Bobby Roberts: Chicago Jazz Guitarist

[invisaman75]

Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.

Thanks!

[m***@gmail.com]

He had more recordings. I am not sure if you are still looking for them since your question was 3 years ago.

[van]

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

I never heard of him, but here's another obscure guitarist I found on youtube named reuben Ristrom from MN- anyone heard of him?

[John Galich]

Post by van
I never heard of him, but here's another obscure guitarist I found on youtube named reuben Ristrom from MN- anyone heard of him?
http://youtu.be/_NiN637BrYA

Living in Minneapolis for the past 13 years (jeez, that's scary), I have heard OF him but have never heard him play until this YouTube clip; a number of local singers seem to employ him regularly.

John Galich

[John Galich]

Great player. He was one of the stalwarts around town and played mostly in swing (vs. bebop) settings. As I recall, he was very Barney Kessel influenced. I actually almost studied with him but decided to go with Frank Rumoro instead.

John Galich

[l***@gmail.com]

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Roberts play often at the Get Me High jazz bar in Chicago in the mid to late 1980's, and he always blew me away. Here's a link to Bobby playing with Bud Freeman at the Chicago Jazz Festival in 1985. His 1995 obit (he was only 60) in the Chicago Tribune is also on-line.

[thomas]

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Roberts play often at the Get Me High jazz bar in Chicago in the mid to late 1980's, and he always blew me away. Here's a link to Bobby playing with Bud Freeman at the Chicago Jazz Festival in 1985. His 1995 obit (he was only 60) in the Chicago Tribune is also on-line. http://youtu.be/0h7j_KRqBtI

Bud Freeman is always a blast.

[m***@comcast.net]

I see he is playing his Albanus guitar. That was one of the later guitars of
Carl Albanus Johnson, it has the scroll headstock. I think as far as I know
there are only 2 or 3 of these Albanus guitars with the scroll headstock.
Bill Barker had one and Freddie Rundquist. This could be the guitar that
Freddie had that I play a few times when visiting him. From what I remember
he died young at 60 seems he made have had some heath issues related to
diabetes but that is really back in my memory. This is a cool find and very
much Chicago Jazz in the Summer those 30 years ago.

Deacon Mark Cleary

Post by l***@gmail.com

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Roberts play often at the Get Me High
jazz bar in Chicago in the mid to late 1980's, and he always blew me away.
Here's a link to Bobby playing with Bud Freeman at the Chicago Jazz
Festival in 1985. His 1995 obit (he was only 60) in the Chicago Tribune is
also on-line. http://youtu.be/0h7j_KRqBtI

Bud Freeman is always a blast.

[b***@gmail.com]

Post by m***@comcast.net
I see he is playing his Albanus guitar. That was one of the later guitars of
Carl Albanus Johnson, it has the scroll headstock. I think as far as I know
there are only 2 or 3 of these Albanus guitars with the scroll headstock.
Bill Barker had one and Freddie Rundquist. This could be the guitar that
Freddie had that I play a few times when visiting him. From what I remember
he died young at 60 seems he made have had some heath issues related to
diabetes but that is really back in my memory. This is a cool find and very
much Chicago Jazz in the Summer those 30 years ago.
Deacon Mark Cleary

Post by l***@gmail.com

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Roberts play often at the Get Me High
jazz bar in Chicago in the mid to late 1980's, and he always blew me away.
Here's a link to Bobby playing with Bud Freeman at the Chicago Jazz
Festival in 1985. His 1995 obit (he was only 60) in the Chicago Tribune is
also on-line. http://youtu.be/0h7j_KRqBtI

Bud Freeman is always a blast.
I see he is playing his Albanus guitar. That was one of the later guitars of
Carl Albanus Johnson, it has the scroll headstock. I think as far as I know
there are only 2 or 3 of these Albanus guitars with the scroll headstock.
Bill Barker had one and Freddie Rundquist. This could be the guitar that
Freddie had that I play a few times when visiting him. From what I remember
he died young at 60 seems he made have had some heath issues related to
diabetes but that is really back in my memory. This is a cool find and very
much Chicago Jazz in the Summer those 30 years ago.
Deacon Mark Cleary

Post by l***@gmail.com

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Roberts play often at the Get Me High
jazz bar in Chicago in the mid to late 1980's, and he always blew me away.
Here's a link to Bobby playing with Bud Freeman at the Chicago Jazz
Festival in 1985. His 1995 obit (he was only 60) in the Chicago Tribune is
also on-line. http://youtu.be/0h7j_KRqBtI

Bud Freeman is always a blast.

