The Bobs - Press

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Music Connection - May 20, 2001

The Bobs
McCabe's Guitar Shop
Santa Monica

A purely a capella group, the Bobs are unique, hiarious and extremely entertaining. A polished act with an endearing quirkiness and stunning proficiency, they play absolutely no instruments, but you wouldn't know it by listening to them.

Imitating instruments with their mouths, vocal cords and body parts, they sound like a full orchestra. In fact, their vocal version of Duke Ellington's "Caravan" is breathtaking, while their madrigal adaptation of the Doors' "Light My Fire" turns the song into a fugue-like prayer.

Their original material leans toward the bizarre, with outrageous lyrics and funny bone themes. This is a group that has taken the childlike pleasure of blowing horn sounds through pursed lips to a professional level, and they've nailed it to such a degree that they are truly in a league of their own.

Musicianship: The vocal abilities of these human instruments are without peer. Their pitch, timing and expression are right on while their lyrics paint silly little word pictures in your mind. The lyrical vocalizations alternate among the members, and when the group backs a solo singer they do so with gusto and verve.

Each player has a personal style that fits certain songs, but all have haunting vocals that spark the imagination. Whether they're emulating an instrument or actually singing real words, this act consistently provokes responses ranging from outright laugher to awestruck shock.

Performance: Just watching these vocalists perform their magic is interesting enough, but when they start playing around, it's over the edge. Wisecracks fly between songs, fans are personally acknowledged and the hands on a wall clock are moved so that their set is cut short and the crowd begs them to continue. Some of these skits appear to be obvious set ups, but they're done with such ridiculous innocence that no offense is taken.

Summary: The Bobs are a must-see for anyone who likes their fancy tickled. An a capella quartet with a twisted mind, they are one of a kind. A cross between a phenomenal choral group and an improv comedy troupe, the Bobs are a sure bet for an enjoyable evening.

— Bernard Baur