Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
New for summer and fall '09
Wow! Has it been two months since my last update? I guess so... if you follow me here at bobboulding.com then hats off to your patience. I’ll try to put the past several weeks into a digest:
Two albums have recently dropped which I had the pleasure of playing on.
“Don’t Explain”, by Brian Cram was released on Bright Orange Records in September; I was encouraged to play in-your-face bluesy style lead guitar all over it. Brian is one of the two Crams brothers whom I performed and recorded with throughout the 90’s (his brother Chris also appears on the album), and our history is vast. The album is available on iTunes and at http://www.briancram.com/.
“Colors And Chords”, by Dan Krikorian has just been released on his own eponymously named label. Dan is an über talented singer-songwriter from Orange County, CA, and on this, his second release, he has hit his stride as a fully developed artist. The songs are wonderful, and the sound is pure California pop-rock; the interplay between the musicians is palpable, and features some great players such as drummer Shawn Nourse, bassist Taras Prodaniuk, and keyboardist Carl Byron. The album is available on CDBaby. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dankrikorian2
I’ve played about 35 shows with the Young Dubs since August. We saw the east coast to the Rockies; along the way we gigged in some familiar markets like NYC, Philly and Annapolis, as well as some new stops, like Norfolk, CT where we played the Infinity Hall, a beautifully restored theater where Mark Twain once spoke.
One of the highlights was sharing the bill/stage with Dropkick Murphys at the Minnesota Irish Festival in St Paul. Incredibly rockin’ vibe. I got to turn my amp up to 11 for that one!
Another major gig was the Tønder Folk Music Festival in Tønder, Denmark. One of the largest festivals in Europe, this multi-stage event featured some legends, such as Arlo Guthrie, Bela Fleck, Eileen Ivers, Michael McGoldrick. Getting to share the bill and meet such great musicians, to hear their stories, was a life experience.
Currently I am back in Los Angeles, regrouping and practicing my new muse, lap steel guitar. Soon the Young Dubliners will embark on the 4th Irish Tour this November - time to bust out the passport!
All the best,
Bob
October 14
Friday, July 31, 2009
My summer with the Young Dubliners, and more
Currently, I am out on the road with the Dubs, tearing it up around the eastern US. Our show the other night, sharing the bill with Josh Ritter and the Sam Roberts Band, was a huge success; thousands gathered on the shore of the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky to see the outdoor summer concert. As I write, we've just arrived in Dublin Ohio for the Irish Festival here, one of the largest in the States.
Looking back through June, it's been busy times. The Young Dubs June tour stretched from the Pacific Northwest all the way to St Paul. The gear and the guitars held up very well, and the band is very tight now, playing alot of songs from our new album, "Saints And Sinners." Radio has been kind to us as well, and not a week goes by that we don't stop in on at least a couple of stations to give an interview and live acoustic performance.
Radio performance is always a surprise, in the sense that you never know how big the studio is! Occasionally, we've played in a studio which is big enough for the entire electric band, like at KBCO in Boulder, Colorado (ok, a production that big will give us a head's up!) But usually, it's the DJ's mic, and a couple other microphones, and we all have to gather around just like in Oh Brother Where Art Thou! It's an honest experience, because we as a band have to play dynamically and make it work, no effects - just guitars, fiddles, and voices. I enjoy not having all the rig to play through, for a song or two... very purist.
I had the chance to record a session at Bright Orange Studios in Los Angeles while on a short break in early July. Good to be working with Jon Mattox and Matt Forger again! Those guys are great producers, and their projects are always interesting to play on.
Some great shows coming up with the Dubs on this tour; lots of east coast dates, Colorado stops, the St Paul Irish Festival with the Drop Kick Murphy's, and the 4 day Tonder Folk Festival in Denmark are all happening in August. I'll tell you all about it on the other side.
Cheers,
Bob
July 31st
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Chicago and Denmark... and LA
Just back from Denmark. what an amazing trip. It began with the two-day Gaelic Park Irish Festival in southside Chicago. This festival has been continually running for 23 years, and is one of the best organized Irish fests in the country. We shared the bill with some outstanding talent, such as the Makem and Spain Brothers band and the Bridies (from Lord of the Dance). Obviously, the Young Dubs were representing the rock side of Celtic music!
Thank you to all who came out to these shows. Our fans in the midwest are real music people...
So sooner had I got acclimated to the Central time zone, that the band and I left Chicago that Memorial Day monday and flew to Copenhagen. We performed 5 nights in a row, ranging from small clubs to large clubs to our final night at a huge festival in Jelling, in central Denmark.
