McCoy Tyler Band brings its unique ‘California country’ amalgam to The Crepe Place
“I’ve met my goal of getting out of Santa Cruz and spreading our wings,” McCoy Tyler says, reflecting on the two tours his eponymous band has completed so far this year. “We are playing lots of shows this August, and have shows booked up to November.”
The locally based band, which also features Chad Bowen (bass) and Clinton Brown (drums), is touring in support of its first and only album since forming in 2011—Cabin Fever Blues—and will make a stop at The Crepe Place on Aug. 16.
Cabin Fever Blues puts a fresh spin on the traditional rustic sounds of folk and country music, which the band classifies as “California country.” Songs like “Turn North” showcase the band’s depth with Tyler’s raspy vocals, deep echoing bass lines and nostalgic imagery, while the feel-good track “The Spring” has a refreshing simplicity to it.
“We just want to play music, and we hope that people enjoy the music that we create,” says Tyler, who serves as the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist.
The trio is currently focused on polishing its live show, but Tyler says he and his bandmates have plans to start working on a new record this winter. Bringing its unique sound to a wider audience is the ultimate goal, but the band has decided to take a more mellow approach.
“We became a band in a very natural way, and none of it has ever felt forced,” explains Tyler. “That’s the way I’ve always wanted my band to be, and I want us to continue to be that way.”
The McCoy Tyler Band will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 at The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. Tickets are $8. For tickets, call 429-6994.
