CBDB

We are still growing our local “Meet the Band” page on Tusk205.com. The idea is to have all the hard-working bands in the area listed so folks can get to know the artist before going to see them live. If you know of a band that's missing, let us know on facebook.com/tuskentertainment .

This week, we introduce you to local rock ‘n' rollers CBDB. Singer Cy Simonton tells us what “joyfunk” is all about.


Members:

Cy Simonton- Vocals, Guitar

Kris Gottlieb- Lead Guitar

Josh Rutherford- Bass

Glenn Dillard- Saxophone, Synthesizer

Donald DeLoach- Percussion

Paul Oliver- Drums



Band Bio: CBDB formed in June of 2011 after I saw Kris performing in a jazz trio at the Bear Trap. After discussing influences and aspirations, a rock bond was formed. From there, Kris's cousin Josh and friend Glenn were easy additions due to familiarity from playing with each other in their past band, Deep South Dread. Donald “Long Hair Don't Care” DeLoach had also played with me in past projects and was a quick fit. Paul played with Glenn in a band called Jackson Jones back in the day and was already a friend of ours. All of the pieces seemed to fit together pretty seamlessly.



Where did your band name come from?: CBDB just seemed to fit us. We are often asked to reveal the meaning, but the truth is it changes all the time. Some of our current favorites are: Crunchy B[r]itches Dig Bongos, Charter Bus Drive By, Cool Boogie Dance Bakery and Cy & the Billion Dollar Band. It's more fun to make up your own.



For someone who's never heard you, describe your sound: We call our sound “joyfunk.” It's the product of a group of players with incredibly diverse influences coming together with the goal of great improvisation and tight live rock shows. It's an intentional mesh of technical playing with more organic improvisation, wrapped up in good songwriting and catchy hooks. Joyfunk is always evolving and being pushed and pulled in different directions, either intentionally or just naturally.



What made you want to write and play music?: It's something that has always been inside of all of us. All I can remember is listening to albums, going to shows and dreaming about playing them myself one day. This is a perfect combination of friends and talent to make our go of it. And girls and money.



Who are your influences?: Paul Simon, Umphreys McGee, Dream Theater, Richard Bona, Steely Dan, The Funky Meters, Outkast, Jamiroquai, John Legend, Phish, Little Feat, MMW, Vulture Whale, Cake and Michael Jackson, to name a few.



What should people expect in your live show?: We try to create special moments between the crowd and the band. Patient playing and big ears can build soaring climaxes. That, with the crowd's energy, can just explode into rock dance frenzies. That is when it is fun. That's what makes it worth doing for us and worth coming back to for fans. Honest, passionate, in-the-moment playing.



Favorite venue to play in Tuscaloosa: All of them have their pros and cons, but we always have a lot of fun at The Booth. It is a really fun crowd that gets into the music and treats it like a rock ‘n' roll show.



Advice for newcomers to the Tuscaloosa music scene: Play a lot. Anywhere. Go to shows. Talk music with other musicians. Don't be a hater. Be original. No “Wagon Wheel.”



Best out of context lyric: “You know Gabbie. She's a parakeet. She's into home design. Just a baby bomb brush by with Ms. Too Fine.” –from “Slow Foxes”



Albums: “Phone. Keys. Wallet.” (Fall 2012).



Links: facebook.com/CBDB
music and @CBDBtweets. - tuscaloosanews.com