It’s an amazing opportunity to play in another country, another part of the world. The difference in attitude of a foreign audience is an experience that every performer should know. Not better, not worse, but a refreshing perspective both on and off stage.
The backline company, Larsen Sound, did not have a Marshall to provide so instead I used a stock Vox AC30. Hello old friend. Without a hot plate, I had to run through my Boss DS-1 Distortion which sounded amazing, for the most part. Next to a Framus Ruby Riot, the AC30 is my fav combo amp.
Once back in LA, I had the pleasure of recording guitar tracks for a song by Southern California John Carrillo... If I had to, I would describe his music as lo-fi pop... check him out on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/johncarrillo.
This Thursday, June 11th the Young Dubliners kick off the June tour in Grand Junction, Colorado. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Bob
June 8
Thank you to all who came out to these shows. Our fans in the midwest are real music people...
So sooner had I got acclimated to the Central time zone, that the band and I left Chicago that Memorial Day monday and flew to Copenhagen. We performed 5 nights in a row, ranging from small clubs to large clubs to our final night at a huge festival in Jelling, in central Denmark.
It’s an amazing opportunity to play in another country, another part of the world. The difference in attitude of a foreign audience is an experience that every performer should know. Not better, not worse, but a refreshing perspective both on and off stage.
The backline company, Larsen Sound, did not have a Marshall to provide so instead I used a stock Vox AC30. Hello old friend. Without a hot plate, I had to run through my Boss DS-1 Distortion which sounded amazing, for the most part. Next to a Framus Ruby Riot, the AC30 is my fav combo amp.
Once back in LA, I had the pleasure of recording guitar tracks for a song by Southern California John Carrillo... If I had to, I would describe his music as lo-fi pop... check him out on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/johncarrillo.
This Thursday, June 11th the Young Dubliners kick off the June tour in Grand Junction, Colorado. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Bob
June 8
Thursday, May 14, 2009
And now, a little travelling music...
So the summer tours with the Young Dubliners are just around the
corner. Memorial Day weekend will be the big send-off with a pair of
shows at the Gealic Park Irish Festival in Chicago. Fortunately, the
band has a couple of weekend trips recently to dust off the chops and
duffle bags, get all the carry-on items packed, and generally get back
in "life on the road" gear.
On Saturday April 29th we appeared at the McDowell Mountain Music Fest
(MMMF)in Scottsdale, Arizona. Also on the bill were the Flaming Lips,
Matisyahu, and Railroad Earth - all great bands. As we played, the
wind was fierce, and whenever I leapt into the air for a powerchord,
I'd land a foot or so back from where I started!
The following weekend found us in Alaska, where we played Anchorage,
Fairbanks, and Homer, down the Kenai Penninsula. Nothing compares to
travelling to a remote part of the world to play our music for
unsuspecting and appreciative locals.
I am currently back home, preparing for next week's tour. After Chicago, we fly immediately to Denmark for 5 shows, including the Jelling Festival, where we share the bill with Texas rockers ZZ Top. As I go through my gear to ready it for the travels, I am led to share this tip:
Every month or so, pull all of your connectors out of the pedals on your pedalboard, and wipe them with very fine steel wool. The ends are prone to oxidation, this prevents connections from developing noise - or quitting altogether. And like a computer keyboard, try to blow the dust off your board while you're at it.
Thanks for reading! I'll tell you all about international music in a couple of weeks!
Skol,
Bob
corner. Memorial Day weekend will be the big send-off with a pair of
shows at the Gealic Park Irish Festival in Chicago. Fortunately, the
band has a couple of weekend trips recently to dust off the chops and
duffle bags, get all the carry-on items packed, and generally get back
in "life on the road" gear.
On Saturday April 29th we appeared at the McDowell Mountain Music Fest
(MMMF)in Scottsdale, Arizona. Also on the bill were the Flaming Lips,
Matisyahu, and Railroad Earth - all great bands. As we played, the
wind was fierce, and whenever I leapt into the air for a powerchord,
I'd land a foot or so back from where I started!
The following weekend found us in Alaska, where we played Anchorage,
Fairbanks, and Homer, down the Kenai Penninsula. Nothing compares to
travelling to a remote part of the world to play our music for
unsuspecting and appreciative locals.