I have that Albanus guitar, actually. It's beautiful. I took it to a guitar shop around where I live and there was a bunch of guitar guys converging on it and wanting to take pictures of it (pretty cool). Dad died at 60 years of age but he had lived one helluva life; he had cirrhosis and lung cancer (not diabetes). This is the first time I've seen Internet traffic on my dad. Thanks for remembering him. I'll tell my sister. She'll be happy. Dad was a hard-working dude, and we wished we saw him more 'cause he was FUNNY! :-)

[Tim]

Post by b***@gmail.com

Post by m***@comcast.net
I see he is playing his Albanus guitar. That was one of the later guitars of
Carl Albanus Johnson, it has the scroll headstock. I think as far as I know
there are only 2 or 3 of these Albanus guitars with the scroll headstock.
Bill Barker had one and Freddie Rundquist. This could be the guitar that
Freddie had that I play a few times when visiting him. From what I remember
he died young at 60 seems he made have had some heath issues related to
diabetes but that is really back in my memory. This is a cool find and very
much Chicago Jazz in the Summer those 30 years ago.
Deacon Mark Cleary

Post by l***@gmail.com

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Roberts play often at the Get Me High
jazz bar in Chicago in the mid to late 1980's, and he always blew me away.
Here's a link to Bobby playing with Bud Freeman at the Chicago Jazz
Festival in 1985. His 1995 obit (he was only 60) in the Chicago Tribune is
also on-line. http://youtu.be/0h7j_KRqBtI

Bud Freeman is always a blast.
I see he is playing his Albanus guitar. That was one of the later guitars of
Carl Albanus Johnson, it has the scroll headstock. I think as far as I know
there are only 2 or 3 of these Albanus guitars with the scroll headstock.
Bill Barker had one and Freddie Rundquist. This could be the guitar that
Freddie had that I play a few times when visiting him. From what I remember
he died young at 60 seems he made have had some heath issues related to
diabetes but that is really back in my memory. This is a cool find and very
much Chicago Jazz in the Summer those 30 years ago.
Deacon Mark Cleary

Post by l***@gmail.com

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Roberts play often at the Get Me High
jazz bar in Chicago in the mid to late 1980's, and he always blew me away.
Here's a link to Bobby playing with Bud Freeman at the Chicago Jazz
Festival in 1985. His 1995 obit (he was only 60) in the Chicago Tribune is
also on-line. http://youtu.be/0h7j_KRqBtI

Bud Freeman is always a blast.

I have that Albanus guitar, actually. It's beautiful. I took it to a guitar shop around where I live and there was a bunch of guitar guys converging on it and wanting to take pictures of it (pretty cool). Dad died at 60 years of age but he had lived one helluva life; he had cirrhosis and lung cancer (not diabetes). This is the first time I've seen Internet traffic on my dad. Thanks for remembering him. I'll tell my sister. She'll be happy. Dad was a hard-working dude, and we wished we saw him more 'cause he was FUNNY! :-)

Bob Jr. Thanks for coming in and posting tribute to your dad like that. That was great. I looked up the Albanus guitar line and WOW, that's some pretty choice stuff!

[s***@gmail.com]

Hi Bobby Jr. In my teens I was blessed to have your Dad as my teacher and mentor for a few years. His gift of communication, both musically and personally was a true inspiration to me. He taught me with kindness, patience and (he was funny, indeed) humor. He even got me a job teaching at the same place I learned from him, as well as introducing me to the Chicago music scene, finding me work and recommendations. He has a special place in my heart. Not a day has gone by over these many years that I haven't thought of him, even to this day, almost 60 years later. For me he was and is my teacher and inspiration. I have used much of what he taught me on a daily basis throughout my musical life. Viewing the brief UTUBE video of him with Bud Freeman brought tears to my eyes. I hope that there are many others out there who learned from him that are keeping his memory alive. Kind regards to you. Steve Bonz.

