Bob and Carl
World Classic Rock, Folk, Island and Country Music
When it’s time to get away, it doesn’t really matter what you are doing, it all seems wrong; like you are just buying time, simply spinning your wheels. When your head and heart are in a different place, it’s time to make a change in scenery as well. That’s what happens during the first...Continue reading...
Nothing is as welcome, wonderful and at the same time, as stressful as the holidays. You know what I mean. They are essentially all things to all people at this point, and most of it ain’t easy! All the friends, all the family and all the work. Everything needs tending to. Everything needs to be...Continue reading...
Sometimes throughout the year, I sit and think about a few of our favorite events that are on the musical horizon. Those events are some of our favorites that we have warm memories of.
One that always comes to mind in August is The Shelby Art Fair.
Nestled in the woods, with the smell of roasted sugar almonds wafting on the Breese. Mmmmmm…
I bet you would love to be right there with us next time. The sights, the sounds the smells; all bring back fond memories of good times to savor.
Although we only spend an hour or two playing music, the entire day is our focus during this event. Just getting there and soaking everything in is something we think about all through the year. I only hope that you had the good fortune to come out and share the day with us.
Of course we were lucky enough to be able to entertain at Bumper’s and The Tavern this August, but the most notable events were playing Depot Park in Clarkston, as well as hanging out with old friends during those fun gigs.
I even had the chance of meeting Fred Mascherino from the band, Taking Back Sunday. We were both hanging out at Huber & Breese Music in Fraser Michigan, when we started a musical conversation that ended in introductions. Great guitar Player, even greater guy!
Rb
Sometimes you have to hit the ground running, and 2025 was a perfect example. Carl and I began our spring like it was already summer. You know how the folks in Michigan are; they can’t get enough of the sun. Can you blame them?
We began our May dates in all the old familiar places. Being lucky enough to play at Taylor’s Beach family Campsite, as well as at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township.
At this point, both venues are like home to us; comfortable, enjoyable and always exciting. As much as Carl and I enjoy venturing out into uncharted territory, we both enjoy the comfortable familiarity of places where we know the staff and most of the regular customers.
Another spring, another summer. We are lucky to be doing what we do, wherever and when ever we do it!
Rb
This July was beautiful. Sunny and hot and everything you could enjoy about a beautiful Michigan summer. Carl and I enjoyed many wonderful events where we were fortunate enough to entertain so many smiling, happy faces.
That being said, there were a couple gigs where things went quick. But I digress.
July began wonderfully enough. Beautiful weather, great friends and lots and lots of adult beverages to keep the hot temps at bay. Actually everything went according to plan. Until I had my shoulder reconstruction surgery, that is.
It was going all according to plan. Have the surgery, and they eight days later, entertain three nights in a row, beginning with our annual visit to Jimmy John’s Field, in Shelby Twp. All according to plan. UNTIL the torrential downpour left us in a deluge that we will never forget. Watching $50,000 of musical equipment being swept up in a hurricane is hard enough; but then having it happen for the next two days in a row is even more fun! Eventually we dried everything out and only lost a couple keys on the keyboard for our troubles.
The very next week I was off to Nashville to record one of my songs at Dark Horse Studios. I had a very interesting time, and learned a lot about what to do and what NOT to do for next time. The icing not he cake was being greeted at the airport by another Native Detroit, Mr. Jack White.
All in all, you can say we will never forget this July, for a number of reasons.
Rb
As you may or may not know, Carl and I officially began our professional music careers in the summer of 1972, playing in the horn section of the legendary Mount Clemens Michigan band, Miles Of Smiles.
We were asked by some local musicians if we would fill in the band for this summer gig, now infamously known as simply, “Cody’s Party”. Aptly named for the house that we played outside at; Mayor Quinn Cody, and his family. Although it was fifty years ago, I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was our first outdoor rock concert, and far from our last. It was legendary all right, getting its legendary status from the fact that there was a huge crowd that eventually got out of hand. Oh, and the police DID in fact arrive to arrest people. Ahhhh, good times!
