Music Spotlight: Cynthia McDonald & Bob Green

It’s Evansville is starting a new recurring feature that will spotlight local and regional musicians that are playing shows around Evansville. If you are a local musician, contact It’s Evansville editor Justin Williams to schedule your profile.

What’s the name of your group and what’s the origin of it?

Cynthia McDonald & Bob Green! We’ve never really come up with a name - since it’s just the two of us. My CD is titled, “Jazzafloozie”, so sometimes that’s how people refer to us. I guess Bob could be Jazz…I’m definitely a floozie.

How long have you been together?

We started working together about 3 years ago.

Who is in your group and what instruments do they play?

99.9% of the time it’s just Bob and I. On the CD we had Danny Erkman on drums and Matt Kincaid on guitar. We all performed together - along with either Jon Rochner or John Fickas on bass - just a couple of times. Bob plays piano, saxophone, flute and trumpet. I’m just the canary.

How did you get together?

I had never really performed before we met. I wanted to record a song for my parents for Christmas, and my friend Matt Clark referred me to Bob Green - he has a recording studio - Area 51 Music Studio - in Newburgh. I was so nervous going into the studio! Every time I went, I had to take a bottle of wine with me just to get relaxed enough to get in the booth. Bob is great to work with. He’s very easy going and so talented that to this day I am still in awe of him. He has a way about him that inspires me and boosts my confidence. Bob convinced me to record more than just one song, and Jazzafloozie was born.

What type of music do you prefer playing?

Standards, of course! Gershwin, Porter, Mercer, Ellington - the most beautiful music in the world!

What band do you most sound like?

Well, I love Diana Krall, Julie London, Peggy Lee, Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald. I love their style of singing. I have been told that I sound a little like Diana Krall, but I think I sound like me.

Where is the best place to play in town and why?

Since we don’t play college rock our venues in town are limited. As far as our favorite place to play - it’s probably a toss up between Firefly & Raffi’s. At Firefly we basically provide background music for diners. Raffi’s is a little more of a party atmosphere - so it’s a nice balance.

What is your favorite song to play live? Why?

Oh my - I don’t think I can pick just one. It changes with every performance and all depends on my mood. If I’m feeling spunky, then, “Is You Is (Or Is You Ain’t) My Baby would be on the top of my list. If I’m feeling moody or romantic, then it would be either, “Angel Eyes” or, “I Didn’t Know About You”. Bob’s saxophone sings so mournfully sweet on those last two that you can’t help but be carried away.

Who’s your favorite local band?

We gig on a regular schedule, so getting out to see other local bands is tough. However, if I can, I like to listen to Two Blue (Carl Rodenberg & Mike McKinney) and Hog Maw Blues Band.

What are your musical aspirations?

I just want to gig! I love doing this. My only aspiration is to keep improving and be able to make a living from performing. I’m not looking for a record deal or anything - I’m turning 50 in November - I don’t think I have the stamina to set my sights too high. We have a great online booking agent that gets us some great paying gigs (which usually requires travel). Just being on the road for a day or so is exhausting. I can’t imagine touring on a regular basis. I like my own bed too much.

Where can we see you play around town?

We’re on the road a bit through the end of this year, but you can catch us locally every other Wednesday at Raffi’s and Firefly. We’re performing for the Art For Life Benefit on November 16 in the Old National Bank Atrium and we will be at F’s in Newburgh on December 28 & 29.

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