About this project
I LOVE EVERY SECOND OF PLAYING LIVE , but trying to stay out there and do that has become increasingly difficult. Right now, Steve and I need my friends and fans to stay out there. I released " Bobby Messano Live In Madison", my first live CD, to rave reviews. "Blues Revue" in the 20th Anniversary Jimi Hendrix tribute issue used adjectives like "exhilerating" and "scorching" The Americana Gazette called it "...The best live album since (the Rolling Stones) Get Yer Ya Ya's Out..." What you my friends and Kickstarter will do is allow me to recoup some of the thousands in costs incurred for the CD, print up long awaited T-Shirts and posters and most of all, keep my band and I out there on the road doing what we do best.....GREAT shows....AND.... Ya'll get to be involved, see me at shows, get your name on the next CD, t-shirts, posters,CD's...YOU GET STUFF for helping us out...I'm hoping my fan base and friends will get involved along with new people who are just learning about me. We are in a new music world of no record labels, no tour support and no advances for publishing...This is the new paradigm...Check out my website for more pictures, videos and info..Who knows, maybe I played on a few albums you have in your collection..:) Let's keep live music and Contemporary Blues.
BLUES REVIEW SEPT/OCT 2010
BOBBY MESSANO
LIVE IN MADISON
Prince Frog Records
After playing with popular local bands in the 70s, New Jersey guitarist and vocalist Bobby Messano toured the world extensively with Steve Winwood, Lou Gramm and others. He then went on to build an even more impressive resume in Nashville, where he persevered for almost a decade as a studio and touring guitarist. He has a few solo albums to his credit as well, most notably 2003’s Holding Ground. But, even after all that, he’s still unknown to many, a scenario that isn’t uncommon in today’s music climate.
Recorded in Madison, WI., Live In Madison is half blues and rock classics and half tasteful originals. The set opens with an acoustic rendition of “Ramblin’ On My Mind.” This acoustic opening continues in peter Brown’s “Politician” and Steve Winwood’s “Can’t Find My Way Home”. Though he keeps true to form in the latter cover, the arrangement is highlighted with colorful acoustic changes.
He soon goes electric, and gets into interesting covers of both “Crossroads Blues” and “Little Wing”. In Willie Dixon’s “let Me Love You Baby”, he soars off in exhilarating paths.
When first eyeing the set list, one might think that Messano relies too heavily on covers, but the five originals within the eleven song set are praiseworthy enough on their own. It’s where his real blues work shines, too. After hearing them, it becomes apparent that the covers are a tribute to the musicians who have influenced him over the years, songs from the past that he just loves to play alongside the originals.
“Sea Of Hope”, originally from his Grammy nominated Holdin’ Ground album, is a robust rocker with inspiring lyrics. The rest are blues. Both “Holdin’ Ground” and “In The Depths Of Love” are slow blues songs that contain scorching lead guitar work and passionate vocals throughout. “The way things Used To Be” is an energetic shuffle, and the set’s closer, “Get Up & Dance With the Blues,” is a funky and rhythmic blues number.
While the covers reveal a respect and adoration for classic music from a veteran performer’s perspective, the originals are potent and adept, in a manner that’s unique to Messano.
LINER NOTES:
Bobby Messano – Live in Madison - Eric Thom February 27, 2010
There are no promises in the music business and nobody knows that better than those who play the game. Chances are good you’ve never heard of Bobby Messano, which is a shame because his sizeable talents have graced over 50 albums – as well as 4 of his own (one of them Grammy-nominated) – and helped him to tour the world in the company of everyone from Lou Gramm to Steve Winwood. A musician’s musician in a wide range of circles – from blues, blues-rock, funk, pop and soundtrack work – he’s relied on for his ability to position the right notes in just the right places and to make others sound good. This time out, at Madison, Wisconsin’s Bamfest ’09, Bobby joined N.Y. bassist Steve Geller and Madison’s own Joey B. Banks on drums for an hour-long, 11-song tour through some of his favorite music – his own and otherwise. He’s reached a point in his career where he likes to blend the flash he’s known for, as a player, with the heart and soul he brings to the stage as a hard-core fan of the music. Bobby’s always been loyal to his audience first but something tells me that releasing this effervescent, wide-ranging collection of music has a lot to do with satisfying himself as a musician. Nothing captures the essence of an artist’s abilities like a live record. He’s understandably proud of the results and you’ll soon hear the reasons why. If you already know what Bobby Messano can do – as a surprisingly soulful singer and a take-no-prisoners string-bender, you’ll delight in the music found herein. If you’re new to one of the industry’s most unsung heroes, you’ll quickly wonder why in hell he’s not better known – and that’s where you come in. Get Live in Madison because, whether you’re sitting or standing, it’ll surely get you.
