Bob being Bob
by craig eddy
I just love interviewing musicians that have been in the area playing for many decades. Bob Kolb this month's victim moved to La Honda in 1968 not really due to the music scene but he certainly hooked up with the local players right away. He jammed with friends playing folk music at the Hohstadt's A frame cabin. Bob started out playing guitar but became known over the decades as a string bass player and dobro player. It was in High School that Bob moved to playing bass. Later on he joined with a few other guys wanting to learn dobro. That class included the likes of Rob Ickes and Jerry Logan both who are now professional players. His favorite dobro influence was Mike Auldridge who sadly passed away last year. Used to be just a handful of stellar dobro players but Bob says there is a whole new generation of young players that are as good as the old timers. The first influences Bob had were the Rock n Roll sounds of the likes of James Brown. He has played in many bands, some of which don't bare mentioning however, Regi's Rockers, Gryphon Quintet, The Dusters, Kolb Brothers, Harmony Grits and The Undergods are all projects he is happy to mention. Due to physical issues with his arms Bob is forced to play much less upright bass. He really doesn't like playing electric bass so Bob has been spending all his free time playing dobro and lapsteel. Bob usually is a quiet mild mannered fellow however the kid gloves come off when he's playing dobro. Bob is between bands at this time but is very excited about a couple of gigs coming up. His band from the early days in La Honda, Regi's Rockers, has a couple of dates coming up. Should be memorable shows as that band spent several years touring around Europe as well as the U.S. One member visits from Thailand and when he does they book a couple of shows. Regi's Rockers will be at the San Gregorio General Store on April 14th 2-5pm. They will be at the Old Princeton Landing on April 24th from 3-7pm. The dobro is a very unique instrument and if you want to see it played right check out Bob at one of these gigs. They will be playing a mix of Rock, Boogie Woogie, Swing and Country. See ya at one of the shows!
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