Bob Nicholson caught the bug, like many of his time, from watching Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show. Growing up, sports were never something Bob was good at, but with music, he felt comfort. He was influenced by many of the great bands of the '50s and says that music still has a profound connection with him today. Many years later from his first guitar strum, Nicholson is still playing his favorite tunes by The Beatles and Bob Dylan. His favorite places to play are restaurants and wineries where he can play an intimate set for a smaller crowd. Bob explains that he knows he hasn't attained wild success but, “It’s what I do and what I enjoy to do,” he said. “Some people have hobbies, bowling, darts, or organizations and that’s what works for them, and this works for me. "It’s more than a hobby. It’s a passion. We [smaller musicians] do the same things as the big guys do, we’re just not recognized. Same work, same effort, same model but on a smaller, more local scale." Stef sat down with Bob to learn a little more about his musical journey for The MIC's Five Fast Facts.
1. SJ: Hi Bob, welcome to The MIC! We’re excited to chat and learn a little bit about you and your musical journey! Can you tell us a little bit about what drew you to music and playing music initially? How did it all start for you?
BN: The British Invasion changed the way music was approached and played. Rules were ignored and borders no longer existed. Though ignorance came, genius! It was exciting and I wanted to be part of the fun.
2. SJ: Now you can be found playing local wineries, restaurants, and farmers' markets. What is your favorite part about being a local artist?
BN: Performing among my many friends and acquaintances.
3. SJ: You’ve said that, “having a band is similar to juggling several marriages at once.” Can you tell us a little bit more about that and why playing solo is something that resonates with you most?
BN: Solo performance eliminates any issues about decisions. Sometimes agreeing on material, getting people’s schedules to rehearse, availability for gigs and their personalities can be difficult to overcome. However, when a band clicks, nothing can beat the interaction among the players, The sum becomes greater than the whole.
4. SJ: Have you written any of your own music, or do you prefer to play cover tunes?
BN: Writing was always my first love. It took me years of being stubborn to resolve that original music doesn’t belong in clubs etc. People want to hear songs by their favorite artists if you want to work. I also enjoy playing my favorites as well.
5. SJ: What is one song you wish Bob Nicholson wrote?
BN: Hmmm…So many of them but “Get Together” by the Youngbloods still resonates among people after all these years.
SJ: Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your story! What’s next for Bob or where can we find you playing live next? BN: I’m happy with little venues like the Farmers Market in West Milford and Washington NJ, The Fine Grind in Little Falls, one of the best coffee shops. I’m not as aggressive towards clubs and restaurants as I should be. Many of them book 6 or more months in advance and as they say “the early bird gets the worm”. A booking agent would be most desired!
Listen to Bob Nicolson below!
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