Justin Fobes

Artist Information

Biography

Corey Johnson -- Bass, Vocals

Cory Johnson was born in Wurzburg, Germany. The influences on his musical life are such greats as; Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, Steve Harris and Ray Brown. Corey has played with the likes of Marcel Evans - lead singer of "The Original Drifters", Jabo Starks - Drummer for James Brown and B.B. King. He is currently playing with Quintessence, Urban Jazz Quartet, Los Gatos, and Sean Worrell and Friends. He has also opened for Wayman Tisdale, Taylor Dane, Kem Band and Rochelle Farrell, and even Chaka Khan. He has a B.A. Degree in Computer Network Technology.


Roland Cobbs -- Alto, Tenor, and Soprano Sax, Wind Controller, Vocals

Roland Cobbs, professionally known as Hot Sax, began his playing career at the age of 13, his instrument of choice was and still is the Saxaphone. After graduating from high school, Roland joined the United States Army Band where he was influenced by the Big Band Sound and Be Bop. After being noticed by his peers as a learned Musician, Roland began mastering the Saxaphone. Paying special attention to the sax masters, Roland began to "per-fect" his own style, incorporating the many differing styles of greats such as, Grover Washington, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Wilton Felton, and Stanley Turntine. From thence comes the sound profoundly known as Hot Sax.
After leaving the United States Army, Roland moved to Dallas, Texas and began working at a 50-60 club with a band called Happy Days backing up artists from the fifties and sixties eras including the Platters, The Dixie Cups, Frankie Ford, Lenny Welch, The Crickets, and Brian Hyland. In 1999 Roland moved back to Mobile, and steady gigged the Mississippi Gulf Coast Casinos, all the while honing his craft. Television came calling and Roland was asked to provide music for The Creative Cook, a weekly television show featuring two talented people, a gourmet chef and an accomplished and creative musician, Roland Cobbs --"Hot Sax".

Steven Jacobs -- Drums, Vocals

Having taken up the drums in eighth grade, Steven was self taught through his high school and early college years playing in local rock, r&b, and funk bands. After marrying, his interests gravitated to jazz and the music of New Orleans where his wife’s family resided. He began working toward a music degree at the University of South Alabama and studied privately with Harrell Bosarge in Mississippi and Johnny Vidacovich in New Orleans. Steven has been a clinician with the Jim Widner Big Band Jazz Camps and has continued to study and work as a free lance drummer based in Mobile, Al. He quotes his musical influences as including Astral Project, The Meters (both Original and Funky), and anything on which Steve Gadd has played.

Justin Fobes -- Songwriting, Guitar, Vocals

If you are looking for someone with the raw talent, energy, and charisma to command even the toughest crowd, then you are looking for Justin Fobes. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, Justin has been playing guitar since he was 10 years old. While other kids were learning the popular songs of the day, Justin was already crafting his own. By the age of 15, he had written over 30 songs, and by 18, he was playing at restaurants and events all along the Gulf Coast. After seven years of touring the southeastern United States opening for such acts as the Counting Crows, Live, and Don Henley, performing up to 307 shows a year! Justin Fobes now resides in Mobile, AL playing several nights a week, at the many attractions there. He's already played 259 shows in 2008 as of this writing with a goal of 370. While he's not busy with his duties as a Rockstar, Justin usually divides his time working on his recording projects and quality family time. To put a label on his music would be unfair. He is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who blends folk with rock and blues with pop. To date, Justin has released 4 albums and is currently working on a 5th project, due to be released in 2008. He has written, or co-written, over a hundred songs. His impressive guitar playing and powerful vocals merge to create a truly unique sound that McDaniel Wyatt of Skyscraper Magazine said "[has] echoes of Jeff Buckley's ambience, Rufus Wainwright's sincerity, and Peter Yorn's powerful delivery". Offering uniquely crafted songs that blend the sounds of folk, rock, blues and pop, Justin Fobes is truly an original.

The Justin Fobes Band has and will always be known for it's experienced professionalism and top shelf talent!

