Rick Shubb & Bob Wilson's "Bodega Sessions"

Review in Dirty Linen Magazine

by MP, published in Dirty Linen Issue #85, Dec. 1999

Although Rick Shubb is probably best known as the developer of the innovative guitar and banjo capos that are now industry standard among acoustic musicians, he is also a masterful melodic banjo player who has been an important part of the California acoustic music scene for over three decades. Since 1969 Shubb has worked on and off with acoustic guitarist Bob Wilson, and this wonderful CD is the duo's first recording, done direct to DAT at Shubb's home studio in northern California. Shubb is capable of intricate, speedy melodic runs that are displayed to good effect on tracks like "Tico Tico" and "Take the Freight Train," a witty pastiche of jazz, folk, and country tunes about trains. Wilson's booming acoustic guitar is equally accomplished, showing a diverse string of influences, including Merle Travis, Charlie Christian, and Barney Kessel. The duo, augmented by acoustic bassist Charlie Warren, run through a set consisting mostly of old jazz and pop standards, including Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin'," George Shearing's "Lullaby of Birdland," and George Gershwin's "Liza." Like the proverbial fire house jazz band, the duo shows complete mastery of their instruments, creative and witty arranging skills, and the synergy that comes of playing together for decades. Highly recommended.