I am currently back home, preparing for next week's tour. After Chicago, we fly immediately to Denmark for 5 shows, including the Jelling Festival, where we share the bill with Texas rockers ZZ Top. As I go through my gear to ready it for the travels, I am led to share this tip:
Every month or so, pull all of your connectors out of the pedals on your pedalboard, and wipe them with very fine steel wool. The ends are prone to oxidation, this prevents connections from developing noise - or quitting altogether. And like a computer keyboard, try to blow the dust off your board while you're at it.
Thanks for reading! I'll tell you all about international music in a couple of weeks!
Skol,
Bob
Thursday, April 16, 2009
quick update
Just a quick update:
The sessions for the upcoming Dan Krikorian CD are finished. Producer Shawn Nourse helped craft and record what I feel to be some memorable guitar pistaches...
Singer/songwriter Erin O'Bryan will be appearing with her band this Friday 4/17 at
Paladino's in Tarzana, CA. I had the pleasure of playing guitars all over Erin's latest album release, "Trip To Horizon." For more info see: http://www.paladinosclub.com/.
I am currently spending time at a cabin in Joshua Tree, California. I'm hoping to tap into a source of inspiration for some new song ideas...
When I return, I'll be back to restoring my road gear in preparation for the upcoming weekend with the Young Dubliners at the McDowell Music Festival in Scottsdale, AZ. on Saturday the 25th.
Cheers,
Bob
The sessions for the upcoming Dan Krikorian CD are finished. Producer Shawn Nourse helped craft and record what I feel to be some memorable guitar pistaches...
Singer/songwriter Erin O'Bryan will be appearing with her band this Friday 4/17 at
Paladino's in Tarzana, CA. I had the pleasure of playing guitars all over Erin's latest album release, "Trip To Horizon." For more info see: http://www.paladinosclub.com/.
I am currently spending time at a cabin in Joshua Tree, California. I'm hoping to tap into a source of inspiration for some new song ideas...
When I return, I'll be back to restoring my road gear in preparation for the upcoming weekend with the Young Dubliners at the McDowell Music Festival in Scottsdale, AZ. on Saturday the 25th.
Cheers,
Bob
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A dispatch from the Young Dubs about the Jimmy Kimmel show
IRISH ROCK ALERT!!!!!!
THE YOUNG DUBLINERS WILL BE ON ABC’S JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!
PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE TO ABC TO TELL THEM THE YOUNG DUBS ROCKED ST.PATRICK’S DAY!!
4 DAYS TO GO!!
Dear Dub Fans,
We are in awe of how much you have created for us! The “armchair streetteam” has been successful already! After we posted the list of radio stations, the requests for “Rosie” rolled in and our single got more radio play because of YOUR CALLS. Soon after, we charted at #88 on Billboard Magazine’s “new artist” chart!! THANK YOU!
Now, after 14 years of touring and 8 albums, we are going to play our very first late night TV show this St. Patrick’s Day on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! This type of exposure often forecasts hit songs.
This appearance will surely bring even more attention to the Dubs’ world of Irish and Celtic rock n’ roll. And with more attention, we’ll get to play more places - even places we don’t play often or have never played before.
Now let’s unleash the power of the armchair streetteam on the world of television...
Your phone calls got us on the chart and now we are asking for your emails. We’re asking you to write an email to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! to tell them how much you liked seeing us on the air on March 17th. This kind of feedback really creates a buzz for us within the industry. And that means you will get us on more TV, hear us on more radio and see us playing more shows in your area!
We have put together a couple of ideas (see below) Or, feel free to create your own.
Just follow this link to contact ABC:
http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html?lid=ABCCOMGlobalFooter&lpos=CONTACT
In the contact form, you’ll pick to write about the Kimmel show, enter your name/email/zip code, and then write a message...
And you can also post a message on Jimmy Kimmel’s message board here:
http://abc.go.com/latenight/jimmykimmel/index?pn=mb&cat=15355
Form Letters To ABC
(letter #1)
Dear ABC,
I just saw the Young Dubliners play on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night. Then were phenomenal!! Thank you so much for bringing these guys on your show. Cheers!
Respectfully,
(you!)
(letter #2)
Dear Jimmy Kimmel:
We saw the Young Dubliners on your show Tuesday night and they were awesome! A perfect way to celebrate Paddy’s Day!
Cheers!
(you!)
Don't forget to tune in on March 17th, 2009 at midnight to see us on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Or, check us out The armchairs are where it's AT, so we're bringing it to you late night!
Thanks for all your support.
The Dubs
THE YOUNG DUBLINERS WILL BE ON ABC’S JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!
PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE TO ABC TO TELL THEM THE YOUNG DUBS ROCKED ST.PATRICK’S DAY!!
4 DAYS TO GO!!
Dear Dub Fans,
We are in awe of how much you have created for us! The “armchair streetteam” has been successful already! After we posted the list of radio stations, the requests for “Rosie” rolled in and our single got more radio play because of YOUR CALLS. Soon after, we charted at #88 on Billboard Magazine’s “new artist” chart!! THANK YOU!
Now, after 14 years of touring and 8 albums, we are going to play our very first late night TV show this St. Patrick’s Day on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! This type of exposure often forecasts hit songs.
This appearance will surely bring even more attention to the Dubs’ world of Irish and Celtic rock n’ roll. And with more attention, we’ll get to play more places - even places we don’t play often or have never played before.
Now let’s unleash the power of the armchair streetteam on the world of television...
Your phone calls got us on the chart and now we are asking for your emails. We’re asking you to write an email to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! to tell them how much you liked seeing us on the air on March 17th. This kind of feedback really creates a buzz for us within the industry. And that means you will get us on more TV, hear us on more radio and see us playing more shows in your area!
We have put together a couple of ideas (see below) Or, feel free to create your own.
Just follow this link to contact ABC:
http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html?lid=ABCCOMGlobalFooter&lpos=CONTACT
In the contact form, you’ll pick to write about the Kimmel show, enter your name/email/zip code, and then write a message...
And you can also post a message on Jimmy Kimmel’s message board here:
http://abc.go.com/latenight/jimmykimmel/index?pn=mb&cat=15355
Form Letters To ABC
(letter #1)
Dear ABC,
I just saw the Young Dubliners play on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night. Then were phenomenal!! Thank you so much for bringing these guys on your show. Cheers!
Respectfully,
(you!)
(letter #2)
Dear Jimmy Kimmel:
We saw the Young Dubliners on your show Tuesday night and they were awesome! A perfect way to celebrate Paddy’s Day!
Cheers!
(you!)
Don't forget to tune in on March 17th, 2009 at midnight to see us on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Or, check us out The armchairs are where it's AT, so we're bringing it to you late night!
Thanks for all your support.
The Dubs
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Cross-country, east coast, and the joys of winter touring.
February 25, 2009
It’s been non-stop action for the past two weeks on the Young Dubs’ tour. So far, we’ve played seven shows; missed one due to a blizzard; and appeared on 3 radio spots.
Our first show, opening night, was at the Bouquet in Boise, Idaho. Everything went smoothly, though nerves were on the edgy side due to all the new music and gear we now featured. Good thing we had rehearsals back in LA! I espec ially am getting used to having new in-ear monitors, which are hardwired and tethered to my belt with a carabiner. Call me the off-road rocker!!
A couple of nights later, we shared the bill with the 90’s alt-rock mega-band the Gin Blossoms, who proved that fame and fortune does not have to result in being completly jaded... the guys in the band were very cool with us. After this show, we hit the trail from Seattle to D.C....
And got stuck in a blizzard in Nebraska, resulting in our missing the big sold out show at the Wolftrap in Vienna, Virginia. You win some, you lose some. However, the folks at the Wolftrap were very gracious and understanding; we hope to get back there and make it up!
Afterwards we headed for Charlottesville, Virginia, and an appearance at the IS Venue, and an interview and acoustic performance at WNRN & WCNR radio stations.
We went on to Fletcher’s in Baltimore, The Note in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and last night at Peabody’s in Cleveland. Touch wood, the gear is holding up famously (and I’ve gotten used to the tethered in-ears!) and the band is playing very tight now. I am looking forward to the rest of this week’s shows in western Chicago area, and Notre Dame University!
It’s been non-stop action for the past two weeks on the Young Dubs’ tour. So far, we’ve played seven shows; missed one due to a blizzard; and appeared on 3 radio spots.
Our first show, opening night, was at the Bouquet in Boise, Idaho. Everything went smoothly, though nerves were on the edgy side due to all the new music and gear we now featured. Good thing we had rehearsals back in LA! I espec ially am getting used to having new in-ear monitors, which are hardwired and tethered to my belt with a carabiner. Call me the off-road rocker!!
A couple of nights later, we shared the bill with the 90’s alt-rock mega-band the Gin Blossoms, who proved that fame and fortune does not have to result in being completly jaded... the guys in the band were very cool with us. After this show, we hit the trail from Seattle to D.C....
