"I'm a Blues Bass Player. I'm not a Jazz guy who thinks he's slumming. I'm not a Rock guy who doesn't know there's a difference. I'm a Blues Bass Player. Pure and Simple." - Bob T.

I don't mean to step on anybody's toes, but that's the way I feel about it and I think you can hear the difference in the music.

I still remember the first time I heard the blues. I was 14 years old and a buddy of mine played me a John Mayall and the Blues Breakers album. Yeah, I know, it was a British Invasion band and not the real deal but it hit me like a ton of bricks and got me headed in the right direction.

"Bob T wins the Bandleader's Choice Award as the "go-to" blues bass player! He nails every note he plays; the best "clock" in the business!"

- Kevin Kimball, bandleader

 

Onstage: The Bitter End, NYC

I've had the privilege of studying with two great teachers over the years. The first, when I played guitar, was Ronnie Earl.

Aside from being a great player, Ronnie is also a wonderful teacher. He taught me a respect for the music and traditions of the blues. Every hour I spent with him was part guitar lesson, part history lesson.

One of Ronnie's teachers/mentors is the great Robert Lockwood Jr. who learned to play the blues from Robert Johnson. I've always felt honored to be a part of that legacy. The Blues - passed down from Robert Johnson to Robert Lockwood Jr. to Ronnie Earl to Bob T. Amazing!

When I switched to bass, I once again had the pleasure of studying with a great teacher, and by shear coincidence it was with Rod Carey who played bass for many years with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, as well as, Duke Robillard, Pinetop Perkins & Hubert Sumlin, Joe Beard and many others.

I like to say that Rod Carey didn't teach me how to play the bass but instead taught me how to be a bass player. There's a difference I think. Rod gave me a foundation from which to work and an appreciation for the role of the bass in the blues and in the band. For that, I will always be grateful.

The Bitter End, NYC

"I think it is safe to say drummers like to "lock in" and communicate with the bass player in the rhythm section. Bob T on bass was a player I always listened to. I enjoyed his tone and the drive he brought to any song we played.

I trust our paths will cross often in the future. Atlanta is lucky to have him join their rich musical heritage."

- Pepper, drummer, bandleader, The Sensations

Recently, I relocated to Atlanta and I like it here. A big part of the move for me was to pursue playing bass in a city that has a strong blues tradition. Living in the south is something I've wanted to do for a long time.

Just before I left, the Maine Blues Society awarded me a Lifetime Membership for my contributions, as a musician, to the Maine Blues scene. I will always remember my time there, playing great music, with some of the finest musicians and people I have ever had the pleasure to know.

For a while, I regularly made the 2,500 mile round trip trek to play and record with Kevin Kimball and the Mojo Romeos because bands as good as this don't come around that often.

Together we played at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and it was one of the best musical experiences of my life. We had quite a time on Beale Street that trip with fans from both Maine and Atlanta cheering us on.

"It was great to travel and play with you this past weekend. You are a great player, a true professional, and not a bad guy to boot. I will call you again. Thanks!"

- Carlos "Breeze" Capote, The Breeze Kings

So, now my musical life begins here in Atlanta. I've settled into a new role as a "first call" fill-in bass player which suits me just fine.

Since moving here I have played with The Breeze Kings, one of Atlanta's premiere blues bands, Bill Sheffield, an amazing singer and guitar player, The Healers from Athens, GA and many other fine bands.

I'm always interested in hearing about new projects. So, if you have something in mind and need a good blues bass player, drop me a line.

'Til next time, stay low.
Bob T.