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Topic: Rob Ickes as Dobro teacher |
RB Jones
From:
Burlingame, California, USA
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Posted 23 Jun 2003 9:02 am |
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I had the pleasure two weeks ago of spending about 12 hours taking Dobro lessons over three days from Rob Ickes at the California Bluegrass Association's music camp and festival in Grass Valley.
Besides the knowledge, inspiration and encouragement Rob gave to me and the other students, he impressed me with his genuineness and sincerity. There isn't a hint of pretentiousness or arrogance in the man. He speaks with respect toward Jerry Douglas and all the other Dobro players that have influenced him. And he's listened and learned from them all. He said the most important part of playing the Dobro or any instrument for that matter, is listening -- especially to fellow band members during a performance.
His bluegrass style is influenced as much by the banjo as it is by Dobro players. He recommends learning scales and rolls until you don't have to think about them so you can concentrate on what you need to do to make the song sound good.
And when Rob plays, well, it looks like magic to me. He has such a knowledge of the Dobro and such a fluid technique that he can play any style of music flawlessly. His new jazz album "What it Is" is worth picking up to see what Rob's imagination can do with a Dobro.
If you get a chance to take one of his workshops, do it.
RB |
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Glenn Suchan
From:
Austin, Texas
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Posted 24 Jun 2003 11:24 am
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Rob's "What It Is" CD is stuning. However, it is NOT bluegrass. Don't let that keep you from buying that CD. It's simply some of the best jazz music I've heard. And it shows Rob's incredible talent at assymilating resonator guitar into a straight-ahead jazz enviroment. The unison and harmony passages he shares with saxophone and Hammond B3 are beyond belief. This CD is one of my all-time favorites. Regardless of the music genre. I carry it with me everywhere. Get it NOW! 
Keep on pickin'!
Glenn www.kevinfowler.com
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RB Jones
From:
Burlingame, California, USA
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Posted 24 Jun 2003 12:22 pm
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Glenn,
What's interesting about the CD is that Rob emulates the saxophone sound with the Dobro on jazz just like he emulates the banjo sound when he plays bluegrass. He's always pushing into new territory. If you don't have it yet, you should also hear him on the new Blue Highway CD, "Wondrous Love" which is devoted to mountain gospel. His "Old Rugged Cross" is a blend of some very traditional playing with an unusual but lovely ending.
RB |
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Patrick Ickes
From:
Upper Lake, CA USA
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Posted 24 Jun 2003 9:31 pm
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Hey guys,
Thanks for the nice words about my little 'bro. RB, sorry I didn't think to check on here if there was any forum dudes going to Grass Valley. Would have been fun to meet you and jam some. Maybe next year.
You going to Wolf Mountain??
Pat |
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Franklin
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Posted 25 Jun 2003 10:02 am
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Rob is a world class musician. He is among the best of the best on his instrument. I met him for the first time a few months ago at the Opry and his personality was just as impressive as his musicianship.
Paul |
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RB Jones
From:
Burlingame, California, USA
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Posted 25 Jun 2003 10:25 am
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Patrick,
Thanks for the note. Nice to hear from another member of the Ickes family. How is the Wolf Mountain show? Is it at the Grass Valley fairgrounds?
RB |
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