SongVault Artist Profile

BACKGROUND: I was born in Philadelphia and grew up in the suburb of Newtown Square. As a young teenager, my brother introduced me to the music of Bob Dylan and that was my doorway into my own musical adventure. In high school I often frequented The Main Point folk club, getting to hear people like Dave Van Ronk, Chris Smither, Tom Rush, Tim Buckley, Steve Goodman, Muddy Waters and many more. After attending college at Franklin & Marshall in Lancaster, PA, I formed a rock and rhythm & blues band named The Speedboys which gained a widespread regional following and national critical acclaim. After the breakup of The Speedboys, I have continued to make music in various small group formats; most recently playing acoustic guitar accompanied by a multi-instrumentalist on guitar, mandolin & dobro.
EXPERIENCE: I have performed in both electric bands and as an acoustic duo for over 30 years.
Recent acoustic performances:
The Tin Angel in Philadelphia, opening for Fred Eaglesmith
The Susquehanna Folk Music Society, opening for Ernie Hawkins
The Falcon Ridge Festival as part of the emerging artist showcase.
Electric band performances included opening for:
Dr John, Dicky Betts, Mick Taylor, Buckwheat Zydeco, Dirty Dozen Brass Band

RECORDINGS:
2006 - ROBERT BOBBY - TODAY!
2004 - The Robert Bobby Quartet
2004 - S*N*A*F*U
2001 - F*U*B*A*R
1989 - Positively James Street - with The Speedboys
1987 - Chilly Wind
1983 - Look What Love's Done To Me Now - The Speedboys
1981 - That's What I Like - The Speedboys

CRITICAL ACCLAIM
"The Speedboys are a fresh, funny American Band..." Rolling Stone magazine -( 3 star review of Look What Love's Done to me Now)

Harking back to a time when pop and boogie weren't mutually exclusive" Robert Christgau-The Village Voice (review of That's What I Like)

"Whatever he's like in person, on record Robert Bobby is the vivid and varied songwriter fans should be waiting to meet. " Milo Miles-Boston Phoenix (review of Chilly Wind)

"Bobby favors a more stripped down sound based around his acoustic guitar and soulful singing" Sing Out Magazine (review of F*U*B*A*R)

"An exciting and highly recommended new album from a veteran musician I had not previously heard of. Interesting and unusual topics, handled with insight, subtlety, humor, and great musicianship and a fine voice largely rooted in the folk and blues traditions"John Weingart, Music You Can't Hear On The Radio WPRB, Princeton, New Jersey (review of F*U*B*A*R)