Ricky
Cobian
"I'm
interested in everything that gets me
closer to striking those harmony chords
with my Earthmates."
When
did you start playing music and what made you start?
First
recollection of music was at 2 or 3
years old - the cha-cha, the booty
moving latin rhythms going on in my
southern California upbringing. Then BAM,
the Beatles. I had to get a Beatle
wig and some Beatle boots. I was set.
I just needed an instrument. That wouldn't
come till later. I still needed to
go through Motown, The Stones, Creedence
Clearwater, James Brown, Santana, Van
Morrison, Joni Mitchell, everybody,
before I could get my hands on some
drums.
Things that should be mentioned: The Real Don Steele Show, American Bandstand, Soul Train, all big influences. Seeing Rufus on American Bandstand exposed me to the beauty of raw she-funk. I go to extreme measure to not mention "Huggy Boy" a local L.A. show that I did watch once or twice.
One other huge influence that deserves mention is a local L.A. band El Chicano.
I was about 10 and saw them at Santa Monica College putting down a Latin feel
to classic Rock and Jazz standards. Around the same time, I was profoundly moved
and inspired by the Latin soul of the great José Feliciano.
Last but not least I need to give mention to Javier Lopez, a childhood friend who still today is one of the most gifted musicians I know. This cat can play drums, guitar, he sings and even dances. A very big influence.
How
long have you played with Jupiter Hollow?
I was playing a show at Chez Ray's with Stone Cold Jazz when approached by Jupiter Hollow to sit in on a couple of showcase shows they had coming up. I fell in love with them. That was in 2001.
What
were some of your most memorable gigs?
Always the most recent show. Every show is always more of the band stepping up. We just take up where we left off.
What
other bands and musicians have influenced
or inspired you?
How can I list them all? Blacks, Browns, Whites, Reds, & Yellow musicians that have ever expressed those universal harmony chords that have made their way to my soul.
OK, a small list: Joni Mitchell, Santana, Van Morrison, Jethro Tull, The Who, The Doors, The Stones, Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder, Allman Brothers.
What's
the last thing you listened to?
I'm listening to Eddie Harris "It's
Alright Now."
What
are your other interests besides music?
Good food, grog and spirits with friends and family.
|