Instrumentation

Justin Fobes--Vocals/Guitar
Steve Jacobs -- Drums/Vocals
Corey Johnson -- Bass/Vocals
Roland Cobbs -- Alto, Tenor, Soprano Sax/Vocals

Discography

Noise Around Us 2001
Sketches Of Pain 2002
Crazy In Love EP 2004
The Justin Fobes Band 2007

Links

• The Justin Fobes Band
• The Justin Fobes Band on MySpace

Audio

• Four Leaf Clover (Justin Fobes Band)
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• Mary Go Round (Justin Fobes Band)
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• The Prince of Tides (Justin Fobes Band)
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• Ain't No Sunshine (Live JFB Sept. '07)
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• What's Goin' On (Live JFB Sept. '07)
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Lyrics

• Four Leaf Clover
• Mary Go Round
• The Prince of Tides

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Oasis Bar Show Review [+ Show ]
  

  Justin Fobes Band By Macdaniel Wyatt Skyscraper Magazine Fall 2002 Playing viscerally l...Justin Fobes Band
  
  By Macdaniel Wyatt
  Skyscraper Magazine Fall 2002
  
  
  Playing viscerally loud, but tempered by a subtle songwriter’s voice, the Justin Fobes Band fills the early slot (8.30 - 10.30 PM) at the Oasis every Tuesday.
  
  Taking the stage as though both haphazardly interested and seemingly focused, the trio trickles out their original compositions one by one. Though the audience is scarce, the music is vibrant and the applause genuine. As more patrons begin to fill the bar, the atmosphere becomes more lively, the band more exciting, and the music becomes looser.
  
  Unlike most bar bands in the local area, Fobes shines on originals, shying away from covers. Most of their sets feature only a couple of breaks from Fobes-composed songs. While most beer drinking patrons in the Birmingham area shun such acts, the Fobes band manages to wrangle in its fan-base completely through the strong songwriting of its leader. The usual death rattle for most bands that propose an "originals only" policy is not heard here, as this trio seems to be making a strong case for its future.
  
  Justin Fobes (formerly of Noise Around Us), the band’s namesake and de facto leader hurls his players into the first set. He’s back by bassist Brandon Peeples (of B and the Buzz) and drummer Chris Fryer (of Otiel and the Peacemakers) who by the third song in the set, “One to Blame”, have locked into a very funky strain of faint Hendrix, washed over by Fobes searing lead lines and ethereal melodies. Aside from the self-evident songwriting prowess, the pure ambience of the band is what is so impressive to listeners.
  
  A native of Mobile, AL, Fobes’ song selection offers the gentle strain of his past: Jimmy Buffet's “Biloxi” grants careful examination of Gulf of Mexico coastal culture. His traditional second set opener, a cascading version of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” interpolates his own “Prince of Tides”, and an ocean of reverb fills the room. The songs in both sets flow seamlessly into one another and the trio presents a definitive style.
  
  The current singer-songwriter movement in popular music appears to be the stomping ground of this band. Echoes of Jeff Buckley’s ambience, Rufus Wainwright’s sincerity, and Peter Yorn’s powerful delivery seep unanimously through their show. The seemingly literal “Mary Go Round” which as Justin puts it “is a song about a girl named Mary who got around,” offers his most tangible moment in the set.
  
  Despite the lack of crowd, the band persist without complaint, thanking the devotees for their attendance, and then launches into the ambient groove of “Last Chance in the City Tonight.”
  
  The songs range from the philosophical musings of “Persona Non Grata” to the start-stop rock of “Stop, Drop, and Roll” all without skipping a beat or falling out of style. The heart of this band is in its hard-work mentality, its no-apology delivery, and its songwriting skill that has established the reason that the guys appear every week at the Oasis.
  
  -Macdaniel Wyatt
  

• Justin Fobes plays Olde Auburn Ale House [+ Show ]
  

  Justin Fobes plays Olde Auburn Ale House Megan Lynch thecornernews.com Wednesday, March 2, 2005...Justin Fobes plays Olde Auburn Ale House
  
  Megan Lynch
  thecornernews.com
  Wednesday, March 2, 2005
  
  
  
  Olde Auburn Ale House is known for its tasty micro brews and true bar feel, but what about its music?
  
  Tucked away in a crevice behind Cheeburger Cheeburger, Olde Auburn Ale House sits quietly, serving as home for many outstanding, yet unknown musicians.
  
  Justin Fobes was the music on tap Wednesday night, Feb. 23.
  
  While he performed for the patrons and staff, he recorded the live session.
  
  Originally from Mobile, Fobes, 30, has been playing the bar scene for 19 years. He has also had the privilege of opening up shows for big name acts such as Live, The Counting Crows and Don Henley.
  