Well, you might wonder where I was going with this story. About the same time that Carl and I were learning about all the fun and futility of becoming “Rock Stars”, there was a couple other guys that were just opening a music store business in Fraser. Paul Huber and Terry Breese, a guitar player and drummer were to open, Huber & Breese music that very same year.
Sometime within the very first few years that their business was open, we ventured in and struck up a friendship that has also lasted over fifty years. We have bought countless guitars and such from Paul, and even get out and relax on the golf course from time to time. Paul, Carl, my self and Paul’s son Hans, who now runs the store. Nothing better than life-long friends.
Rb
Sometimes you have to hit the ground running, and 2025 was a perfect example. Carl and I began our spring like it was already summer. You know how the folks in Michigan are; they can’t get enough of the sun. Can you blame them?
We began our May dates in all the old familiar places. Being lucky enough to play at Taylor’s Beach family Campsite, as well as at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township.
At this point, both venues are like home to us; comfortable, enjoyable and always exciting. As much as Carl and I enjoy venturing out into uncharted territory, we both enjoy the comfortable familiarity of places where we know the staff and most of the regular customers.
Another spring, another summer. We are lucky to be doing what we do, wherever and when ever we do it!
Rb
February
Since we have traditionally played music all spring, summer and fall for more than fifty years now, February has turned into one of the months where we have taken some time off to vacation and or travel.
Carl elected on cruise after cruise, and I went on a guys’ Handball excursion, and somehow this year, we both ended up in the same place and time for a few days. Kool!
Then we went our own separate ways but reunited to play one gig at our favorite spot, Bumper’s Landing in Harrison township.
Bumper’s is always exciting and never what you might least expect. Just love that place
Rb
January, 2025
The new year didn’t exactly rush in like a bull for us. It was more: quiet like a chipmunk stealing grain and hiding it under your patio furniture cushions.
Seriously, we had several gigs scheduled in January, but for various reason, were all cancelled at the last moment. Weather, logistics and football were the main culprits. No problem. It’s all entertainment, whatever we do and whatever the people want. We will certainly be there when its our time to shine.
There is a reason for most things, and I am sure in the grand scheme of things, the reason for a Bob and Carl No-Music January will avail itself in time.
In the meantime, Carl and I had the chance to work on songs and equipment to make 2025 a truly kick-ass summer. You might not know this, but most musicians work on their craft year-round to maintain that next level sound. We, for example play most every weekend at the same venues all summer. Our goal is for the regulars that frequent those venues to not get tired of us. It is a very difficult scenario as we are constantly updating both our musical catalog and our equipment. We try hard to stay relevant, and it can be costly. All part of being a Rock Star!
Rb
December
There is a warmness about December that is not too difficult to describe. Friends, family and loved ones all gather together to share the goodness of the holidays, and the blessings within. There might be only one thing that could make things better, music!
Through the years, Carl and I have had the chance to be able to share our musical gifts with the people we care deeply about and means so much to us. When most folks think of the holidays, they imagine the warmth off the season being shared with food, friends, spectacle and music.
When Carl and I think of the holidays, we think of all the kids we have brought our Christmas spirit to, and how that joy will never be forgotten. We also think of home; and our home-away-from-home is of course, Bumper’s Landing. At Bumper’s we get to have food, drink and song with some of the most wonderful people that we have shared our lives with over the last ten years.
I certainly don’t have to tell you how crazy it is this time of year. People going here and there, trying to make every detail of the holidays like a Christmas card. It is a whirlwind of stress and hustle.
One of the best things about The Fifth Tavern in Clarkston is the fact that you can simply drop in at any time and there will turn it into an unforgettable experience. Sitting ringside across from the bar, lets us join into the merriment as we try and sing everyone’s favorite classic hit. Such a great way to share in the true spirit of the holidays.
Rb
the sunshine of our love – july 2024 When the calendar turned it’s page to July, the cool and wet weather that was our Michigan, Spring finally got the message. For most of the Spring, Carl and I had been battling the weekends that were either wet, cool, or both at the same time. ...Continue reading...
