Started here in Tuscaloosa, CBDB is a band unique in that it created its own genre—Joyfunk. Blending funk, jam, rock and a heavy dose of saxophone, Joyfunk is one-of-a-kind.
The band itself doesn’t even define their music traditionally, saying on their website that it’s “that back and forth between the crowd and the band…when everybody’s into it and dancing and completely in the moment.”
However you define CBDB’s music, there’s no denying the diversity of its roots. One of the most prominent of these is jam rock, characterized by lengthy improvisation and made famous by bands such as Widespread Panic, Phish and the Grateful Dead. Whereas these predecessors are laid back and sometimes boring, CBDB injects a youthful vigor in their jams, highlighted in songs like “Pschabango” and “Numbers”, both from their second album, the facetiously named “Joyfunk is Dead.” The instruments used for these solos are varied and include primarily saxophone, guitar and keyboard. Although sometimes the jams grow repetitive, for the most part their creativity and breadth of style keep the listener interested.
The funk for which Joyfunk is named is responsible for much of the group’s singular sound and appeal. “Smashed Avocados” has a bass-line and synthesizer that could have come from the “Napoleon Dynamite”soundtrack, while “Fun Run” has a chorus that sounds like a Michael Jackson tune, and other songs like “Slow Foxes” have elements of the Southern Californian funk of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Consistent amongst this myriad of funk is CBDB’s characteristic saxophone—the key part of their groovy sound.
The joy of Joyfunk comes out through the way the band plays their music; the lead singer, Cy Simonton, is the best example of this with his energetic singing and stage presence. A standout from their second album, “New Eyes” epitomizes the band’s carefree sound with its whimsical beat reminiscent of the indie band Vampire Weekend. The driven “Numbers” is fast-paced and another example where the band’s passion shines in their music.
As if there wasn’t enough diversity in their work already, CBDB dabbles in other genres with songs like “Caroline” from their first album, “Phone.Keys.Wallet,” which is distinctly country, or “Cucuburr”, an instrumental electronic beat. Another is the gem “7 Seas”, a laid back tune with a film noir style horn.
With the many styles present in CBDB’s music, there’s almost sure to be something that appeals to listeners. When the energy of their live performances is also considered, they become a band with a lot of potential to grow and become more popular. You should definitely check them out, and if you’re really enjoying the Joyfunk, come to their show at the Druid City Music Hall on Sept. 19.