– Eric Thom, Blues Revue
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This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 15, 2010.
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Two (2)Signed "BOBBY MESSANO LIVE IN MADISON" CD's and One (1"BOBBY MESSANO LIVE IN MADISON POSTER.
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Four (4) signed "BOBBY MESSANO LIVE IN MADISON" CD's , Four (4) Signed Bobby Messano posters, A call from Bobby to say hey and thanks a lot..:)
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Lucky Seven (10) signed "BOBBY MESSANO LIVE IN MADISON" CD's , Seven (10) Signed Bobby Messano posters, Your name in the thank you's of the next Bobby Messano CD and a nice phone call to say "HEY" from Bobby, Four (4) Tickets and backstage passes (If applicable) to any Bobby club show Worldwide and Two (2) T-shirts when they become available
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AN ACOUSTIC HOUSE CONCERT AT YOUR HOUSE (within 25 miles of any Bobby Messano gig) for twenty five of your closest friends or enemies,Twenty Five (25) signed "BOBBY MESSANO LIVE IN MADISON" CD's , Twenty Five (25) Signed Bobby Messano posters, Your name in the thank you's of the next Bobby Messano CD, plus ten (10) advance copies of the next Bobby Messano CD, Two (2)Tickets and backstage passes (If applicable) to ANY Bobby show Worldwide INCLUDING STARZ SHOWS..and TEN (10) T-shirts when they become available.
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AN ACOUSTIC HOUSE CONCERT AT YOUR HOUSE (within 75 miles of any Bobby Messano gig-ANYWHERE) for twenty five of your closest friends or enemies,Twenty Five (25) signed "BOBBY MESSANO LIVE IN MADISON" CD's , Twenty Five (25) Signed Bobby Messano posters, Your name in the thank you's of the next Bobby Messano CD, plus ten (10) advance copies of the next Bobby Messano CD, Two (2)Tickets and backstage passes (If applicable) to ANY Bobby show Worldwide INCLUDING STARZ SHOWS..and Six (10) T-shirts when they become available AND A PROTOTYPE BOBBY MESSANO SIGNATURE SPIRIT GUITAR that I used for slide with Jimmy Wayne and on my shows.
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IF I GET TO GO TO THE GRAMMY'S YOU GO WITH US AND WE THANK YOU ONSTAGE IF WE WIN...PLUS I WRITE A SONG WITH YOU AND I DEDICATE THE NEXT STUDIO CD TO YOU, AND NAME THE CD AFTER THE SONG!!!!
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2012 Here's What People Are Saying About Bobby Messano
Steve Jones (Crossroads Blues Society)
For those who missed the show and have never seen Bobby Messano, he is the best guitar player you have never heard of...Undoubtedly the most underrated act I have seen in ages! Bobby is a guitar wizard!
John 'blueshammer' Hammer : (KOWZ)
Bobby's music speaks for itself. What sets great new music apart from very good new music is a familiarity that speaks to the soul. You got that goin' on. I am really diggin' the new CD. Keep rockin' da house my friend!
Richard Flynn (TOWER RECORDS):I gotta tell you - you just made my weekend...Not even sure what to say...easy to say you deserve it but you are one of the hardest working cats out there.... Nice to see good things for good people...
Rhetta Akamatsu (Atlanta Examiner): I'm just going to come right out and say it. I don't believe you can see a better show than Bobby Messano's. You can see a bigger show, with more special effects, but I don't believe you can see a better show musically, and I'm not just talking about blues or blues-rock.
Clair DeLune: (WUSC) Bobby Messano is one of my favorite discoveries (of course, HE knew where he was all the time before I "found" out about him... LOL) of 2011 and he was a LUNIE Award Winner for top 20 CDs of 2011 on Blues Moon Radio. This guy has the licks.
Reb Beach (WHITESNAKE) "Bobby has been my mentor since I was 19 years old...and he taught me how to play the blues." His playing has been a great inspiration to me through the years, and I am so happy that he has made such a fantastic record. This one is not to be missed. The record is filled with great songs, and spot on, heartfelt playing from a little known master of the electric blues guitar."
