Downright
Downright is a funk-influenced rock/pop band that formed in 1999 in Tuscaloosa at weekly jams at 4th and 23rd hosted by former Vova Nova drummer Mark Lanter and keyboardist Matt DeVine, both graduate music students at the University of Alabama. After about a year of playing together, they added guitar and bass player Steve Lewis and saxophonist Gary Wheat. The band went through several name changes early on, performing as The Grooves, King Cake, The New Originals, The Originals, Space Cake, and finally Downright in March 1999.
Shortly after their first, self-titled CD was released, saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist Kevin Cowart joined the group, replacing Wheat. Other side players have included Jay Frederick, Chris Friar, Michael Glaser and Steve Ramos. The Dammittohell Horns consist of Rob Alley, Chad Fisher, Omari Thomas and Wheat.
The band promoted the loosely-defined "Downright movement" as part of their mission to spread good feelings and enjoyment. Among Downright's notable shows were opening for Rod Stewart and a famous New Year's show at The Arena for which they covered the Beastie Boys entire Check Your Head album. Downright became a trio after Cowart left. Lewis and DeVine play together an alternate two-man lineup known as Guerilla Downright at smaller week-night gigs.
The group lost some momentum in 2005 as the members became involved in other projects, such as DeVine's Incestet. Downright reunited on May 17, 2007 for a benefit concert for City Stages at WorkPlay.
Discography
- Downright, November 2000, recorded mostly live at Bates Brothers Recording Studio
- Hidden Agenda 2002
References
- Cobb, Mark Hughes (February 9, 2001) "Band swings out to obscure." Tuscaloosa News.
- Jones, Emily (September 19, 2001) "Downright Funky." The Crimson White.
- Peek, Cindy (December 13, 2002) "Band on the Run: Downright." Birmingham News.