The joy in your playing has brought joy to so many others, including and especially me. What do you think is its secret?
Staying passionate, being vulnerable with not only the lyrics but the playing. Sometimes, the musicians get caught up in playing perfect instead of just being honest. whatever happens, musically, happens.
What are the experiences of your life that led you to see music as a spiritual endeavor?
The fact that my grandfather and my dad both played music. Everybody has their own spiritual journey in music—you just know it when it happens.
Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your music?
Just life itself. Anything can inspire you.
Where does your creative drive come from?
It comes from trying to outdo what I just did…and just the love of music. But mostly it comes from the fans cheering me on. Performing more music and keeping on doing what I do keeps making me want to deliver time and time again.
But in your formative, figuring things out, years, whose sense of rhythm did you admire? Who has impacted you rhythmically?
Everyone. Like Jimmy Paige, Jimmy Hendrix, Slash, BB King, Ray Charles and even some unknowns.
What are you doing to keep it relevant today, to develop it and present it to the youth?
I’m always trying to develop my sound and let it take me wherever it takes me. I try to keep an open mind and listen even to newer besides just the classic and legendary artists. I’m always doing for the youth such as donating time, guitars, instruments, etc.
Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album?
Track two, “Set You Free,” was written for my niece, Kelly who had just passed way from cancer at 33 years old…the song itself is pretty self-explanatory.
How it was formed your new album Little Bobby – Dealing from the Bottom of the Deck 2024.
It just sort of happened. Sometimes, inspiration just comes. I’m fortunate enough that I have a studio I’m able to go to so I can lay down stuff anytime I’m feeling it. Also, with a lot of hard work. This album took about a month.
Do you share the opinion that your live albums are some of your best records? What is it about you and your music that works so well for live recordings?
Sometimes, yes. It all depends on who I’m playing the live show with.
And how did you select the musicians who play on the album?
I played every instrument on the album with the exception of track one. That song had a few harmonica solos. Chris Katko was picked because he’s really good and he happened to be available at the time.
How have you managed to so successfully pull so much of your life and personality through so much of your music?
Most of my life, all I had was my music. It continues to be a rock in my life. God has blessed me in so many ways with the talent of music.
Did your sound evolve during that time?
My sound is always developing. Each album I try to do just a little bit better than the last. I’m always striving to evolve.
What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?
Being able to perform at the Chicago Blues Festival, the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival and being able to put out 10 albums in 20 years and still getting airplay.
Your life is an open book or that your life is always open to new experiences, or something else?
I always try to stay true to the music and always try to stay open to learning new things. I’m always open for something new musically because no one man or woman can know it all.
What would you say characterizes Jazz scene in comparison to other local scenes and circuits?
It’s really a close knit scene compared to say, rock and roll or even country. It seems like Jazz/Blues musicians have a genuine appreciation for each other.
Do you think there is an audience for young people to become future audiences and fans?
They just need folks to get them familiar with this type of music. I think most people are unaware how many kids are actually into blues and jazz. The key is to get them out to live shows. As artists, we should record more live albums so today’s youth can get a chance to truly see and feel it on a larger platform.
Interview by Laura Wulff
Little Bobby – buy new CD