  However, throughout the last 13 years, Fobes has made the drive many times to the beautiful plains to showcase a piece of what he would call heaven.
  
  As Fobes stood on the small stage inside the walls of the local pub singing both original and cover pieces, his passion for music showed through.
  
  His good looks and exceptional vocals, a cross between Keller Williams and John Mayer, had each girl looking on with googly eyes. Yet, his ability on the guitar was so impressive that even the guys looked on with envy.
  
  As he performed a one-man act, he began looping his music making it sound as if you were right in the middle of a large band. His music blends the backgrounds of folk, rock, blues and pop, creating a very unique sound.
  
  Music has become second nature for Fobes. He began playing at the early age of 10. Throughout his career, his play list has grown to an impressive size.
  
  "I know 200 cover songs, but I prefer to play my own songs," Fobes said.
  
  But music for him has a deep and loving history.
  
  "My grandmother died of lung cancer and she spent her pain medication money to buy me a guitar. When she died I made a vow that I would play that guitar."
  
  Fobes strummed the night away on that very guitar.
  
  As a Sigma Chi at Springhill College, Fobes began publicly playing for fraternities. Now Fobes is taking his passion up a notch.
  
  "I am selling my house and buying a Winnebago so I can travel and play all around," Fobes said. "Playing music is who I am and what I do. I never want to have another job for the rest of my life."

• Justin Fobes: Thick Calluses, Good Chops [+ Show ]
  

  The first time I see sing`er-guitarist Justin Fobes, he’s playing at the Ball’s (sic) Out Spor...
  
  
  The first time I see sing`er-guitarist Justin Fobes, he’s playing at the Ball’s (sic) Out Sports Bar in Santa Rosa Beach, one of the last places I expect to hear live music. I assume people come here to watch a ballgame, but you know what they say about “assume.” My first impression of Fobes is that of a first-rate acoustic performer—one look at his well-worn guitar confirms it. But what I really marvel at is the level of intensity he displays even when he’s playing for a ridiculously small audience consisting of myself, the bar owners, and a guy who stopped in for a beer after work. The crowd would come later.
  
  Fobes arrived from Birmingham last November to join the Hog’s Breath Band. After six months, they had an amicable parting. “I discovered I could get more work outside of it,” Fobes says. “It’s been good for everybody. We’re still friendly.” Now Fobes plays at least five nights a week. “I’ve got really thick calluses,” he says proudly.
  
  He began playing for a living at 22 and took a few years off to work in a guitar store. He hasn’t had a day job since 2001. He stays busy with lots of solo gigs and keeps the Justin Fobes Band on call—a collective of “at this point, 22 drummers, five bass players, four other guitar players, a pair of female vocalists…whoever I can get.” Fobes is also part of a new band with Black Eyed Blonde’s Dan Collins—together, they host the Monday night jam at Fudpucker’s Art Bar. And while we’re on the subject of jamming, Fobes also sits in with Cadillac Willy on occasion.
  
  Fobes’s set list offers the usual favorites—crowd-pleasing beach anthems, Grateful Dead and other ‘60s standards—along with plenty of wild card choices. “I look at the crowd and try to imagine what they want,” Fobes says. “I know hundreds of songs. I started playing guitar so I could write songs. I had bands that did original songs, but around here people don’t care that much about stuff they haven’t heard. I’m okay with that—it helps me keep my chops up.” He does a moody and introspective version of Dylan’s All Along the Watchtower—his vocal range is amazing without really calling attention to it.
  
  At Ball’s Out Fobes plays an original, Stop, Drop and Roll. When I was a kid that was a catch phrase from a Dick Van Dyke fire-safety public service commercial. In Fobes’s hands, it’s a sex-drenched romp that finds room for some good Santana-flavored guitar. At least that’s the comparison the guy at the bar throws out. To me, it could almost be a tribute to Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian. When I get around to asking about his guitar style, Fobes informs he that he “wanted to be Bill Frissell when he grew up.” He should hook up with Lyndsey Battle, another huge fan of the jazz guitarist, if he can fit one more side project into his schedule.
  
  Monday I catch Fobes at Fudpucker’s. He’s singing and playing electric guitar with Collins on bass and Duane Mays, a first-rate drummer. The band doesn’t have a name yet, and the music ranges from spacey fusion to flat-out bluesy. With his skills in high demand, it’s hard to say where Fobes will turn up next. You can keep tabs on this restless musician at www.justinfobes.com.
  

