Colby Dobbs Band – June 24, 2011
| Steve Says: | Jodi Says: | |
| Wow! That is my initial gut reaction to my experience of a live show by Colby Dobbs Band. I thoroughly enjoyed the sound this band produced for the side stage area in the Neighborhood Theatre. They headlined this night, and fully showed they deserved to be a headliner. Now, I will admit, my musical tastes tend to be generally within the progressive rock, hard rock, heavy metal arena, with appreciation for other genres. Colby Dobbs Band, they are create a modern version of the 70s jazz-rock sound. I definitely heard influences from Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. Adding to that, I believe I heard some more modern influences from bands like Maroon 5 or Sublime. During the first part of the show, the drummer (Dan Lawlor) encountered some equipment failure and had to make some adjustments to his snare. During that time, instead of rambling and having the audience deal with a lapse of music, Colby Dobbs (lead vocalist and keyboardist) broke into an impromptu cover of Paul McCartney. Keeping the music flowing and the audience fully entertained is obviously a key focus of this band. Their smooth sounds are rounded out with fantastic baselines maintained by David Sentendry and with Matt Sztyber creating melodic sounds and great riffs on lead guitar. All throughout the show, I noticed the band communicating with one another through gestures and quick words, constantly adjusting and keeping the songs and sound flowing and rocking. It is obvious that this group is serious about what they do and their goal is creating amazing music that will appeal to a lot of people. This is a true band and even tho Colby Dobbs is the leader of the band, the band definitely works together and gels as a single band, not just good musicians playing together. This was a band I look forward to seeing again. Great musicians, flowing together as one, generating a refreshing sound and experience for the audience. |
    
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The Colby Dobbs Band consists of Colby on keyboards and lead vocals, Dan Lawlor on drums, bass player David J. Sentendrey and Matt Sztyber on guitar. We noted on the post for the show that the band sounded a bit like Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and Maroon 5. This is not untrue. I was happily surprised that really, I did feel like I was at a Steely Dan concert. Colby’s voice is astounding. Right at first, I scoured the stage wondering who was singing, because it sounded, at first impression, of a female artist. However, I quickly realized that the wondrous vocals came from the keyboardist. After a few songs, a set mishap took place (I believe a drum head needed to be replaced), and instead of talking to the crowd or hem-hawing as some acts have done, Colby quickly launched into a Paul McCartney song while the drummer went back stage to fix things. The musicianship of this band is excellent, they play together well and listen to each other. The unique sound they create is very much that 70’s sound similar to Steely Dan and yet also of their own making. I really love the keyboard work, the sustain was used occasionally but not overused. This band has a very solid sound. Colby’s voice is distinctive in a good way, you can understand what he’s singing and feel the emotion behind the songs. I like the way they setup on stage so that Colby could face the band, or turn and face us, depending on the song. These guys have something and if you have the chance, definitely see them live! |
