Bob Schneider at The Troubadour

It takes a rare performer to transcend labels and categories and create music that mixes elements of rock, country, acoustic, blues, ska, and even rap into something completely original. That performer is Austin's own Bob Schneider, and the common thread weaving through everything he creates musically is a GROOVE. The kind that gets into your soul, makes you want to shake what your momma gave you, and never lets go.



This was my second Bob Schneider show. The first was in Austin is 2007, when Tammy and I were in town for the annual Austin City Limits Festival. On a recommendation from Tammy's friend, we caught Bob with one of his many bands, The Scabs, playing at Austin's legendary blues club Antone's. Antone's has hosted the likes of B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughn over the years, so we knew Bob was no slouch. After that night, I knew he would be worth seeing again if I ever had the opportunity.

So it was perfect timing when Tammy and I spotted the poster for Bob's show last night on the wall of the Troubadour when we checked out Daniel Merriweather back in January. He is currently on tour promoting his latest release, Lovely Creatures.



I'm not an expert on Bob's catalog, but from flipping through some of the song selections on his website, last nights set was a combination of Bob classics and newer material, with the common theme being that it all rocked. And Bob even pulled a few surprises, like pulling out the trumpet and showing off some serious multi-instrumentalist skills.



Of course, he's no stranger to the guitar, and he makes it look good.



REALLY good.....



(Photo courtesy of Bob Schneider Facebook Fan Page)

The set ended after midnight, so it was a long night but the best time I've had musically in quite a while. So if you see him coming through your town, check Bob out. And bring some friends, because I guarantee it will be a PARTY!


(Photo courtesy of Tammy Good)