Wow! Love Love Love your record!!!! Bravo Bobby!!
Gabby Parsons:(105.5 TRIPLE M) Bobby Messano plays with passion and flair. He's the real deal.
Galoris Brownley: You are one of the greatest guitarists I've seen live. Considering I've seen Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Joe W...alsh, to name just a few. When i heard "Get Up & Dance With The Blues" on "Live In Madison" I actually got up and danced. Felt like I was there!It was such a treat to see you very talented musicians at JM Randall's on Saturday. You, Bobby, Steve and Felipe were outstanding! Listened to "That's Why I Don't Sing the Blues" on my ride home and it is FABULOUS!
Charlie Richards: Went to one of the best concerts I have ever seen last night at Kelly's Gingerhut in Cape Charles, Va. featuring BOBBY MESSANO. Steve Geller was shreding the bass and Mike Williams drums were a beat second to none. The entire house was up dancing the entire night while these guys jammed continuously! The energy was absolutely incredible and I am here to tell you these guys are the real deal, they are true international talent and I absolutely cannot wait to see you guys again soon. Thanks again Bobby, Steve, and Mike, great friend, fabulous people, and incredible musicians!!!
Hal Francis (Fan):Bobby, I had to drop you a note after the concert at the BBC tonight and before I go to bed. I meant every word I said about your show tonight and what I said came straight from my heart. I would love to stay in touch and if possible get a chance to see you perform again. As I said, this was the best concert I have ever attended and I have seen many being 62 years old. Thank you again for such a wonderful evening of music. Hal
Joy Campo-Decker (Fan): "I was absolutely stunned at the incredible performance and master musicians I witnessed... Sat. evening. Bobby Messano was genuinely on top of his game! I have been lucky, over 30 years, to witness such legends as the Dead, the Boss, CSNY, BB King, Ramones, Phoebe Snow, Creedence, ZZ top, and many more- but ...I have to honestly say, Bobby Messano and his band were right up there with other legendary musicians that bring music to its purest and best levels ever! I was honored to have witnessed this..."
Jeff Ervin (Fan): "Man, what a show! I was blessed to see Bobby here in Charlotte NC Saturday night awesome!! He is so down to earth and a great person, he even let me play his guitar ! God Bless you Bobby! Keep it going my friend!!
Steven Koontz(Fan):"Killer evening last night in Charlotte ......hands down, Mr Bobby Messano is one of the best guitarists on the planet......put on a jawdropping performance at the P-Stone in Charlotte...will be there again in early March....go support Bobby and Steve and their shows.....legendary....."
BOBBY MESSANO
Bobby Messano is a legendary studio and live guitarist/singer who has garnered EIGHT First Round Grammy Nomination, released five contemporary Blues CDs, placed songs in major TV and Cable shows on CBS, ABC, VH1, MTV, and CMT, and had songs held by Eric Clapton and others. Over the years, he has played on over 50 Major label and Indie albums and his playing has been heard on everything from the MTV jingle and the MTV Basement Tapes to Benny Mardones' smash hit "Into The Night" The celebrated guitarist has played on records by Clarence Clemmons, Franke & The Knockouts, Joe Lynn Turner and STARZ, and produced the 60's hit act, "THE SHADOWS OF KNIGHT". Live he has played guitar and been the music director for Steve Winwood, Lou Gramm and more. Bobby is now living just outside of NYC and commutes to Nashville where he has played guitar for chart topping Country artists Jimmy Wayne, Rodney Atkins and Steve Holy. Bobby has co-headlined Blues festivals with The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Chris Duarte, and played the Charlotte Speed Street Festival and Charlotte Blues Brews & BBQ Festival multiple times. He played two shows at the monstrous ROCKLAHOMA Festival in Pryor Oklahoma in 2008 and continues to play 100-150 shows a year. Bobby's 2003 CD "Holdin' Ground" garnered a 1st round Grammy nod for Best Contemporary Blues Album and his first LIVE CD, “LIVE IN MADISON” was released in 2010 and also received a 1st Round Grammy Nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. The follow-up CD “that’s why i don’t sing the blues” was released on July 7,2011 and has already had airplay on over 250 radio stations Worldwide, garnered incredible press and Six 1st Round Grammy ballots in four categories.(Best Blues Album, Album of The Year, Song of The Year x2 and Record of The Year x2) "that's why i don't sing the blues" has been on the American Blues Scene's Blues Top 5 Chart for 20 weeks
