Featured Artist - Chinese Dentist (updated 10/26/02)
druidcityonline.com your guide to Tuscaloosa, Alabama and the Deep South

Chinese Dentist (Dave Cheek-bass, Bo Hicks-vocals/percussion, Rusty Kyzer-drumset, Paul Losavio-guitar/vocals, Chris Johnson-sax/vocals) may have started as a cover band, but it ended up as something original.

Two years after forming during Open Mic Night at Hale's Tavern, the band has built a healthy local following, and found support at other venues around the Deep South. Now, the Dentist is adjusting to new player. Former drummer Eli Jordan is out and pursuing his television photojournalism career. New drummer Rusty Kyzer is in. Kyzer has seen the inside of Tuscaloosa's club scene before, previously beating the skins for Red Label Revolver. Kyzer definitely brings a different kick, but still true to the heavy groove Dentist sound.

"We started playing on porches, but now we've toured enough and are building a following." says drummer Bo Hicks.

And that includes a recent gig in downtown Huntsville at Tavern of the Square. The Tavern is a small club ... perhaps smaller than Egan's. But anyone who's ever seen the Woggles at Egan's can attest for the vibe a small room can generate. Losavio says it may have been their best gig ever.

Chinese Dentist is also finding support in Lousisana, where they draw a little attention from Losavio's hometown of Baton Rouge. In T-town, they've played most every bar on the Strip and downtown.

"It's fun anywhere people like to dance. That adds to the show's energy. Our music is a lot about crowd involvement. Dancing brings more fuel to the fire." says Losavio.

Kyzer's time in Red Label Revolver brings the Dentist another level of national touring experience. That experience couples well with saxist Chris Johnson, who got a good dose of the regional and national circuit during his run with the former local punk legends Pain. Chinese Dentist gained its first bit of major exposure after being the featured act on Fox 6's 'Good Morning Alabama.' They still even show up in a commercial once in a while.

"Yeah, we got to jam with Mickey Ferguson (Fox 6 weatherguy). I even sang a song about the weather with him!" says Losavio.

Link to the band's official website !

Featured Artist - Chinese Dentist
heavy jazz/rock from Tuscaloosa, AL

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