Bob

Bob (from bass temps)

Bass Guitar, Vocals

Howdy, thank you for stopping by. It's a privilege.

Ya know, I've often been called sick, twisted, nuts, kookie, or crazy, still, my family really does love me. Dennis says I'm "just the right amount of retarded." Ha-ha, pure flattery! We're having the time of our lives... playing is what we love.

My musical career began in grade school w/piano lessons. I also sang in the choir...mass every day before school began. I took piano for 3 years from a nun at our catholic grammar school, I soon missed goofing off after school, which ended my weekly stint with Sr. Diane. Sorry mom, I know how you had hopes for learning me some culture!

My earliest recollection of any tune making an impression on me was 'Hound Dog' by Elvis. I was maybe 4. I'd not heard sounds like that...it kicked butt and had an affect on me.

One day, around 6th grade, my pal Denny B., from St. E's in Crestwood, said he was forming a group to play some Ventures & stuff. He wanted me to play bass. HOW cool! I was excited & incredibly honored, but I didn't even play guitar ... yet. Since I'd sang in choir for several years, I had vocal training. WOW, Gregorian chant to singing rock n roll, whoosh! So handy for emulating Louie Louie, Johnny Rivers, Jack Bruce of Cream (my idol), Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stones, The Animals, Yardbirds, or any rock n roll of that genre. From then on, I was hooked.

No one in that 1st band sang but me. so, I sang lead on all but about 3 songs...one each for the other members. I played bass on a borrowed 6 string until I begged my dad to help me get my own stuff. Pop pulled thru beautifully. He took me to St. Ann music, loaned me the bucks for a new, baby blue Hagstrom bass, and a Supro amp w/ a 15 inch speaker. I thought I was one 'cock guy' now, and no, the girls didn't notice.

We called that band 'The Reason Why' or 'The Henchmen'. Seemed we were always looking for that great 'moniker,' but that's all we could come up with. We played a few "Battle of the Bands" and a couple private parties, but never got enough experience playing out. We were only in our mid teens. It kept us out of trouble though, and we were captivated by it.

After high school, that first band was etched in my rearview mirror. I played some in college, at a pizza parlor once a week in a Crosby-Stills type band w/ some great harmonies. But, I got married young, started a family, career, etc. and the music was put on hold. My passion is music, but it never became a career.

Since 1995, I've played more gigs than in the 30 years prior. Having grown up in the greatest musical era, I tried many styles, & enjoy most real music...R&B, Motown, rock, soul, country rock, folk, good vocal/harmony pieces, fusion, jazz, pop ... I love it all! I feel it makes me well rounded in my tastes and musical prowess.

Teaming up w/my buds Dan, Jeff, Dennis, and Scott in Minus -1 has been the most fun I've ever had playing. We hope our selection of tunes, sound, ability, and great chemistry together, is contagious enough to keep you coming back. And If it's possible you're having as much fun as we are, I bet you're pinching yourself, too.