[h***@gmail.com]

I saw Bobby play dozens of times at Andy's, Weed's and the Green Mill in the 80's and early 90's. I am/was best friends with his son Bob who's posted on here. Bob just passed a month ago at 44. He was a terrific drummer and his father was so proud of him. Both Bob's were and are a huge part of my life. My love of jazz and my playing guitar stems from Bob.

[p***@gmail.com]

Your Dad was a cool Guy! I used to go to the Wisefool pub when he was playing with dave remington. And I came to your house for lessons. It was rough because he and your mom were into it pretty bad. He had me work out the tune Emily; beautiful tune! I remember I would bust my butt learning a tune, figuring out a chird melidy etc. And he would say : try this , try that; and I learned a heck of alot because of that too!

[p***@gmail.com]

Freddy Rundquist had one also along with a couple of Boraze not sure of the spelling. He mostly played his blonde es 175.

[p***@gmail.com]

Joe Rumoro also had a couple of Barker guitars. He lived in peoria, Illinois.

[John Galich]

Post by p***@gmail.com
Joe Rumoro also had a couple of Barker guitars. He lived in peoria, Illinois.

I think a point of clarification is in order. Joe Rumoro lived in Chicago and, among other things, was the staff guitarist at WBBM (CBS) Chicago. I studied with his son, Frank, for several years. Frank still has his dad's Barker, which is a truly special guitar.

Bill Barker lived in Peoria, Ill., after moving there from Toledo, Ohio.

John Galich

[Mark Cleary]

Barker was originally from Peoria went to Bradley university.

Deacon mark

[b***@gmail.com]

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

Hey invisaman75,

I have many recordings of my dad. I'm Bobby, Jr. and thank you for remembering him. He died in 1995 in Orlando surrounded by his family, and I miss him. He recorded a lot with Louis Prima on the Dot and Capitol (?) labels, then he did session work and touring (Lena Horne, Mel Torme, commercial jingles) He played with Chuck Hedges' Swingtet, Barrett Deems, and Bud Freeman; I have most of these recordings. Let me know the best way how I could get them to you. His formative years were more in the 40s and 50s with Prima, I believe. In the 70s he was just working wherever and whenever he could. He was also playing Broadway productions that came into town (42nd Street, Black Patent Leather Shoes, My One and Only). Anyways, inshore, he did a lot of stuff. Let me know how I can help.

Bob

[s***@gmail.com]

Hi, Bob Jr. I saw this post and had to reply. I was in my early teens when I was blessed to have your Dad as my teacher and mentor for a few years. He started me on a wonderful musical journey. He was and still is an inspiration to me to this very day. Even now, some 50 years after, not a day passes that I don't remember or apply something he taught me. I happened upon the brief recording of him on UTUBE and it brought a tear to my eye. His kindness, patience, and vast abilities were my inspiration to go into the music profession. He even recommended me for a teaching job where I studied with him, which also began my Lourdes. I just wanted you to know that he isn't forgotten. I hope the good memories of him are not just mine alone, but shared by many others who had the privilege to know him. Thank you for listening. Have a great day. Regards, Steve Bonz.

[k***@verizon.net]

Post by invisaman75
Does anyone have recordings or any info on Bobby Roberts, a jazz
guitarist out of Chicago. I know he died a few years ago. I heard he
had a few recordings. The only one I can think of is called "Two
Bobbys" with Bobby Lewis jazz trumpter out of Chicago also. I saw him
in formative years playing with his trio at the Chicago Public Library
downtown for some event in the late 70's. Anyway, he sounded good and
would like to hear him again.
Thanks!

I got to chat with Bobby Roberts a few times over the years, in particular at a 1980s club date with Les Hooper and Hoopla up on Lincoln Ave. He had recently suffered a broken right arm. Bobby instructed his doctor to set it in a cast in a right-angle playing position because he had to play a gig with the Ballet. He said "The show must go on!" By the time of the Hoopla gig, his arm was out of the cast but still weakened and shockingly withered in appearance, but he gamely soldiered on. I recall him impishly ordering a drink during a set that night by calling out to the waitress "Nurse!"
That video (which someone posted here) of Bobby with Bud Freeman at the Chicago Jazz Fest is wonderful.

[j***@gmail.com]

Bobby played with Louie Prima and Keeley Smith