• Justin Fobes Band [+ Show ]
  

  Justin Fobes Band Date: Wednesday, July 11 at 9 p.m. Venue: Metropolitan Groove Martini Bar, 5...Justin Fobes Band
  
  Date: Wednesday, July 11 at 9 p.m.
  
  Venue: Metropolitan Groove Martini Bar, 5821 Old Shell Rd., 344-9914
  
  Tickets: FREE
  
  The WeMo martini bar Metropolitan Groove has become quite the venue for local musicians. Justin Fobes returns to Met Groove with his own brand of local rock for the public.
  
  Fobes has been working on his craft from an early age. He picked up the guitar at the age of 10, and it wasn’t long until he began composing original music.
  
  His sound allowed him to open for such acts as Don Henley, Live and Counting Crows.
  
  Fobes classifies his music as a mix between "folk, rock, blues and pop." In its locomotive beats and steady strums, he shows excellent vocal control with his song "4 Leaf Clover."
  
  Fobes can also slow it down as seen in "The Prince of Tides Etude" and should be a perfect soundtrack for the Met Groove martini scene.
  
  

• The Metropolitan Groove [+ Show ]
  

  "Here at the Met Groove we are really fortunate to have awesome talent like the JFB. We feel like p..."Here at the Met Groove we are really fortunate to have awesome talent like the JFB. We feel like people enjoy our live music concept along with our positive vibes, and the JFB is great for both!", says Matt Allen, Owner of the Metropolitan Groove Martini Bar in Mobile, AL.

• Diamond [+ Show ]
  

  "The Justin Fobes Band is a Diamond in a market known for mediocre talent. His songwriting is great..."The Justin Fobes Band is a Diamond in a market known for mediocre talent. His songwriting is great, his band is comprised of amazing players and they carry themselves with class and a professionalism not seen around here. When I have free time I personally seek out the Justin Fobes Band for the quality entertainment I'm seeking."
  
  -A.J. Niland, CEO Huka Entertainment

• Great Bowl of Gumbo [+ Show ]
  

  The Justin Fobes Band, mixture of Blues, Jazz, and Rock is like a great bowl of Gumbo mixed just rig...The Justin Fobes Band, mixture of Blues, Jazz, and Rock is like a great bowl of Gumbo mixed just right. A lot of flavor with just the right amount of spice!
  
  -Bo Boshart, Mgr., Seven Bar and Nightclub

• An intense blend of folk and funk [+ Show ]
  

  Justin has found the perfect backing band to support his highly technical and emotional style of pla...Justin has found the perfect backing band to support his highly technical and emotional style of playing. The four piece shells out an intense blend of folk and funk, with lyrical content that forces the listener to think as well as feel this music.
  
  -Ryan Balthrop, Lead Singer, Loose Cannons, Hatch, Slow Moses, The Burning Sensations

• Incredible Positive Feeling [+ Show ]
  

  "Justin gives the crowd an incredible positive feeling when he plays." "...he just makes you fe..."Justin gives the crowd an incredible positive feeling when he plays."
  
  "...he just makes you feel good!"
  
