Bob McGowan has been living and playing the blues from an early age, when he discovered, then wore out his parent’s Leadbelly, Josh White and Sonny Terry records.
In his high school years he played in rock-n-roll bands, and when the ‘folk revolution’ happened he discovered a new world of traditional roots, blues and bluegrass music. After paying his 'dues’ in jug and blues bands in Sydney in the late 60s, he played in ‘Uncle Bob’s Band,’ the famous 70s group known for their inventive, eclectic renditions of anything from blues to swing jazz.
Moving to the deep south coast of NSW in the 80s, Bob honed his love of blues and roots music with bands such as the Welcome Strangers, Blue Roots, The Front Porch Pickers, The Brent McLeod Band and others… Bob was a finalist in the 2004 Australian Fingerpicking Guitar Championships at the Frankston Guitar Festival.
Bob’s repertoire includes an entertaining interpretation of songs in the style of ‘Doc’ Watson, Big Bill Broonzy, ‘Mississippi’ John Hurt, Snooks Eaglin, as well ragtime, contemporary and traditional blues styles. Bob’s 40 years of experience in the music industry is evident through his guitar expertise, goodtimey feel, and an easy rapport with the audience.
‘…His CD Fingerpickin’ Good contains some fine examples of this style. Recommended.’ Rhythms magazine. 2006
Bob performs, teaches and conducts workshops in fingerpicking styles, blues and ragtime guitar, and bluegrass. He performed at and held workshops at the Towamba Acoustic Sessions Festival and the Beechworth 'Kelly Country Pick' in 2012
Bob performed with Steve James at the 2013 Cygnet Folk Festival in Cygnet , Tasmania January11-13. They did three sets over the weekend to an enthusiastic audience response.
Bob's finger picking workshop was well attended and a big success.
In his high school years he played in rock-n-roll bands, and when the ‘folk revolution’ happened he discovered a new world of traditional roots, blues and bluegrass music. After paying his 'dues’ in jug and blues bands in Sydney in the late 60s, he played in ‘Uncle Bob’s Band,’ the famous 70s group known for their inventive, eclectic renditions of anything from blues to swing jazz.
Moving to the deep south coast of NSW in the 80s, Bob honed his love of blues and roots music with bands such as the Welcome Strangers, Blue Roots, The Front Porch Pickers, The Brent McLeod Band and others… Bob was a finalist in the 2004 Australian Fingerpicking Guitar Championships at the Frankston Guitar Festival.
Bob’s repertoire includes an entertaining interpretation of songs in the style of ‘Doc’ Watson, Big Bill Broonzy, ‘Mississippi’ John Hurt, Snooks Eaglin, as well ragtime, contemporary and traditional blues styles. Bob’s 40 years of experience in the music industry is evident through his guitar expertise, goodtimey feel, and an easy rapport with the audience.
‘…His CD Fingerpickin’ Good contains some fine examples of this style. Recommended.’ Rhythms magazine. 2006
Bob performs, teaches and conducts workshops in fingerpicking styles, blues and ragtime guitar, and bluegrass. He performed at and held workshops at the Towamba Acoustic Sessions Festival and the Beechworth 'Kelly Country Pick' in 2012
Bob performed with Steve James at the 2013 Cygnet Folk Festival in Cygnet , Tasmania January11-13. They did three sets over the weekend to an enthusiastic audience response.
Bob's finger picking workshop was well attended and a big success.
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Reviews for Bob McGowan in ‘Vieux Carre,’ an early Tennessee Williams play by ITCH Productions, performed at fortyfivedownstairs, Flinders Lane Melbourne January 17 to February 3 2013
…to set the scene and enhance atmosphere in this particular production, fabulous blues guitar is beautifully rendered by Bob McGowan and cleverly and crisply piped into the auditorium. Impressive sound design throughout is by Nat Grant…
Suzanne Sandow Stage Whispers. Jan 20
…Add the live blues artists, Bob McGowan and Josh Blau, to the side of the stage for the score, and the stage is set for a fully immersive theatrical experience.
Tania Herbert theatrepress.com.au/2013/01/20/review-vieux-carre-by-tennessee-williams/
..Bob McGowan’s sultry, live guitar evokes the Jazz clubs and streets of New Orleans.
Kate Herbert http://kateherberttheatrereviews.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/vieux-carre-jan-17-2013.html
 'Uncle Bob' and Steve James at Cygnet 2013
Bob also performs with Steve 'Slippery Sid' James on dobro. Bob and Steve have been long time compadres and musical collaborators. The combo is a chance to share old songs and new, songs lived, loved and blues. Their repertoire is a journey from the Blues side of Bluegrass to Ragtime, Roots, contemporary and traditional blues, and damn good tunes...
They appear as a duo, 'Uncle Bob' and Steve James, or as "The Hootchie Couchmen' with John 'Takeway' Taylor on bass. |
The Hoochie Couchmen.
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Diddy Wah Diddy Bob McGowan and Steve James.
Doc's Guitar Medley: from the 'Fingerpickin' Good' CD: Features my version of Doc Watson's 'Doc's Guitar' with 'Five Foot two, eyes of Blue...' It just happened that way one night...
Elwood dogwalk Blues. A true story about "Hamish,' my faithful red-heeler cross dog, sadly now longer with us.
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Once I Lived the life of a MIllionaire
Buckdancer's Choice. A Sam McGee song
Sportin' Life Blues
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'Fingerpickin' Good'
Bob McGowan.
Whalebone Music 2003 Recorded By Nick Timms (miss ya, Nick) Photography: Eva McGowan. Cover Design: Positive Signs- John Taylor |
'Live At Pure Pop'
Recorded live at 'Pure Pop Records,' Barkly St, St. Kilda, in July 2013 Featuring: 'Uncle Bob' McGowan, Steve James, Eva McGowan, John Taylor |