And got stuck in a blizzard in Nebraska, resulting in our missing the big sold out show at the Wolftrap in Vienna, Virginia. You win some, you lose some. However, the folks at the Wolftrap were very gracious and understanding; we hope to get back there and make it up!
Afterwards we headed for Charlottesville, Virginia, and an appearance at the IS Venue, and an interview and acoustic performance at WNRN & WCNR radio stations.
We went on to Fletcher’s in Baltimore, The Note in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and last night at Peabody’s in Cleveland. Touch wood, the gear is holding up famously (and I’ve gotten used to the tethered in-ears!) and the band is playing very tight now. I am looking forward to the rest of this week’s shows in western Chicago area, and Notre Dame University!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
First tour of 2009 is under way
The Young Dubliners have hit the road! We just departed Los Angeles last night, and as I write this we are hurtling up the highway toward our first gig in Boise, Idaho. I can taste the potatoes already!
The task of packing my gear and luggage for this trip took over 2 days. Winter always presents some special requirements for touring... due to the tight schedule, I had to make sure every item from picks to fuses to tools to thermal underwear is included, because having to find a music store out there somewhere is not an easy option in freezing weather! And, we're traveling by tour bus, so once we arrive at the venue, there's no driving out for an errand!
The first show is on Friday the 13th. I'll let you know how it goes!
-Bob, February 11 2009
The task of packing my gear and luggage for this trip took over 2 days. Winter always presents some special requirements for touring... due to the tight schedule, I had to make sure every item from picks to fuses to tools to thermal underwear is included, because having to find a music store out there somewhere is not an easy option in freezing weather! And, we're traveling by tour bus, so once we arrive at the venue, there's no driving out for an errand!
The first show is on Friday the 13th. I'll let you know how it goes!
-Bob, February 11 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
NAMM and this week’s highlights
The appearance at the NAMM show was a success! I put together a short set, a couple of medleys of Young Dubliners riffs, and demoed new Framus gear at the Framus/Warwick booth.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3228434544_03fa1a93c1_m.jpg
In addition to showing off the wares, I shared the schedule with other luminaries who play Framus/Warwick gear, like TM Stevens & Jonas Hellborg, John B. Williams, and Kevin ‘Brandino’ Brandon. Here’s a link to the Framus website with more details:
http://framus.de/modules/news/NewsSingle.php?id=2210&cl=EN
And in other news, the Young Dubliners new album will drop on February 3rd, and along with alot of excitement, I am up to my eyeballs is activity! The bandannounced a special offer on our website, where any CD’s pre-ordered early directly from us would be signed by the entire band. Lo and behold, we ended up sitting before a pile of over 1000 CD’s to sign one recent evening!
I began the task in earnest...
After the 3rd hour, fatigue began to set in. Hands began to cramp...
By late in the evening, all the CD’s were signed!
This weekend found the Young Dubs performing at the “Go Back 100” festival in West Palm Beach, Florida, and it was a good shakedown cruise for our traveling chops. Got to get ready for a 4-week tour!
Bob
January 26th
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3228434544_03fa1a93c1_m.jpg
In addition to showing off the wares, I shared the schedule with other luminaries who play Framus/Warwick gear, like TM Stevens & Jonas Hellborg, John B. Williams, and Kevin ‘Brandino’ Brandon. Here’s a link to the Framus website with more details:
http://framus.de/modules/news/NewsSingle.php?id=2210&cl=EN
And in other news, the Young Dubliners new album will drop on February 3rd, and along with alot of excitement, I am up to my eyeballs is activity! The bandannounced a special offer on our website, where any CD’s pre-ordered early directly from us would be signed by the entire band. Lo and behold, we ended up sitting before a pile of over 1000 CD’s to sign one recent evening!
I began the task in earnest...
After the 3rd hour, fatigue began to set in. Hands began to cramp...
By late in the evening, all the CD’s were signed!
This weekend found the Young Dubs performing at the “Go Back 100” festival in West Palm Beach, Florida, and it was a good shakedown cruise for our traveling chops. Got to get ready for a 4-week tour!
Bob
January 26th
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Appearing at NAMM this Sunday
Hey now,
I'm getting ready to make an appearance at the North American Music Merchants (NAMM) tradeshow in Anaheim, CA. I'll be there this Sunday, January 18th, at 1PM. I will be demonstating Framus Guitars and amps and playing some Young Dubliners music, all at the same time. If you're going to the show, stop by the Framus/Warwick booth and hang out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