  -Shannon Harley, Liquid Lounge

Setlist

SONGLIST - Covers
Van Morrison - And It Stoned Me; Moondance; Brown Eyed Girl
Bob Marley - No Woman No Cry; Redemption Song
The Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun; Kiss Off
Pure Prarie League - Amy
The Beatles - Why Don't We Do It In The Road; Rocky Racoon; While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville; A Pirate Looks At Forty; Why Don't We Get Drunk And Dance; Biloxi; Brown Eyed Girl; The Wino and I Know; Tin Cup Chalice
R.E.M. - The One I Love; Driver Eight
The Eagles- Take It Easy
Tommy Tutone - 867-5309
Rick Springfield - Jesse's Girl
Scoobie Doo - Theme Song
Widespread Panic - Coconuts
The Dave Matthews Band - What Would You Say; All Along The Watchtower
The Rolling Stones - Waiting On A Friend
Hank Williams Junior - Family Tradition; Dinosaur
Fuel - Had A Bad Day Again; Shimmer
Confederate Railroad - Trashy Women
Dave Mason - All Along The Watchtower; Feeling All Right
Waylon Jennings - Dukes of Hazard Theme Song
Michelle Shocked - The L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore
Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone
Wilson Pickett - Mustang Sally
Phish - Chalkdust Torture
Eagle Eye Cherry - Save Tonight
Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower; Little Wing
Bob Dylan - Lay Lady, Lay; Knocking on Heaven's Door; All Along the Watchtower
David and David - Swallowed By The Cracks
Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues
The Allman Brothers Band - Midnight Rider; Sweet Melissa
Billy Pilgrim - Insomniac
Fast Ball - The Way
Toby Keith - Should've Been A Cowboy
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Breakdown
Stevie Ray Vaughn - Mary Had A Little Lamb; The Oreo Cookie Blues; Life By The Drop
Rusty Brown Car - Never Seen A Bitch (Could Eat This Much); I Like To Sing, I Like To Screw
Dryvin' N Cryin' - Straight To Hell
The Grateful Dead - Brown Eyed Women (Red Grenadine); Franklin's Tower; A Friend Of The Devil; Deep Ellum Blues; I Know You Rider; Iko-Iko (Women Are Smarter)
Little Feat - Willin'
Michael Penn - Romeo In Black Jeans
Eric Clapton - Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out; Wonderful Tonight; Before You Accuse Me
Joe Cocker - Feeling All Right
Jack O Pierce - Late Shift; Vinyard; Dear John; Free
Rain; Get To Know Me Better
Alabama - My Home's in Alabama; Dixieland Delight
Tonic - If You Could Only See
The Byrds - Love The One You're With
Ween - Voodoo Lady
Jerry Reed - Eastbound and Down
Jane's Addiction - Jane Says
Robert Palmer - Addicted To Love
Steppenwolf - Magic Carpet Ride
Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In The Dark
Traditional - Jumbalaya
Train - Meet Virginia
Ben E. King - Stand By Me
Stones - Start Me Up
I Melt With You - Modern English
The One I Love -- REM
Whats goin on - Marvin Gaye


SONGLIST - Justin Fobes Original Music
Crawl
Daddy's Little Girl
Four Leaf Clover
It's Okay
Last Chance (In The City Tonight)
Merry Go Round
Nothin' 'Bout Nothin
Persona Non Grata
Stop, Drop, And Roll
Take a Ride
The One To Blame
The Best I'd Ever Have
The Prince Of Tides (Pony Ride)
The Rain Falls (I'm Burning)
This Ain't No Song
This Time Of Year
Too Much
When You Love, You Love
Time To Fly Away
Alone Again
I'm Here Now
When I Close My Eyes
On My Way Back
Wooden Horse
Spin Out Below
Divise It By Three
If I Were You
Subject To Change

The Justin Fobes Band List:

Van Morrison - And It Stoned Me; Moondance; Brown Eyed Girl
Bob Marley - No Woman No Cry; Redemption Song
The Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun; Kiss Off
Pure Prarie League - Amy
Rocky Racoon
Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville; A Pirate Looks At Forty
Tommy Tutone - 867-5309
Rick Springfield - Jesse's Girl
Scoobie Doo - Theme Song
Widespread Panic - Coconuts
The Dave Matthews Band - What Would You Say
Fuel - Shimmer
Dave Mason - All Along The Watchtower; Feeling All Right
Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone
Percy Sledge - Mustang Sally
Eagle Eye Cherry - Save Tonight
Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower; Little Wing
Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues
The Allman Brothers Band - Sweet Melissa
Fast Ball - The Way
Toby Keith - Should've Been A Cowboy
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Breakdown
Stevie Ray Vaughn - Mary Had A Little Lamb; The Oreo Cookie Blues
Dryvin' N Cryin' - Straight To Hell
The Grateful Dead - Franklin's Tower; A Friend Of The Devil; Deep Ellum Blues; I Know You Rider; Iko-Iko (Women Are Smarter)
Little Feat - Willin'
Eric Clapton -Wonderful Tonight; Before You Accuse Me
Joe Cocker - Feeling All Right
Alabama - Dixieland Delight
Tonic - If You Could Only See
The Byrds - Love The One You're With
Jane's Addiction - Jane Says
Traditional - Jambalaya
Train - Meet Virginia
Ben E. King - Stand By me
I Melt With You - Modern English
The One I Love -- REM
Whats goin on - Marvin Gaye
Move By Yourself -- Donovan Frankenrider
See the World -- Gomez
Better Together -- Jack Johnson
Saw Her Standing There -- Beatles

Basic Requirements

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