Bryan Titus Trio

– BRYAN TITUS TRIO –

The Bryan Titus Trio played Fig Mountain brewery last Friday and brought the house down yet again. These guys rock. Hard. Post Modern Barndance hard. Their style is best described as Americana, a fusion of folk, bluegrass, rock, soul, and country done in their own unique way. The songs are infectious and get the crowd moving and shaking right from the first few notes. A mix of memorable originals ranging from offerings of pure and priceless love (“Ain’t Got”), to a celebration of burritos and those who make them (“Katerina”), and cleverly arranged covers such as Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire”, the Basement Tapes “Kansas City”, and Rufus and Chaka Kahn’s “Ain’t Nobody” (my personal favorite). The band is composed of incredibly talented individuals (Bryan Titus, Jeff Kranzler, and Dustin Janson) who just want to make great music and entertain the audience.

I caught up with the band at Fig Mountain Brewery, a favorite local spot located in the Funk Zone serving up a tasty menu of beers and offering live music every weekend, and in between people wanting to chat with them and thank them for their show, we chatted a bit about their origins and how music has shaped their lives.

Where are you originally from?

Bryan: (Me: whats up with the Massachusetts phone number?) I’m from there! I went to school in Boston, I was at Berklee school of music then moved to LA.

Jeff: I am an I Vee local… I even know the I Vee sign (shows me the I V L) hand sign.

Dustin: Grew up in Cincinnati.

What were your musical influences growing up?

B: My brother went off to teach in Japan after college and I inherited a box of tapes of classic rock bands like Jimi Hendrix, CCR, Stevie Ray Vaughn, the Beatles, the Doors. I’m actually listening to the Everly Brothers greatest hits in my car right now. By the way, did you know you can go to the Library and check out all sorts of music? It’s free! I had Bjork and Mississippi John Hurt in the car the other day. I love Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.

J: Punk was my first influence. There’s a DIY [do it yourself] effect to it that I liked. But I like everything… I am a music man

D: My family are all musicians. I grew up around all types of music.

When did you start playing music?

B: Started playing violin at 4, joined choir at 8, and joined the first rock band at 14.

J: I couldn’t not play music. I wanted a guitar since I was three years old. I never got one till I was 15 years old but I got a drum set at 13. I started playing drums in a band in junior high. I didn’t get a base until I was 26 or 27… I should have been on this instrument the entire time! This instrument encapsulates everything. So melodic and rhythmic.

D: I was seven when I started playing. I got my first drum kit when I was 16. I grew up playing piano with my dad then violin at 8. I was in choir from 9 all through college, I’m actually kind of a choir boy to tell you the truth (Me: aaaaah, yeeeaaah… ok)… Hahahahaa!!

Where do you see the band in five years?

B: Playing large venues like the Lobero, Granada, and SB Bowl!

J: Playing with Lyle Lovitt. (Me: Really?!). Yeah man, I think he’s a cool and interesting dude and he’d be fun to play with.

D: Top of the world hopefully man!

Would you eat a booger or a worm?

B: Oh I’d eat a booger anytime! I could eat one right now! I’m not a hardcore buddhist or vegetarian but let’s let the worm do it’s thing in the ground and do beneficial things in the ecosystem…. hahahaa!

J: Both (smiles)… get the worm and put the booger on top, maybe some balsamic vinegar on top (huge smile).

D: A worm, I’ve had worms down in Mexico!

The Bryan Titus Trio is one of the most active bands in the Santa Barbara music scene and you can probably catch them playing the funk zone and downtown on any given weekend. Do yourselves a favor and go see them if you have a chance, you will not be disappointed. Your soul and stomping feet will thank you and you will leave wondering where they’ll be playing next.