I first "discovered" Bobby Bandiera in late 1995. I felt like I was one of the last to do so.
Man, this guy can play guitar! He's been called New Jersey's best kept secret - what a shame. In addition to his gifted talent with the guitar - he can sing and write as well. And, not your typical mediocre "middle of an album" filler song. No, he still writes REAL rock songs - a fading art. Those of you that love 70's style rock know what I mean. 70"s rock never went out of style and many of the new bands that aren't ashamed to have a lead guitar lick now and again seem to understand this. No synthesizers, no electronic drums, etc. Just REAL R'nR.. The Ramones may have killed the lead guitar solo but artists like Sprigsteen and Bandiera make you fall in love with the solos all over again. A guitar solo that has no heart is worthless. Bandiera has a big heart.
Back in '95, to pass the time while commuting to NYC, I was listening to corporate rock on the local FM stations, as well as talk radio, but was getting tired of it. Then, one Sunday night I re-discovered Vin Sclesa. He was a DJ I grew-up listening to on the old WNEW-FM in NYC and was known for his eccentric free-form radio style. Nobody told him what to play. Sclesa played whatever he wanted and his taste in music was very broad: Heavy Metal to acoustic folk; Salsa to Reggae; Country to RnB - I never knew what to expect next.
Back in '95 Scelsa's show was only on Sunday nights, it ran a minimum of six hours, and I taped and listened to all of it...every week.
In November of '95 Scelsa did a charity show and had Little Steven, Southside Johnny and Southside's guitarist: Bobby Bandiera as guests. That's all it took - I became a big fan.
It's now over 10 years later. I'm still a big fan and it's nice now to see him with his band, with Southside, as the star of "Rock and Soul Revue" shows, as a additional touring guitarist with Bon Jovi or performing with Bruce Springsteen at an occasional specialty show. He is one of the most talented guitarists I have ever seen, and if that weren't enough, he has a voice reminiscent of Roy Orbison - a true legend!
Check out his music here, including the playlist of artists that he has worked with over the years, and then, PLEASE, buy it: at Soutsidejohnny.com
SouthsideJohnny.com - Solo Jukes Albums Bandiera's main page:
Bob Bandiera Also check out Southside Johnny on IMEEM:
http://www.imeem.com/groups/5YWmdnxd,southside_johnny_the_asbury_jukes/Vin Scelsa's show can be found here:
Idiots Delight
