My Bob’s Journal
Oct 1, 2002. I see that there is a NetFobs web ring and only one page so far, so I decided to publish this page outlining my BobEvangelism thoughts, but first, a bit of history:
My first Bob
I discovered the Bobs back in 1989. I was working at a radio station and my girlfriend was watching the Lonesome Pine Special on PBS. After 45 minutes or so she realized that I might enjoy this quirky little group and she records the end of the concert. I had the end of “Trash”, “Psycho Killer”, and “Whole Lotta Love”. In fact she remembered my apparent lack of organizational skills, heard the start of “Trash”, and popped a tape in.
This was in November of ‘89, I think. I play the tape over and over again. I start searching every record store in the Reno/Sparks area for the Bobs. I find the LP of Songs for Tomorrow Morning and buy one for my girlfriend, borrow it immediately to record it, and almost wear out a tape listening to the songs, memorizing them, and enjoying it all.
I had that album but I was desparate to find more.
Fallon, Nevada
Years after I fell in love with the Bobs I talked with them after the show and got a sympathetic laugh from Richard when I told him of my first Bob’s concert. I was still living in Reno and we heard about a concert that was going to be given in Fallon, Nevada. My girlfriend, who also worked at the radio station, swapped shifts with me so I could drive to Fallon to see the concert. I think she lost the coin flip, I don’t remember. I got to the concert an hour early, since I didn’t know how far it was to Fallon I took off as soon as I was able, and I ended up with time to kill. I bought “The Bobs” and “Songs for Tomorrow Morning” on CD and made note of “My I’m Large." I sat down in the meeting room where someone had put up chairs and a stage that wasn’t too impressive, and counted the microphones. Five of them. This left me perplexed until I the show started and Gunnar, Janie, Matthew, Richard, and Joe came running onto the stage.
I was already in love with this group but I was wary about this Joe character. He was good, but I didn’t see know why he was there after the show. I didn’t write down the set list but I remember hearing Angels of Mercy sung by the four men. The microphone wires got tangled as they fought for the proper positions and Janie left the stage with a great comment about male bonding.
After the show there was a catered event and we were all invited to meet the Bobs. I had no idea this was normal, so I thought it was a special treat. I talked with Gunnar and he said that he was leaving to spend time with his family, and Joe would be his replacement. Over the next three weeks I scour every possible place I could buy records or tapes and find “My I’m Large” on tape in a furniture store of all places.
Portland
In September of 1990 we moved to Portland (well, technically Beaverton) and found that there were decent music stores that carried the Bobs on CD. I know we saw the Bobs about ten times over the next three years. I remember one time we saw them in Portland, drove to Seattle to see them again, stayed over night and got in the audience for a radio show they did in Seattle. We drove to the Britt festival one year to catch an ISO-Bobs show (“19.99, A Mall Odyssey”) and not only did we feel like part of the Bobs family, Joe was an incredibly gracious host after the concert. I’ll write up more of my own Bob Tales after I remember them in a bit more detail. I think I have a couple of dozed shows under my belt and I need to sort them out.
The Sokol Blosser Winery, August 8, 1998
I heard about this concert from the Bob’s concert listing. It wasn’t too far away from Portland so I decided to go. What I didn’t expect was the ticket price to be so high, and the Bob’s were only performing for one hour before Al Jarrau. At $40/hr the Bobs still put on a great show, but the venue stunk. I had to sit on the grass, and nobody was allowed to bring in their own food or drink. Bottled water was $3.50 for 8 oz. You can imagine how much the food cost.
Out of all the people at the concert, I think I was the only one there to see the Bobs. Most everyone else was waiting impatiently for them to stop so Al Jarrau could come on and do his act. I couldn’t help thinking that they had the wrong focus. The Bobs were at their typical best. There was a disapproving feel in the air. The applause was more courtesy than anything else. I got dirty looks when I got up at the end of their set and walked away.
Easter Vigil, March 2002
The Bobs were in Portland back in March of 2002, and my wife and I were in a church three blocks away singing at the Easter Vigil. I really wanted to cut church that night. It looks like they will be in town on December 15th at Portland Art Museum, which is the same day as Lessons and Carols, so unless it’s an afternoon performance, we can’t go. Why do they come on days I’m busy at church? Why?
To be fair, they were at the Zoo this July just a few days before our anniversary, so that was really cool.
Portland Art Museum
The December 15th show has come and gone. I haven’t heard anything about it, but I was at church anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I love my church and enjoy singing in the choir, but this is getting frustrating.
Bones & Brew Festival, September 11, 2004
After what felt like years of no-Bob living they came to Portland for the Bones and Brew festival. The Bobs were on stage Saturday night for a 90-plus minute set. This was my first time watching Dan take over for Joe, and Dan did a great job. His vocal percussions were incredible, and since he’s a baritone I have a better chance of singing along with him than I ever did with Joe.
Janie was there as well, which was really cool. We got a chance to talk to Amy and Dan after the show and it’s really great being able to talk shop with the Bobs. I found out that back in 2002 when I complained that I was three blocks away from the Bobs singing the Easter Vigil, Amy jumped on the redeye and sang Easter services at home. Gotta love that dedication she has.
Unfortunately there were no new songs, but lots of old ones got air time. I don’t think I’ve heard “Boy Around The Corner” since ‘89.
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If you have any comments, please e-mail me at joshua.r.english@gmail.com