Bob Young
Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Blues Harp, Keyboards, Bass, Loops
Tom Kozanecki
Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Resonator, Mandolin, Bass, Percussion
However, BYB is assisted on occasion by a number of wonderful musicians, including:
Keith Schooley: Bass, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Vocals
Brad Parrish: Bass, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Vocals
Mark Krumins: Drums, Vocals
BYB is grateful for all of its alumni, including:
Steve Kunkel: lead guitar
Mike Mitton: bass, sax
Tyler Mattiello: bass
Greg Ryan: drums
Tom Mathew: bass
Dave Maikowski: lead guitar
Andy Dempster: rhythm guitar, vocals
Rick Stanley: lead guitar
Influences
What do you get with a bunch of guys who grew up with Detroit and Chicago music from the 1960's, 70's, and 80's? Everything from Blues to Rock to Folk to Gospel and then some. Put it all in a blender and you have the Bob Young Band sound.
Sounds Like
Jonny Lang, Marc Cohn, Marc Broussard, Tom Petty, Vigilantes of Love, Stevie Ray Vaughn
Since 1998 Bob Young Band has been powered by the twin engine of Bob Young (vocals, acoustic & electric guitar, blues harp, keyboards, bass, loops) and Tom Kozanecki (acoustic & electric guitars, resonator, mandolin, bass, percussion). This duo is known for passionate original songs that get your feet moving, your heart beating, and your soul leaping. Their funky, soulful take on blues/folk/rock hits you at your core; it sounds familiar and yet unique at the same time.
Bob is the grandson of a West Virginia coal miner; Tom is the grandson of an entrepreneur who sold luggage near Ellis Island to immigrants returning to Europe. Their fathers settled in the midwest (Detroit and Chicago respectively) in search of the American Dream. They grew up on the sounds of the 1960's and 1970's in these rich, urban regions - everything from rock to blues to folk to gospel and then some.
Along the way Bob found he had a knack for writing songs with depth against music that was a remarkable blend of his influences without copying any one of the in particular. He learned music theory and taught himself piano, blues harp, guitar, and computer-based music.
Tom discovered that he had a love for all kinds of string instruments - perhaps due to his grandpa playing violin for him in the basement (and letting him have his first swig of beer there). Tom moved from bass to acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, autoharp, and dobro. He also was a natural at hand percussion.
When the two met one fateful Sunday morning, it was like discovering a brother you never knew existed. They started on a course back in 1998 that has led to one of the most entertaining and yet thoughtful bands in the area. They have gone through many names over the years (anyone remember Razer, Shock Monkeys, Overboard, Bovine Disaster?). Finally Tom suggested they call it the Bob Young Band since Bob wrote and sang all the songs; Bob reluctantly agreed.
If you dig Marc Broussard's cajun soul, Marc Cohn's bluesy Americana, and John Mellencamp's heartland rock... well, you'll LOVE Bob Young Band.
Rock on Brother Bob. Hit me up when you get back. I put in for substitute teaching and have started process to try and get teaching certification transfered from TX to MI. No doubt have to take some certific. testing and then pray to God I actually get a job...haha. Talk to you later.
