I recently caught wind of a funky group in Truckee/Tahoe. Downbeat started as a jam session in 2008 between some local friends and musicians. After a few months, the group added a second horn and keyboards. Then Emily Quinn came on board for lead vocals. Before they knew it, the seven-piece lineup — Quinn, Kevin Drake (alto and bari sax), Jesse Steele (trumpet), Matt Etchison (guitar), Todd Holway (keys/B3), John Jewett (bass), and Alex Dobbs (drums) — was formed.
Moonshine Ink caught up with saxophonist Drake to hear more.
Moonshine Ink: Who is Downbeat?
Kevin Drake: We are a seven-piece lineup including vocals and a horn section, and a sound quickly evolving from jazz-funk to funk-infused soul. Downbeat has talent, passion, and no big egos — a rare combination — and I am fortunate to be playing music with such great people who I consider friends first and band mates second.
MI: How would you describe your sound?
KD: Funk-infused soul. We’re doing our best to recreate the gritty sounds of the late ’60s and ’70s funk and soul era. We are becoming known for Emily [Quinn]’s soulful lead vocals, infectious grooves, thick horn harmonies, and tight break-beats that keep people dancing. It’s really fun because Downbeat has become a natural expression of the types of music we each are passionate about. And we feel we are filling a unique niche in the Tahoe/Truckee music scene.
MI: Do you perform original songs? If so, who writes them?
KD: We have a handful of original tunes but most of our tunes are covers. Most of our originals have started with lyrics written by Emily and a loose idea of the song’s form and feel. Then we workshop them as a band until we have something we’re happy with. Todd [Holway] has written a few originals and has played a key role in the arrangements. For our covers, we focus on uncommon songs that most people will not recognize and that really fit with the Downbeat sound.
MI: What is Downbeat’s signature flair? What can we expect out of a Downbeat show?
KD: Booty-shakin’ grooves, an old school sound, and lots of positive energy. You can also expect our look to fit our sound — vintage leisure suits and swanky cocktail dresses
