B.O.B. Bob on Bass
Using Music knowledge to perform for the benefit of yourself and others is the greatest experience.
What part of First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
40 years ago, in 1981, I arrived in Jacksonville Beach from Morgantown WV in a 1967 GMC Van pulling a 6×12 U-Haul trailer. It was filled with everything I owned at that time in life, Bass Guitars, Amps, PA gear, and I think some furniture too. Sort of like the Beverly Hillbillies. I made my home and my life in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Island life!
When did you know you had an interest in music?
As a kid, I always sang along with the radio, but the Beatles and the British invasion made me a fan of the youthful pulp culture. My family had a spinet piano and I had eight sisters. We all took piano lessons at one time or another. So someone was always playing a lesson from the John Thomson Piano Method Book. I took my turn also. My first guitar, in 1967, was from a department store, it cost $35.00. My first bass was a Decca purchased in 1968 for $75.00. I had a friend with a “band room” in the basement of his home. I learned how to play my first songs with him and his brother. Once I made music with others, I was hooked.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
I didn’t do too well on my first guitar as it just didn’t hold my interest, maybe because of my piano lessons. My first bass was definitely more in tune with my soul. I knew what I wanted at that point. One bass was never enough. I played upright bass at Charleston (WV) High School and made the All-County Orchestra in 1971. I always had a job earning money that went to musical instruments and amp purchases, ahh the cycle begins! Fretless basses, 8 string bass was just the beginning. While serving in the NAVY in 1972-1975 I bought a Hagstrom Classical guitar. It is my favorite instrument! Over the years I have played various instruments and most of them were to entertain myself! Synthesizes, 12 string, classical guitars, lap steel, violin, and the recorder are instruments I enjoy.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
I play bass in the 4-piece cover band “Second Opinion” We play twice a month between Jax and St. Aug. I also have an original project called “Public New Sense” and it’s a great way to get your yaya’s out. With ‘PNS” I play bass, Bill Reilly on Drums, and John Metcalf on Guitar and we are currently looking for a lyricist who can sing. I do some freelance studio work and arranging, also available as bassists for hire. I often receive calls from band leaders needing a temporary replacement to fill in for someone. Most recently at the Alhambra Dinner Theater as bassist for the “Mega Stars of Country Tribute”. Meeting new musicians on a gig is always the highlight of the moment.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
Subject to change from instruments, to decades, to music interests. but; bass players like Mel Schacher, John Paul Jones, Paul McCartney, Leland Sklar, and RALPHE ARMSTRONG have left their mark on me.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your carreer that you would like to tell us about?!
As a musician, I have always been a performer on the local scene. I love it. You are recognized in your community, your friends are also all local musicians and you are able to make a difference through various venues that benefit yourself and others as well. Memorable highlights would be the 4 years I played bass in the worship band at (Mandarin Christian Church) Christs’ Church on Greenland Road. What I learned during that time pushed me forward and helped me overcome any obstacle that stood in my way of learning and performing. In 2010 I started The Rocklin Bass Guitar Company by design and for the next 10 years, I met more heroes than I had dreamed possible. Seeing your name on an instrument that someone young is playing is hard to describe but it is a blessing! Rocklin Bass Guitar has also raised $39,500.00 for Adaptive Sports and Tough Enough to Wear Pink in the Gunnison Valley of Colorado to support women’s breast cancer by being a cosponsor of the Mountain High Music Festival. My wife and I also support The Alzheimer’s Association of North Florida and have on several occasions sponsored a “Hippies Pay it Forward” fundraising event complete with a local cast of musicians doing all 60’s music.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
There are many good area bands on the scene now. I have made it a point to see “Perfect Strangers” several times and they never disappoint. The Curt Towne Band also throws out a great show of Original New Southern Rock.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
Whiskey Jax Baymeadows and Brickstone Pizza are two favorite Venues to play because the audience is kind, receptive, and ready to dance and party. Playing at Church is totally different, the reverence you experience when playing worship music for God, to God, and knowing that you are being used to help someone in the congregation feel the message the Holy Spirit wants them to understand. That’s my favorite!
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
The next public event for Second Opinion is January 7th, 2022 9-12 at Southern Kitchen in Jacksonville Beach. Also, on February 26, 2022, at A1A AleWorks at the Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine. 7-11 PM see you there! There are also several private events in between.
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Today there are more ways to connect up and network with others than there have ever been. Musicians by nature want to help, mentor, instruct, share and create. They do this online with different forums, classes are taught online and even recording can be done online. Venues with open mic are a great way to meet others in the community of players. And of course, Social Media. The best way is to get out there and go see local music and meet the BAND!
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
Can we do lunch soon?
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
At some point, every musician should / will experience a musical epiphany. When all the hard work and endless hours of practice and applied learning has graced you with skills that take you beyond where you were to a new level of performance that is obvious to your peers. I have been playing music since I was 14 years old and I am now 68. I have enjoyed a lifetime of playing for the benefit of myself and others. Now that I am older I am beginning to see some improvement.
Contact Robert at: rnicklin53@gmail.com
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
