ankle supports. At times Mrs. Jones is confined to a wheelchair. Because of this, she no longer is able to perform full time, so the outlet GIJams.com offers has been fairly life saving!