Bobby (Again)
 

It's Monday morning. There is nothing going on here so I'm starting a new thread on Bobby to share an experience I had over the weekend.

Friday night in Red Bank NJ at the Count Basi Theater, Bobby performed a Beatles Solo Tribute Concert.

http://countbasietheatre.org/calenda...sp?id=43247769

It consisted of 20 of New Jersey's finest musicians. (One notable mention is Bob Burger who could be considered one of the best Jersey musicians of that particular generation. He's played with Jon at certain solo gigs and has been in the Jersey circle with Bruce and SSJ for a number of years. He's also a brilliant vocalist and song-writer who has penned some minor hits for other artists. For anyone who is interested in that circle, I advise you to YouTube some videos and check out his bio. Good stuff.)

Back to Bobby....

Bobby is without a doubt an extraordinary talent. He has been with Jon for nearly 15 years now and the only real showcase he's provided is “It's Just Me” from DA

4:46

I was so intrigued by his playing that I had to check out his next gig which was the following night (last night) and The Columns in Avon down the shore. It was more of an intimate show which really showcased his talents even more.

Bobby has a decent voice but more so an ability to hit extremely high notes. Once I've heard him hit those notes numerous times, it really solidified why he has been there for the past few tours. With Jon's vocal changes and struggles, he really fits that puzzle.

Next, the guy could really wail on guitar. He's so much more than some ordinary average guitar player. You can't compare him to Richie because they have different styles. I'm attaching a performance he did at the Columns back in June (Unfortunately there are no video's from either show I was at on YouTube). The entire performance is great but if you don't have time to sit through the entire thing, check out the guitar playing from 5:30 on. This is just one of several different types of guitar playing he did from the past two nights.

5:30

I was with all of you who really didn't get the whole Bobby thing. Beside a guy who made funny faces with Jon during Bad Medicine covers, I never really understood his purpose. However, once I saw Bobby hit the front man spot, it became obvious to me. I'm not sure why his true talents aren't showcased with Bon Jovi but the ability is there.

Seeing him with Bon Jovi and seeing him front his own band are two completely different people. Anyone in NJ or who plans on visiting, I advise you to check out one of his shows. For 15 buck and under (free), you can get that real feel of the Jersey music scene that Jon talks about. Unfortunately they are a dying bread so I advise people to try to enjoy it while it lasts.

Aloha !

No he's not. He is still average and the example you posted shows this. He does the same lick over and over and over again, either fast, either slow, either high, either low, and yet still messes up several times. Yes, he can play Rock & Roll, but that's about all he can do. Just because it's better than the very awful In These Arms guitar solo it's still nothing special.

I've heard him play for other artists as well and as soon as it's stuff that actually requires him to solo over more than a standard blues/rock & roll scale he's lost. I'm not bitching about his voice because it's excellent and it's clear that he helps Jon a lot. Bed Of Roses wouldn't sound the same without him. And the It's Just Me guitar solo is just noise. The way he plays that one is how I play it on an off day.

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

I don't have the cd in front of me but didn't Jon do the solo on IJM? It sounds like something he'd play, especially considering the tone.

I always seeing Bobby play solo or with other musicians. He plays at the Mcloone's in Pier Village in Long Branch (I live in Pier Village). A lot, so I'm able to check out his gigs quite a bit. Plus, he's always so nice to me in person making a point to always come over and say hello if he sees me.

No, Bobby isn't an amazing guitarist. But he's not horrible. I think he's a pretty decent guitar player and an excellent singer, just in the wrong band. Though I don't think anybody would mind him if he didn't do any solos.

I do happen to think that the Destination Anywhere solo is great.

No! Watch it on the YouTube link I attached. Jon is not that good, It sounds nothing like Jon's playing because there is nothing of such caliber to compare it to, and the icing on the cake is him giving Kudos to Bobby in the end. Oh yea, there is an actual visual of him playing it.

Cool! He is playing at the Mcloone's in Asbury Park this Saturday. He is doing a Bee Gees tribute. You should go. Me and my fiancé will be there. We'll be the good looking couple who looks like they belong at the Avenue vs. a Bobby Banderia show. lol

I never said AMAZING. I said better than average.

I agree that Bon Jovi music is not in his comfort zone. That's the problem. When he's on his own, He's a different guy.

Maybe Jon told him to keep it low key. Jon, then Richie are the stars

What can I say, you are a true professional. The It's Just Me guitar solo is brilliant so I have no idea what you're talking about. I agree that his comfort zone is on a blues/rock & roll scale but that's what's likeable.

IMO, a rhythm guitarist is average. Bobby is more than that. The dude can play. Unfortunately there are no videos for the past two night and I'm not about to go through every video on Youtube to prove it. He is not a rock-n-roll Bon Jovi guitarist, that's why Phil X filled in but he's still very good.

Now, that'd be cool. I do love me some Bee Gees!! Not sure yet what I have going on for Saturday but that could be fun!