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Band Biography
Strange Neighbors consists of Dustin Cobb (vocals, guitars, synthesizers, mandolin and percussion), Ryan Summers (drums and percussion), Sam Doak (bass), Nic Doak (guitars), and Alan Sweet (vocals and percussion).
Strange Neighbors is rock-n-roll from the word go. A dance floor full of sweaty people is always the goal once this band sets in motion and they will stop at nothing to make sure that happens. Alan Sweet, the lead singer, has a tone and a presence about him that breaks down the barrier between the audience and the band. This helps the audience feel the bands love for the music and then it's on!
"Strange Neighbors is not easily defined into one musical category; they utilize many styles to create a fusion that works well together." Shabazz Bros - March, 2005
The band's material successfully combines elements from many styles of popular music with one common theme; it all makes you wanna dance. For instance the song "Real Good Dancer", a song written in tribute to the fans that dance to the Strange Neighbors, combines a lightning quick ska guitar rhythm with an amazing dance club like drum beat. The song is then narrated to the audience with a tongue twistingly quick harmony laced vocal line that's locked up tight with a running bass riff that never seems to stop; until that magic moment in the chorus arrives where the band and the fans alike stop and scream, "Damn, you're a Real Good Dancer!" This is immediately punctuated with a driving rock-n-roll guitar solo that takes the band soaring up to new levels. Many other Strange Neighbors songs combine influences ranging from; reggae to R&B, funk, blues, folk, jazz and even a little bluegrass, all the while maintaining that unique "Strange Neighbors" sound.
The band spreads their music throughout the United States on their own private label, Passion Flower Records. Strange Neighbors' discography contains 2 full-length studio albums and countless live recordings available for sale on this web site or in music stores around the Midwest. A new studio album is due to be released this spring.
Dustin Cobb Biography
Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizers, Mandolin, Piano, and Percussion
Dustin, a founding father and songwriter of the Strange Neighbors, has been with the band since its birth in 1994. As a self-taught musician Dustin has developed a unique playing style on a variety of stringed instruments. His list of guitar player and song writer influences is long and rich in diversity containing names such as John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Dickey Betts, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Ted Nugent, Leo Kotke and Paul Simon. Naturally a left hander, Dustin plays right handed guitar seemingly effortlessly with an ease that you might associate with someone chuckling at a joke or telling a story.
"Many times through out the set Dustin's lightning fast right hand left the audience drawn in at attention, whooping out their approval at his solos!" Live Show Review - September, 2002
Although Dustin started writing poetry and stories from the age of 7, it wasn't until Dustin was 18 that he started playing guitar. Already familiar with the flow and rhythm of verse he began composing songs shortly there after. One year later he formed his first band, "The Chopper's Club Band." This band is where he met up with his current drummer and comrade at arms, Ryan 'Chico' Summers, the rhythm mastermind behind the Strange Neighbors sound and also one of the bands' founding members.
When Dustin is not performing with the Strange Neighbors he can be found around the Quad-Cities (Iowa/Illinois) either working in his studio, recording and producing his own music or recording albums for other regional musicians. Frequently he can be seen playing lead guitar, banjo or mandolin with Jordan Danielsen in The Danielsen and Cobb Band or performing his own solo sets on acoustic guitar. Through the years of playing with the Strange Neighbors, Dustin has performed with many other side project bands. This list includes: Seven Feet of Hair, The Big G, Two Beers Loose, The Great Space Coasters and Language earth.
Ryan 'Chico' Summers Biography
Acoustic/Digital Drums and Percussion
Ryan 'Chico' Summers, a founding member and drummer for the Strange Neighbors has been with the band since it's birth in 1994. Chico's innovative mix of acoustic and digital drums, incorporated with his open-minded polyrhythmic percussion technique, has earned him a reputation as an innovator in his field. His influences include bands like The Red-Hot Chili Peppers, The Grateful Dead, Phish, and Rush.
"Ryan Summers' original approach to the drums gives the Strange Neighbors 'Sound' a unique defining edge." Tulsa Music News - February, 1998
Chico's first band, Disturbed Youth, was a tribute to heavy metal and chaos. This band is where Ryan was dubbed 'Chico', a nick name given to him for a thin little mustache he wore to get beer underage at local stores. Two years later he joined up with his new friend, Dustin Cobb who had an original rock band called The Choppers Club Band. This was the beginning of his long time friendship and musical relationship with Dustin and also the beginning of the evolution that would become the Strange Neighbors.
