Lou Alano-Keyboards/Vocals,
Jeff Bazarian-Guitar/Vocals,
Bob Beeley-Bass/Vocals,
Mike Guigno-Drums/Percussion
Duncan Tyrrel-Guitar/Vocals,
Valerie Tyrrel-Violin/Mandolin/Vocals,
Influences
Some of the major rock n’ roll influences of the band members include, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, John Mayer, Joni Mitchell, 10,000 Maniacs, Foo Fighters, Talking Heads, The Allman Brothers, Steve Miller, Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Christine McVie, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin Bonnie Raitt and to a slightly lesser degree, a myriad of other artists. The band performs music from many of these artists and bands as part of the their repertoire.
Growing up primarily with the sounds of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s rock n’ roll music scene, The Bob Squad's musical roots are very diverse. They are further influenced by the sounds of country, blues, jazz, reggae and classical music. In fact, two of the band members are classical trained. Jeff Bazarian was classically trained on the viola before switching to guitar and Valerie Tyrrel studied voilin under Oliver Steiner, a friend of Itzak Perlman, at the Eastman School of Music. Valerie met Itzak Perlman in July of 2007 at the Perlman Music School on Shelter Island, NY.
The Bob Squad History
Valerie and Duncan Tyrrel met in May of 1984 when Valerie auditioned for Natty Bumpo, a band of which Duncan was a member. It was all music after that chance meeting.
Many years and bands later, Duncan and Bob met when Bob was the bass player for a band called, "The Druids." He and Duncan became friends through the music. In January of 2006, Duncan, Bob and Sue all met musically in a band called "Skeleton Key," playing together for about a year and a half. The band dissolved but came back together several months later as “The Bob Squad” when Sue, Duncan, Valerie, Jeff Bazarian and Bob formed the band on February 4, 2007. Casually singing together for several years, Valerie, Duncan and Jeff were working to develop various three-part harmonies, so they were excited to incorporate those harmonies into the newly formed Bob Squad. Together, the five members played a sometimes sweet and sometimes thunderous rock n’ roll versions of “rock n’ roll you might know”.
Due to personal logistics and scheduling difficulties, Sue had to step back from her full time committment to the band. Still a much loved member of our musical family you never know when Sue may make an appearance if not play an entire gig with the band. Old musical friend Mike Murphy, an original member of The Druids and other assorted Rochester based bands, stepped in to take Sue's place in March of 2008. Mike studied percussion at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, formally trained in drum and bugle corps and a huge fan of great prog rock drummers such as Chester Thompson, Phil Collins and Carl Palmer. Unfortunately for the Squad, Mike had to relocate to his hometown of Erie, PA in April of 2009 to be closer to his family for various reasons. The Squad will miss that gleam in his eye, his off-the-wall sense of humor and the great beat he kept for the band. The Bob Squad was fortunate enough to run into Mark Barrows, who filled in for several months.
In September of 2009, Lou Alano joined the Bob Squad. Lou played keyboards in the 80's and 90's with the Cast, the Pyschedelic Roosters, Colorblind James Experience, and the Flu before deciding to pursue other musical interests. But the invitation from the band to play was too good to pass up and Lou joined BS. The Bob Squad is thrilled to have Lou as the keyboardist and added vocalist in the group.
As of October, The Bob Squad is very pleased to announce Mike Guigno as drummer/percussionist. More details on Mike to follow. Mike has an extensive background in local drumming including playing with Nick and The Nice Guys and The River Cats.
The Bob Squad carries more than 85 years of combined experience performing in Western NY, opening up for such national acts as The JGB Band, Max Creek, Merl Saunders and the Rainforest Band, John Popper (frontman for Blues Traveler), and the New Riders of the Purple Sage.
The band is as comfortable playing in an acoustic coffee house as playing late night gigs in bars and music halls.
In the beginning, the 2007 Mendon Station Festival, was a huge success leading to numerous gigs and festival appearances in 2008. The band continues to branch out to a broader audience as their music diversifies. The goal for 2009 was to appear at several new festivals and clubs. These goals were accomplished with a myriad of new gigs. The level of support and enthusiasm the band receives is overwhelming. In 2010, we will spend an increasing amount of time recording, as well as keeping a busy gig schedule. See you soon. Thanks from all of us. Bob, Jeff, Mike, Lou, Duncan and Valerie
Great show at the Dr's last week. It's amazing how far you guys have come in a few short months. Everytime I see you guys you've got a bunch of new tunes. Always keeping it fresh. Nice. I see your summer festival calendar is filling up too. We'll definitely see you guys out and about this summer. Take care.
That was an absolutely WONDERFUL performance in Newark. I can't believe how quickly you guys have dialed in your sound and especially your vocals. That REALLY sets you apart from any other bands I've seen in recent years. Plus chicks in the band that are bonified musicians and not just eye candy. I'll be seeing you at The Keg on the 4th.
