I was 5 years old when I first knew I wanted to play the guitar. My favorite TV show was The Monkeys and I dreamed of being in a rock band like the Beatles. I was fascinated by the different sounds the guitar could create, whether it was a classical, steel string acoustic or electric.
When I was 14 my mom bought me a Yamaha classical guitar and I took my first lessons. My teacher had me learn folk songs by Mississippi John Hurt, John Fahey, Bert Janseh,
Doc Watson and others. "Poor Boy Long Ways from Home" by Fahey (in drop D) was my favorite.
My attention turned to the electric guitar a couple years later and for nearly two decades this was my main instrument. During this period I worked with several different bands and was devoted to writing and playing mostly rock tunes with vocals. I was strongly influenced by Phil Keaggy, Bob Hartman of Petra and Eddie Van Halen.
I eventually began toying with a steel string acoustic and exploring open tunings. The new chord voices sparked my creativity and led me to revisit my folk roots. I was especially inspired by open D and wrote my first finger-style piece called "Moon Light Romance," which was a big hit with friends and motivated me to compose more original music.
When Snow Falls (2006) is my first finger-style acoustic instrumental record. It's the culmination of experimenting with guitar over the years and learning to write music with others. I'm used to playing in a band and being part of a collective, so these acoustic pieces are different in that they are totally "naked" and expose me more fully to the listener. There aren't any vocals, keyboards, drums or bass to hide behind. It's an exciting new avenue and one that is very rewarding artistically because of the variety and depth of experiences I'm able to express. I still enjoy playing electric guitar but ideas, inspiration & support keeps coming for my acoustic compositions and I am anticipating the release of my second record, My Tree House, in 2009.
~Hi Bob~ Thanks for accepting my friends request. I think your music is just beautiful, and inspiring. Here's hoping for a return of some bright sun to enjoy the Maine landscape. ~Cheers~ Taken at Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, Me.
That's a good sign : silence means you're taking time to compose, and we ( your listeners ) already know that you take it easy and just play as you like to make it, Wish you're well, your friend, Jean-Luc.
Hello My Friend, Been a long time since I visited your page. Still loving your CD and wanting at some point to work together on some projects! Keep sharing that gift of yours Brother! Gman
hey bob!!!!... It has been wayyyyyyyy to long man how have you been?!?!... New album pieces coming along well???... I have been way too caught up in the hustle and bustle of summer and enjoying the outdoors to be able to sit down on the computer and chat but now I just had to find the time since the email is overflowing!!! hahaha... hope to hear from you soon!
hey, thanks for reminding me...I am so glad I got to see the 2 of you. Cheryl and i really enjoyed ourselves. If you aren't packing up the covered wagon and going wes, then you have a one hour slot at Summerfest 08. Lemme know!
Hey Bob!!!... How are you???... Just thought I'd check up on you and see how life is!!!.... Have you taken the time to experiment with those tunings yet???.... If so, you probably realized how akward and beautiful that they could be utilized with different structures of chord formations!!! hahaha... They are definetely a couple of my favorites!!! I hope all is well!!!
Hey bob... gotta question for ya... I was curious if I could just mail you like 20 bucks and you could just mail me back a copy of the cd????... I just don't feel like going through paypal because of them doing bad transactions with me in the past....
Just a question at this point, hopefully we can work something out... I have been putting off getting your album for too long... I want to hear the whole thing... How many songs are there on When Snow Falls???
Bob, your performance at the Open Hearts Coffee House was just amazing! You are a fantastic guitarist...and that new custom-made R Taylor guitar is sweet! Your musical talents are a gift to the world. Thanks!
Hello Bob, Dropping by to thank you again for your music! The depth of its presence gives ones soul the depth to hear what is not spoken. Keep creating and using your God given gifts! Your friend, Gene
