B and Not B play shows that sound like great mix tapes, each new tune evoking another classic pop band. David and Dusty sing adventurous melodies and interesting harmonies, with lyrics about bad luck, writer’s block, virtual worlds, dreams deferred, fruit preferences, arm-biting, and the planet Venus. Our trad rock instrumentation is sweetly augmented by trumpet and melodica, locating us just outside the neighborhood of our heroes.
Songwriter David Ricardo (DRB) started releasing his unfiltered five-songs-in-a-day demos at bandnotb.com a couple of years ago. When bassist and videographer Brad Robertson (Young Moderns, The Smart Set) urged David to get a band together for a one-time performance, there were dozens of good songs to choose from. Dan Caporale took a break from making electronic beats to rock some analog drums. Jamie Osborne, the central force behind the experimental SF band Whitey On The Moon, shook things up with his sometimes wild keyboard sounds. David’s trumpet work added another extra something to keep things fresh. That first show in late August 2008 was so fun that we decided to keep the band going.
With the addition of solo artist Dusty DiMercurio on backing vocals, guitar, and studio production, B and Not B is better than ever. We get people’s attention with energetic and fun live performances, and the songs leave a lasting impression on unsuspecting listeners. We just recently returned from our first tour of the Pacific Northwest, and will head south for another trip in the next few months. At home, we’ve played with top-notch groups such as My First Earthquake, Mist and Mast, and Blue Rabbit, and have sold out shows at places like SF’s classic Cafe du Nord.
Our first LP will be out soon — stay tuned!
B and Not B is…
- David Ricardo: songs, voice, right-handed guitar, trumpet, tequila
- Dusty DiMercurio: left-handed guitar, voice, studio production, tight jeans
- Brad Robertson: bass guitar, video production, wisecracks
- Dan Caporale: drums, scooters
- Jamie Osborne: keys, delays, doing the needful
