Woodward, Oklahoma, is home to The Cash Carrico Band, a group of longtime friends whose shared love for music has evolved into a dynamic and soulful act. The band consists of Cash Carrico (vocals, lead guitar), Ryan Savely (drums), Fatz (bass), and Ken Rice (saxophone). Their sound is best described as a fusion of red dirt country and R&B, drawing comparisons to a mix of Turnpike Troubadours and Chris Stapleton.

The Formation of The Cash Carrico Band

Flyer for The Carricos Live at Twisted D’s Bar from 2024

The band members have known each other for years, with some playing together as early as their marching band days. Carrico and Savely first performed together in a high school talent show. Their connection runs even deeper—Carrico’s grandfather and Savely’s mother were in a band together in the early 1970s, with Savely’s mother playing saxophone.

“Cash writes believable, story-type lyrics. Fatz’s bass and Ryan’s drums create a solid pocket for his vocals and guitar, which makes a very musical tapestry.”

— Ken Rice

The Cash Carrico Band's origins can be traced back to a duo formed by Cash Carrico and his father, Chuck Carrico Jr. Performing under the name "The Carricos," they spent a year playing acoustic shows before the lineup began to evolve. During a float trip with friends, Carrico casually asked Savely if he wanted to play drums for the band, and their conversation was overheard by Fatz. Jumping in, Fatz offered to play bass, prompting Carrico’s father to switch to rhythm guitar. From the beginning, Carrico’s father had made it clear that he would step aside when the time was right, allowing the band to move forward without him. That transition came about a year later, leading to the addition of saxophonist Ken Rice, solidifying the band’s current lineup.

Ken Rice, the newest addition to the group, found the band by chance. Originally from California, he moved to the area and saw a poster advertising one of their shows. He attended, met the band, and was invited to play with them the following week by Carrico’s father. Rice is a three-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee for South Dakota, Kansas, and Iowa. He had previously played with The Fabulous Flippers, a well-known band from the 70s and 80s. “This band has turned me onto a lot of different things,” Rice reflected on how the band has broadened his musical perspective. “When I left California I told my wife that I wanted to change what I was doing at the time.

Musical Style and Influences

When asked how they would describe their sound, Fatz said, "Turnpike Troubadours had a baby with Chris Stapleton." The band incorporates soulful elements into their country roots, blending in influences from artists like Amy Winehouse. Over time, their style has shifted from traditional country to a more distinct, soulful niche. "We are so much better now than when we started out," Carrico explained. "We found more of our sound, and it just feels right."

Songwriting and Recording Process

Carrico is the band’s primary songwriter. "I do a lot of driving, so my mind is constantly going. That’s where the inspiration comes from," he said. Some songs, like "Dirt Road in Oklahoma", were written by Heath Alexander, Cash’s uncle, while "Bad Feeling" was co-written, and "Danielle" was written solely by Carrico. The latter, inspired by a girl he knew back in school, captures the heartache of being strung along. "You can hear the Turnpike influence in that one," he noted.

Photo of Cash Carrico by Branda Vanover.

The most meaningful song to Carrico is "Bad Feeling", which tells the story of a painful breakup caused by infidelity. "Dirt Road in Oklahoma" explores the idea of losing oneself on a dirt road, a theme that resonates deeply with the band’s roots and with anyone who grew up in Oklahoma, where dirt roads hold countless memories of youth, freedom, and self-discovery.

Live Performances and Memorable Moments

One of the band’s most memorable performances was at the Jet Boat Rendezvous at Fort Supply Lake. "They put us on a second-story barge, surrounded by 50 jet boats," Carrico recalled. They are scheduled to return on June 21st for another performance at the location.

Another standout moment for the band was the night they met Ken Rice. "We didn’t know he was coming, and he was freaking amazing. He was the piece we didn’t know we were looking for."

Performing live is what fuels the band. "The energy of the crowd is a rush. It’s unexplainable," Carrico said. Savely added, "I love looking at people while we’re warming up. Seeing them connect to our originals is an awesome feeling."

The band released original music at the end of January, and it has already made an impact. A fan from Hays, Kansas, requested "Danielle" at a show—an unexpected and exciting moment for the group. One of the band's standout songs, "Danielle," was inspired by a girl Carrico knew in high school. "She used me to make her boyfriend jealous," he explained. "I never had feelings for her, but it got me thinking about how I'd feel if I did. Years later, I was driving down the road reminiscing on those moments and thought to myself, 'Danielle, what the hell?' From there, the song just started writing itself." The track captures the heartache of a guy hopelessly in love with a girl who keeps leading him on, even though she never truly wants him—a relatable theme wrapped in the band's signature soulful sound.

Adapting to Their Audience

The Cash Carrico Band thrives on audience interaction. "We tell stories, make fun of people—especially when they’re drunk," Carrico laughed. The band tailors their setlists to fit each crowd, playing everything from Creed’s "One Last Breath" for college audiences to classic rock covers for biker bars. "We play new and old country, rock, red dirt, and even an Amy Winehouse song. There’s a little bit of something for everybody."

The Local Music Scene and Future Plans

Woodward’s music scene is small, with only a few venues consistently hosting live music. However, the community has been incredibly supportive. "Being in Woodward has taught us to work hard," Carrico said. "We’re lucky because we’re positioned well to hit central Kansas, OKC, and Texas."

Looking ahead, the band plans to record another single within the next couple of months. "We have an entire album ready to go," Carrico revealed. "The old recordings don’t have Ken, and he’s really changed our dynamic. People hear our stuff and they didn’t know they needed a sax solo.”

The band has several upcoming shows, including a performance at Whiskey Chicks in OKC on April 12th.

Dream Collaborations and Future Aspirations

If given the chance to tour with any artist, Carrico would choose Red Clay Strays. "I think our music would vibe with theirs, and they seem like really cool guys—like us."

The band also participated in a 24-hour songwriting competition hosted by the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. "It was a really cool experience," Carrico said. "We had to write a song together, and it became our first real co-writing experience. We called it ‘It’s Our Time.’ It made us realize we could collaborate in that way, too."

As for the future, The Cash Carrico Band is taking things one step at a time. "We don’t have anything specific in mind," Carrico said. "We’re just seeing where it goes and enjoying the ride."

Keep up with The Cash Carrico Band and other local bands via Loud and Heavy Booking.

The Cash Carrico Band: Blending Soulful Country with Rock & Roll