When Chico's not performing with the Strange Neighbors he can be seen playing percussion around the Quad-Cites with a band called Justin Morrisey and Friends or spending time on the river with his wife Michelle and daughter Ariel.
Alan Sweet Biography
Lead Vocals, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar
Alan Sweet, a native to the Quad Cities, was born and raised on the Blues. These heavy Blues and R&B influences along with his theatre experience make themselves evident in his performances. Alan carries a presence out onto the stage that demands an audience's attention as his voice projection along with his energetic hand motions help punctuate every dynamic revolution of a song and its lyrics. His comfort and ease on stage breaks down the barrier between the band and the audience allowing them to feel the love.
"A true entertainer, blessed with the voice of an angel" Rock Island Argus - June, 2004
As an avid songwriter Alan ads yet another unique style to the Strange Neighbors 'Sound'. His originals have a flare all their own but could be described best as being somewhere between Otis Redding and Ben Harper with a heavy dose of James Brown.
When Alan is not playing with the Strange Neighbors, he can be seen performing with local theatre companies or frequenting open mic jams. He is also currently working on a side project with Zack Harris which will feature Alan on both Bass Guitar and Acoustic Guitar.
Sam Doak Biography
Bass Guitar
Sam brings bass like its never been brought before to Strange Neighbors. With deep rumbling lows and distinct grooves that lock up with Chico's poly-rhythmic drum style. The Neighbors sound is balanced on this rhythm section. His solid execution and rich tone afford the Strange Neighbors a much more prominent bass presence in their music mix than most other jam bands. Coming from a family with a broad musical background Sam draws influences from all styles of music. Currently bands such as Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, the Brothers Johnson, and Gov't Mule top his list of influences.
Playing bass since the age of 15 Sam has had many opportunities to play different types of music. At age 18 he joined Chrash, led by ex Trip-Master Monkey front man Chrash Burnout. Since then Sam has been in several jam bands with his brother Nic, theses bands have all played a part in the development of that "Doak Brother's" sound. Sam has also spent time playing with jazz bands expanding his musical horizon's. Recently he performed with the orchestra for Ghost Light Theatre Production's. When Strange Neighbors isn't playing Sam can usually be found playing bass with the Danielsen and Cobb band or The Great Space Coasters.
Nic Doak Biography
Rhythm and Lead Guitar
Nic grew up in an environment plush with great music. He used this exposure to shape a unique sound for himself. Recordings from Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, John Scofield, John McLaughlin, and Jeff Beck have helped Nic find his tone and playing style, a style that is best described as a combination of super greasy rhythms and lyrically phrased solos played with a Bruce Lee attitude.
Nic polished his skills playing for Midwestern acts such as Siiva, Cap'n Skunk and the Fried Funk, and Ice Cold Son. Nic's been playing music since the age of 10, first as a bass player with his father's band then eventually switching to the six string at the age of 18. As one of the newest members of the Strange Neighbors Nic has carved himself a niche with his unforgettable guitar melodies and his soaring solo's.
Musician History
Strange Neighbors would like to pay tribute to all the brother and sisters who have played with the band throughout the years, even if only for a short time, and those who still make guest appearances. Thank you for your love and energy!
A.J Stiels - Bass
B.J. Jaggers - Guitar
Brandon Loveless - Bass
Charles Block - Trumpet
Chuck Osborne - Keyboards & Harmonica
Corey Simmons - Bass
Dave Christensen - Organ, Piano & Clav
Eric 'Edub' Wilson - Percussion & Drums &Vocals
Eric Benish - Tenor Sax
Eric Sparks - Percussion
George Shultz - Vocals
Heidi Sallows - Vocals & Percussion
Jeremy Hollister - Bass
JJ Jones - Flute, Vocals
Joe Manley - Guitar
Joey Sawyer - Bass, Guitar & Vocals
Jordan Danielsen - Guitar & Vocals
Justin Morrissey - Percussion
Kevin Boyd - Guitar
Larry Miller - Guitar, Mandolin
Manuel Lopez Jr. - Keyboards, Percussion, Drums & Vocals
Mike Scott - Guitar
Rich Wilcox - Electric Violin
Serena Dorter Whittmer - Vocals
Susan Lortz - Vocals & Alto Sax
Terry Wallace - Vocals & Percussion
Todd Swartz - Vocals, Harmonica
Will Gustafson - Bass & Guitar