Listen Locally: Cash'd Out

 

 

Nothing makes ya feel alright like a Saturday evening, cozying up at the Casbah with a glass of whiskey, being serenaded by the deep, dirty sweet voice and rockabilly tunes of San Diego’s own Cash’d Out.

 

Johnny Cash is a legend that most couldn’t and wouldn’t try to touch with a cover song for fear of being struck down in their all-black attire. However there are exceptions to the rule. Cash’d Out is regarded as THE JC tribute band, and being based in San Diego makes them fair play for the Listen Locally weekly feature. They play all over the country and are hired for events and parties due to their wide appeal with audience young, old and in-between. Cash’d Out keeps it real, playing all the local San Diego haunts and they’ve been known to cause venues to hit record bar sales when they play. 

 

In 2004 Douglas Benson and Kevin Manuel found each other through an ad in the SD Reader, looking to start a Johnny Cash tribute band. Since then the group remains dedicated to paying homage to the legendary Man in Black and bringing forth his songs that are not as publicly recognized.   As could be imagined when they first came together they needed some time to get well-acquainted with any and every piece of Johnny Cash music they could. By January 2005 they started playing live and their bona fide sound has been earning credibility and gaining popularity ever since. Cash’d Out’s talent and intensity earned them Best Cover/Tribute Band at the 2008 San Diego Music Awards.

 

Let’s meet the fellas: Front man (in black) Douglas Benson, hometown San Diego, CA. He has been listening to Johnny Cash since forever and his voice gives you goose bumps in its likeness to the Man himself, nuf said. Stand-up bass player, Sean Glithero, a native San Diegan who’s played bass for 20 years. Interestingly enough Sean wasn’t always into honkey tonk, he used to play ska and reggae with various other music groups before joining the Cash’d Out effort. Kevin Manuel, lead guit-box and harmonica player, he grew up on Johnny Cash records from his parent’s collection and has an affinity for all things from the 50’s-60’s era. Drummer, Andy Robillard has a robust list of credits of bands he’s played in and or recorded with (over 20 SD bands alone I counted!). 

 

The effect of Cash’d Out doesn’t stop with their authentic sound, it’s apparent there is striking resemblance between Johnny Cash & the Tennessee Three to Cash’d Out. Looking and dressing the part plays a role in their effect that connects you with what their playing and who it came from. Check out their website and myspace page, seems to be a very genuine and cool vibe about these guys you kind of fall in love each of them… www.cashdout.com.

 

 

The Rumblers are a true-blue rockabilly band out of Ramona. With songs like “Jump back Jack” and “Man eatin’ mama,” these boys will take you back to the good ol’ days and keep your shoulders shimmyin’. Looks like The Outsiders (Greasers not Socs) and names like Benny Boy, G Man, Chris the shades and Natt Man, The Rumblers www.myspace.com/rumblerock are a great opener for Cash’d Out and it’s happening at the Casbah, it’s a no-brainer for a good time.