All About Bob
Hello to all, I hope you are well.
We are into week 2 of our 6 week break and it has been amazing so far.
I’ve had a few local gigs , so I’m able to keep my chops up but mostly I’ve had a bit of time to get things done in a less stressful environment.
With the crazy travel, it had been “3 days at home, can I get it all done? Be a father, husband, coach, run a camp board of Directors and have a little time to myself???…OH!!! And get a podcast and bonus content produced?”
The answer was…..just barely.
Now there is time to do some home projects, have catch up lunches with friends and get it all done without so much pressure and it feels good.
I’m super happy with this weeks episode. I knew a little bit about the Avett Brothers, but now I am a huge fan. I love the Americana genre and these guys are some of the best. If you haven’t seen it, there is a great documentary called “May it Last” and it really is a great picture of them. You can check out the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIol2lfTUjc
Their bassist, Bob Crawford is a big Deadhead and through the mutual friendship of our agents, I was able to get him on the program this week. This guy is amazing. SO smart, incredibly well spoken. A huge history buff who is getting a Masters in history in his spare time. He also started a podcast focusing on History and it is amazing. So, AFTER you check out my episodes, please take a listen to THE ROAD TO NOW
He tackles all kinds of subjects and there really is something for everybody there.
Back to his day job, he is a great player- started as a guitarist but really found his calling as a bassist. It takes a different mindset to be a bass player, especially in the Americana or Bluegrass genres. It is a lot of simple, repetitive lines that really require a great mental approach to be played with feeling and not get stale. Bob certainly has that and much of the reason is the influence of the Dead.
They have had the pleasure to play with Bob Weir many times and you can tell they are all having a blast. With Bob’s love of Bakersfield country, and other country/rock genres, they have much in common and it makes perfect sense. Just check out this video and you can see and feel it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-RykGqj8mg
Bob has also had his share of misfortune over the years. His daughter Hallie developed a brain tumor when she was two years old and has been a fighter her whole life. She has fought it off and relapsed 3 times in her young life. She is now 12 years old and doing great. Bob and his wife Melanie have become big advocates and fundraisers in helping to research and cure Children’s cancer.
When I see how busy this guy is and all of the heartache and unknown that has come with it, it makes everything seem a little easier. It’s really all about perspective…
SO, thanks to Bob Crawford for helping me with mine.